Multi-modal thyroid imaging equipment and thyroid imaging examination system

Abstract

The invention discloses a multi-mode thyroid imaging device and a thyroid imaging examination system, and the device comprises a photoacoustic imaging unit which is used for transmitting a photoacoustic signal to a thyroid and receiving the photoacoustic signal reflected by the thyroid so as to output a photoacoustic imaging signal; the magnetic resonance imaging unit is used for receiving a radio frequency signal generated by the thyroid according to the magnetic field pulse so as to output a magnetic resonance imaging signal; the photoacoustic imaging unit and the magnetic resonance imaging unit are used for imaging the thyroid gland at the same time; the photoacoustic imaging unit and the magnetic resonance imaging unit are arranged on the imaging compatible structure, and the imaging compatible structure is used for shielding electromagnetic signals emitted to the photoacoustic imaging unit by the magnetic resonance imaging unit and shielding radio frequency signals emitted to the magnetic resonance imaging unit by the photoacoustic imaging unit. According to the invention, the problem of low accuracy of thyroid detection and evaluation by single-mode imaging is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biomedical technology, and more particularly to a multimodal thyroid imaging device and a thyroid imaging examination system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, approximately 68% of adults have thyroid nodules, and there are increasingly more ways to examine the thyroid gland. With the widespread use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, more and more thyroid nodules can be detected.

[0003] However, all of the above examination methods have limitations. CT has limitations: because the thyroid gland is glandular tissue, it is highly sensitive to radiation, limiting the widespread and repeated use of CT in assessing thyroid nodules. Secondly, the thyroid gland has a rich blood supply, resulting in high self-enhancement on contrast-enhanced scans, reducing the value of CT enhancement in nodule visualization and assessment. MRI has limitations: because the trachea lies on the dorsal side of the thyroid gland, and the surface is adjacent to the skin and air, the magnetic susceptibility effect at the air-soft tissue interface, combined with the pulsation of large blood vessels in the neck, produces many artifacts, reducing MRI's ability to visualize and assess small nodules. Ultrasound has limitations: it has low spatial and soft tissue resolution, insufficient ability to visualize calcifications, and cannot accurately assess blood supply. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) uses lasers of safe intensity to irradiate endogenous luminescent substances in human tissue and changes in laser wavelength to excite transient thermoelastic expansion of different components, generating ultrasonic signals. Piezoelectric sensors convert these ultrasonic waves into electrical signals for imaging, but its spatial resolution is low. Therefore, a single examination method is insufficient for accurate assessment of thyroid nodules. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a multimodal thyroid imaging device and a thyroid imaging examination system to solve the problem of low accuracy of single-modal imaging in the detection and evaluation of the thyroid gland.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] This invention proposes a multimodal thyroid imaging device, comprising:

[0007] The photoacoustic imaging unit is used to emit photoacoustic signals to the thyroid gland and receive photoacoustic signals reflected by the thyroid gland to output photoacoustic imaging signals.

[0008] A magnetic resonance imaging unit is used to receive radio frequency signals generated by the thyroid gland according to magnetic field pulses, and to output magnetic resonance imaging signals; the photoacoustic imaging unit and the magnetic resonance imaging unit simultaneously image the thyroid gland;

[0009] An imaging compatible structure is provided, wherein the photoacoustic imaging unit and the magnetic resonance imaging unit are disposed on the imaging compatible structure, and the imaging compatible structure is used to shield the electromagnetic signals emitted by the magnetic resonance imaging unit to the photoacoustic imaging unit, and to shield the radio frequency signals emitted by the photoacoustic imaging unit to the magnