Separable spinal coil

Abstract

The invention relates to a spinal coil, a system having a patient table and a spinal coil, and a magnetic resonance apparatus. The spinal coil includes a plurality of portions that can be arranged separately from one another on a patient table of a magnetic resonance apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spine coil, a system comprising a patient table and a spine coil, and a magnetic resonance apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Imaging methods are important auxiliary tools in medical technology. For example, imaging performed using magnetic resonance (MR), also known as magnetic resonance tomography (MRT, English: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI), is characterized by high and variable soft tissue contrast. A magnetic resonance device is used to generate a spatially uniform main magnetic field, for example in a patient channel, in which the patient is positioned during the magnetic resonance measurement. High-frequency (HF, English: radiofrequency, RF) electromagnetic pulses are irradiated into the patient, thereby exciting the patient's atomic nuclei. The excited atomic nuclei emit magnetic resonance signals, which are received by local coils (English: local coil) and transmitted to an evaluation unit of the magnetic resonance device. The evaluation unit calculates a magnetic resonance image based on the received magnetic resonance signals.

[0003] Various types of local coils are known, each of which is used to examine a specific body region and is positioned near this region during an MRI measurement. For example, a head coil is used to examine the patient's head. Another type of local coil is a spine coil. During an MRI measurement, the spine coil is typically positioned below the patient's back. Several variations are known:

[0004] a) The spine coil can be fixedly integrated in a magnetic resonance device, in particular in a patient tunnel, wherein a patient located on a patient table is moved over the spine coil for magnetic resonance measurements.

[0005] b) The spine coil can be fixedly integrated in a patient table, on which the patient lies during the magnetic resonance measurement.

[0006] c) If necessary, the spine coil can be arranged on a patient table, wherein the patient is positioned on the spine coil for the magnetic resonance measurement.

[0007] The patient can be positioned on the patient table in two different orientations: head-first, where the patient's head is the first body part to be moved into the patient tunnel for the MRI measurement; or feet-first, where the patient's feet are the first body part to be moved into the patient tunnel. The feet-first orientation is generally preferred, as many patients feel uncomfortable when their head is placed into the patient tunnel first.

[0008] When using a spinal coil of type c), a problem arises during examinations in a feet-first orientation: Because this type of coil is typically approximately 120 cm long and is positioned on a patient table, it only covers a portion of the lower spine. Extending the spinal coil by approximately 30-50 cm to cover the typical length of the body would significantly increase the difficulty of manipulating this coil. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In particular, the present invention aims to facilitate the handling of a spinal coil placed on a patient table for performing magnetic resonance measurements. This problem is solved by the features of the present invention. Advantageous embodiments are described in the present invention. Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons of both male and female identities are included.

[0010] The present invention provides a spine coil for examining a patient positioned on a patient table of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The spine coil comprises a plurality (i.e., two or more), particularly separate, sections. The sections are preferably separable from one another (non-destructively). In particular, the sections can be arranged separately from one another on the patient table of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. In particular, the number of sections of the spine coil is exactly two or three.

[0011] In this case, the plurality of parts themselves (for intended use and / or intended operation) preferably cannot be further, in particular non-destructively, broken down into further sub-parts and / or components, especially during routine use. This does not exclude the possibility that the plurality of parts may in turn consist of a plurality of sub-parts and / or components (e.g., screws, etc.). However, for typical operation of the magnetic resonance apparatus, it is not provided that the plurality of parts can be broken down into these sub-parts and / or components.

[0012] The possible separate arrangement of the plurality of parts does not exclude the existence of restrictions when arranging the plurality of parts. For example, it is conceivable that the plurality of parts need to be arranged on the patient table in a specific order.

[0013] That is, the spine coil is advantageously multi-piece or multi-part. Advantageously, the multiple parts of the spine coil can be separately positioned on and / or removed from the patient table. By dividing the spine coil into multiple parts that can be separately positioned on the patient table, an overly bulky (single-piece or single-part) spine coil can be avoided, thereby facilitating its handling.

[0014] Advantageously, the spine coil is designed to be arranged, in particular positioned and / or placed, on a patient table of a magnetic resonance apparatus.Preferably, the spine coil is designed for positioning a patient thereon during an examination.

[0015] Advantageously, the spine coil is designed to receive magnetic resonance signals during an examination. Advantageously, the magnetic resonance signals to be received are generated at least partially in a section of the patient's spine during the examination.

[0016] One possible embodiment of the spine coil provides that each of the plurality of sections of the spine coil comprises at least one receiving antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals.

[0017] One possible embodiment of the spine coil provides that at least one of the multiple sections does not include a receiving antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals, and that at least one of the multiple sections is designed to form, together with the other sections, a uniform, in particular continuous, overall support surface for positioning a patient. Advantageously, the at least one section that does not include a receiving antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals is suitable for filling an otherwise formed recess in the patient table.

[0018] Advantageously, when the multiple sections are arranged on a patient table of an MRI apparatus, the multiple sections form a continuous spine coil. In particular, it is provided that the multiple sections can be assembled along the longitudinal axis of the patient or the central axis (z-axis or parallel to the z-direction) of the patient channel of the MRI apparatus. Advantageously, the spine coil is formed from the multiple sections assembled along the longitudinal axis of the patient or the central axis (z-axis or parallel to the z-direction) of the patient channel of the MRI apparatus.

[0019] Advantageously, the spine coil has an integral support surface, which is designed for placing the patient's back on it during the examination. Advantageously, when multiple parts of the spine coil are arranged on a patient table of the magnetic resonance apparatus, the multiple parts each have a partial support surface, which form the integral support surface.

[0020] Advantageously, the length of the entire support surface (in the z-direction) is at least 60 cm, particularly at least 100 cm. When the spine coil is arranged on a patient table according to conventional and / or prescribed use, this length is preferably the dimension along the central axis (z-axis) of the patient passageway. Advantageously, the width of the entire support surface (in the x-direction) is at least 30 cm, particularly at least 40 cm. Advantageously, the height of the spine coil (in the y-direction) is less than 10 cm, particularly less than 6 cm.

[0021] Here, when the patient lies supine on the spinal coil, the x-direction is perpendicular to the patient's sagittal plane, the y-direction is perpendicular to the patient's coronal plane, and the z-direction is perpendicular to the patient's transverse plane.

[0022] Advantageously, the overall support surface of the spine coil is flat and / or molded to the patient's back anatomy. The overall support surface of the spine coil preferably has no noticeable elevation. The spine coil is preferably not configured to rest on the patient's abdomen. Advantageously, the spine coil is designed to bear the patient's load or weight.

[0023] One embodiment of the spine coil provides that the plurality of parts have a module interface, which is designed to connect the plurality of parts to one another, in particular mechanically, and / or for signal transmission.

[0024] In particular, the module interface can be or include a plug connection. For example, the plug connection can include a plug and a corresponding socket. For example, a first portion of the plurality of sections of the spine coil includes a plug, and a second portion of the plurality of sections of the spine coil includes a corresponding socket.

[0025] Advantageously, the mechanical connection is suitable for securing the multiple parts together. Advantageously, the connection for signal transmission is suitable for transmitting magnetic resonance signals received from one part of the spine coil to another part of the spine coil. The connection for signal transmission can be, for example, an electrical and / or optical connection. In particular, the interface can include a combination of electrical and optical transmission modules.

[0026] One embodiment of the spine coil provides that at least one of the plurality of sections has a coil-side system interface, which is designed to transmit signals from the spine coil to a magnetic resonance device. In particular, the signals to be transmitted may be magnetic resonance signals received from the spine coil.

[0027] In particular, a magnetic resonance apparatus may include a head coil, wherein the signals to be transmitted can be transmitted to the head coil of the magnetic resonance apparatus. The signals to be transmitted can also be transmitted to a patient table of the magnetic resonance apparatus. From the head coil and / or the patient table, the signals can be further transmitted to other components of the magnetic resonance apparatus, such as an evaluation unit for reconstructing magnetic resonance images.

[0028] In particular, the system interface may be a plug connection part, for example, may include a plug and / or a socket. For example, the spine coil includes a plug, and the patient table includes a corresponding socket.

[0029] Advantageously, the connection for signal transmission via the coil-side system interface is suitable for transmitting magnetic resonance signals received from the spinal coil to the magnetic resonance apparatus. For example, the connection for signal transmission can be an electrical and / or optical connection. In particular, the system interface can include a combination of electrical and optical transmission modules.

[0030] One embodiment of the spine coil provides that the spine coil comprises a total of N receiving antennas for receiving magnetic resonance signals, wherein the coil-side system interface comprises a switching matrix, wherein each of the N receiving antennas is electrically connected to an input of the switching matrix, wherein the switching matrix is ​​designed to switch the N inputs to M outputs of the switching matrix, wherein M <N。

[0031] Advantageously, the switching matrix can be used to select the receive antennas from which the magnetic resonance signals are to be transmitted to the magnetic resonance device. This is advantageous in particular when the magnetic resonance device has fewer than N receive channels.

[0032] One embodiment of the spine coil provides that the plurality of spine coil sections includes two sections each having a length between 30 cm and 100 cm. The length is preferably the dimension of the section in the z-direction. Advantageously, spine coil sections of this length can still be easily handled by an operator of the magnetic resonance imaging system, in particular, can be positioned on or removed from a patient table.

[0033] One embodiment of the spine coil provides that the multiple sections are of the same size, which advantageously allows each section to be handled with the same minimal effort, in particular to be positioned on or removed from the patient table.

[0034] One embodiment of the spine coil provides that at least two of the multiple parts of the spine coil are identical in terms of their geometry and / or their interfaces and / or their antenna arrangement. Advantageously, this facilitates replacement of the multiple parts.

[0035] One embodiment of the spine coil provides that at least one of the multiple parts has a seal, in particular a sealing surface, for sealing the connection to other parts and / or to the patient table. Advantageously, this prevents liquid from entering the gap between the spine coil and the patient table.

[0036] Furthermore, a system comprising a patient table and the above-described spine coil is proposed, wherein the patient table has a receptacle for accommodating the spine coil. Possible features and advantages of the spine coil described above can also be applied to this system.

[0037] For example, the receiving portion can have a depression in the surface of the patient table. In particular, the receiving portion can correspond to the shape of the spinal coil.

[0038] One embodiment of the system provides that the patient table has a system interface on the patient table at each end, wherein each of the two system interfaces on the patient table can be connected to a coil-side system interface of the spine coil. Advantageously, the spine coil can thereby be positioned on the patient table in two different orientations along the z-direction by connecting the spine coil to one side or the other of the patient table.

[0039] Furthermore, a magnetic resonance apparatus is proposed, which has the above-mentioned spine coil and / or the above-mentioned system comprising a spine coil and a patient table. Possible features and advantages described above can also be transferred to this magnetic resonance apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the accompanying drawings. In all figures, corresponding parts have the same reference numerals.

[0041] In the attached figure:

[0042] Figure 1 A magnetic resonance apparatus having a patient table and a spinal coil placed thereon is shown;

[0043] Figure 2 A two-part spine coil is shown;

[0044] Figure 3 A magnetic resonance apparatus having a patient table and a three-part spine coil is shown;

[0045] Figure 4 A magnetic resonance apparatus having a patient table, a head coil and a two-part spine coil is shown;

[0046] Figure 5 Shown is a patient table and a two-part spine coil, one part of which has no receiving antenna;

[0047] Figure 6 Shown are the patient table and the spine coil with the switching matrix. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1A side view of a magnetic resonance apparatus 10 is shown. The magnetic resonance apparatus 10 includes a magnet unit 11 having a main magnet 12 for generating a strong, particularly temporally constant, main magnetic field 13. Furthermore, the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 includes a patient channel 14 for accommodating a patient 15. In this embodiment, the patient channel 14 is cylindrical and is cylindrically surrounded by the magnet unit 11 in the circumferential direction. The central axis of the patient channel 14 is parallel to the z-axis of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10. The patient 15 can be moved into the patient channel 14 in the z-direction using a patient positioning device 16 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10. To this end, the patient positioning device 16 includes a patient table 17 that is movable within the patient channel 14 and on which the patient 15 is positioned. The patient 15 is positioned feet-first, meaning that the patient 15 is moved into the patient channel 14 feet first.

[0049] The magnet unit 11 also includes a gradient coil unit 18 for generating magnetic field gradients, which are used for spatial encoding during imaging. The gradient coil unit 18 is controlled by a gradient control unit 19 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10. The magnet unit 11 also includes a high-frequency antenna unit 20, which in the present embodiment is designed as a body coil permanently integrated into the magnetic resonance apparatus 10. This high-frequency antenna unit 20 is controlled by a high-frequency antenna control unit 21 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 and radiates a high-frequency magnetic resonance sequence into an examination space, which is essentially formed by the patient accommodation area 14 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10. This causes the main magnetic field 13 generated by the main magnet 12 to excite atomic nuclei. Magnetic resonance signals are generated by the relaxation of the excited nuclei. To receive the magnetic resonance signals, the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 includes a detachable spine coil 100, on which the patient 15 is partially positioned. A detachable or exchangeable local coil, particularly a spine coil, is particularly advantageous when measurements of different nucleus types, each designed for different reception frequencies, are to be performed. The spine coil 100 includes a first portion 101 and a second portion 102, which are arranged along the z-direction on the patient table 17. By dividing the spine coil 100 into multiple portions along the z-direction, extensive coverage in the z-direction can be achieved, while still allowing the individual portions to operate effectively. This also facilitates further coverage of the spine region near the head, particularly in the case of a foot-first orientation of the patient 15.

[0050] The magnetic resonance apparatus 10 includes a system control unit 22 for controlling the main magnet 12, the gradient control unit 19, and the high-frequency antenna control unit 21. The system control unit 22 centrally controls the magnetic resonance apparatus 10, for example, executing a predetermined imaging gradient echo sequence. Furthermore, the system control unit 22 includes an evaluation unit (not shown in detail) for evaluating the magnetic resonance signals acquired during the magnetic resonance examination. The magnetic resonance apparatus 10 also includes a user interface 23 connected to the system control unit 22. Control information (e.g., imaging parameters) and reconstructed magnetic resonance images can be displayed on a display unit 24 of the user interface 23, for example, on at least one monitor, for use by a medical operator. The user interface 23 also includes an input unit 25, through which the medical operator can enter information and / or parameters during the measurement process.

[0051] Figures 2 to 6 Different top views of possible embodiments are shown. Figure 2 A spinal coil 100 is shown having two parts 101 and 102. In the z-direction, the first part 101 has a length Δz1, and the second part 102 has a length Δz2. The lengths Δz1 and Δz2 are preferably between 30 cm and 100 cm, respectively. The lengths can be of equal size, i.e., Δz1 = Δz2. The width Δx in the x-direction is preferably at least 30 cm, in particular at least 40 cm. Thus, the first part has a partial support surface measuring Δz1 × Δx. Thus, the second part has a partial support surface measuring Δz2 × Δx. The total support surface is thus (Δz1 + Δz2) × Δx.

[0052] The first part includes a plug-in connection part Cm1 (e.g., a plug), and the second part includes a plug-in connection part Cm2 (e.g., a socket). The plug-in connections Cm1 and Cm2 together form a modular interface designed to connect the two parts 101 and 102 to each other. In particular, the plug-in connections Cm1 and Cm2 can mechanically and / or electrically connect the two parts 101 and 102 to each other. For example, magnetic resonance signals received by the spine coil 100 or its antenna can be transmitted via the electrical connection. The mechanical connection advantageously ensures that the two parts 101 and 102 are fixed to each other, so that the spine coil 100 provides stable support for the patient 15 when the patient 15 is positioned on the spine coil 100.

[0053] Due to the divisible design of the spine coil 100 , an overall large size can be achieved in the z-direction, so that all examinations of the patient 15 can ideally be performed both with a head-first approach and with a feet-first approach.

[0054] Figure 3The magnetic resonance apparatus 10 is shown having a patient table 17, which is located outside the magnet unit 11. Arranged on the patient table 17 is a spine coil 100, which has three parts 101, 102, and 103. Each of the three parts can be arranged on the patient table 17 separately from the other parts.

[0055] First part 101 includes a plug-in connection Cm1, which connects to plug-in connection Cm2 of second part 102. Second part 102 also includes a plug-in connection Cm3, which connects to plug-in connection Cm4 of third part 103. Plug-in connections Cm1 and Cm2, or Cm3 and Cm4, respectively, form module interfaces. Signals can be transmitted to first part 101 via these module interfaces. For example, magnetic resonance signals received by third part 103 can be transmitted to the second part via plug-in connections Cm3 and Cm4, and then transmitted to first part 101 via plug-in connections Cm1 and Cm2.

[0056] The first part comprises a coil-side system interface Cc, for example in the form of a plug-in connector, which is designed to transmit signals from the spine coil 100 to the patient table 17. To this end, the patient table 17, at its end near the patient access, comprises a table-side system interface Cs1 corresponding to the coil-side system interface, which is connected to the coil-side system interface Cc. At the end of the patient table 17 facing away from the patient access, the table 17 has a further table-side system interface Cs2. This allows the spine coil 100 to be arranged on the patient table 17 rotated 180° about the y-axis, thereby connecting the coil-side system interface Cc to the table-side system interface Cs2.

[0057] At the joining point D of the parts 101 , 102 , 103 to each other and to the patient table 17 , the parts 101 , 102 , 103 are advantageously provided with sealing surfaces so that liquid cannot enter the gap between the spine coil 100 and the patient table 17 .

[0058] Figure 4 The magnetic resonance apparatus 10 is shown having a patient table 17 on which a head coil 200 and a two-part spine coil 100 are arranged. The head coil 200 is preferably used or provided for recording magnetic resonance signals of the head of the patient 15 during a magnetic resonance examination of the head of the patient 15. The head coil 200 preferably has an internal accommodation volume in which the head or a part of the head can be arranged. In particular, the accommodation volume can be defined by the upper and lower parts of the head coil 200.

[0059] Magnetic resonance signals can be received using the first part 101 and / or the second part 102 of the spine coil 100. Magnetic resonance signals received using the first part 101 can be directly transmitted to the head coil 200 via the spine coil-side system interface Cc and the head coil-side first interface Ck1. Magnetic resonance signals received using the first part 101 are initially transmitted to the first part 101 via the plug-in connectors Cm1 and Cm2. Magnetic resonance signals can be transmitted from the head coil 200 via the head coil-side second interface Ck2 to the patient table-side system interface Cs of the patient table 17.

[0060] It is conceivable that parts 101, 102 are constructed identically, for example in terms of geometry, connectors, antenna structure, etc. This also makes it possible to advantageously replace these parts. For example, if one of the parts fails, only this part needs to be replaced.

[0061] It is conceivable to use only the first part, ie without the second part, for example for applications where an overall shorter spine coil is sufficient and / or for patient tables with an inherently short possible travel distance.

[0062] Figure 5 A spine coil 100 having only one active section is shown. The spine coil 100 comprises a first section 101, which has four receiving antennas A1, A2, A3, and A4 for receiving magnetic resonance signals; that is, it is the active section. The spine coil 100 also comprises a second section 102', which lacks any receiving antennas. The second section 102' is a (merely) mechanical addition to the first section 101, filling a recess in the patient table 17 for accommodating the spine coil 100. Advantageously, this provides a continuous, flat support surface for positioning the patient 15.

[0063] Figure 6 The figure shows a spine coil 100 with a switching matrix U on a patient table 17. Switching matrix U is part of the coil-side system interface Cc. The receiving antennas A1, A2, A3, and A4 of the first section 101 of the spine coil 100 are directly connected to the switching matrix U, while receiving antennas A5, A6, A7, and A8 are connected to the switching matrix U via plug-in connectors Cm1 and Cm2. Each of the eight receiving antennas A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, and A8 is associated with a receive channel. In other words, the switching matrix U has eight inputs and four outputs. In this example, the switching matrix U can switch from these eight receive channels to a subset of four receive channels; in other words, only a subset of the signals from the receive channels or their corresponding receive elements are forwarded to the patient table 17 via the system interface Cs.

[0064] Finally, it should be noted again that the spinal coil and magnetic resonance device described in detail above are merely exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the art may modify them in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not preclude the presence of a plurality of the relevant features. Similarly, the term "unit" does not preclude the relevant component from being composed of multiple cooperating subcomponents, which may be spatially distributed if necessary.

Claims

1. A spinal coil for examining a patient to be positioned on a patient table of a magnetic resonance apparatus, in, The spine coil comprises a plurality of parts which can be arranged separately from one another on the patient table of the magnetic resonance apparatus.

2. The spine coil according to claim 1, in, The plurality of parts have at least one module interface, which is designed to connect the plurality of parts to one another.

3. The spine coil according to any one of the preceding claims, in, At least one of the plurality of sections has a coil-side system interface, which is designed to transmit signals from the spine coil to the magnetic resonance apparatus, in particular the patient table and / or the head coil.

4. The spine coil according to claim 3, in, The spine coil includes a total of N receiving antennas for receiving magnetic resonance signals. Among them, the system interface on the coil side includes a switching matrix, Each of the N receiving antennas is electrically connected to an input terminal of the switching matrix. The switching matrix is ​​designed to switch N input terminals to M output terminals of the switching matrix, wherein M <N。 5. A spine coil according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The plurality of sections of the spine coil include two sections each having a length between 30 cm and 100 cm.

6. A spine coil according to any one of the preceding claims, in, At least two of the plurality of parts of the spine coil are identical with respect to their geometry and / or their interface and / or their antenna arrangement.

7. A spine coil according to any one of the preceding claims, in, At least one of the plurality of parts has a sealing portion for sealing a joint with other parts and / or the patient table.

8. A spine coil according to any one of the preceding claims, in, Each of the plurality of sections comprises at least one receiving antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals.

9. The spine coil according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, At least one of the plurality of parts does not include a receiving antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals, and at least one of the plurality of parts is designed to form a unified overall support surface together with other parts for placing a patient.

10. A system comprising a patient table and a spine coil according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The patient table has a receiving portion for receiving the spine coil.

11. The system according to claim 10, in, The patient table has a system interface on the patient table side at each of its two ends. Each of the two patient table-side system interfaces is designed as a coil-side system interface for connecting to the spine coil. 12 . A magnetic resonance apparatus comprising the spine coil according to claim 1 and / or the system according to claim 10 or 11 .

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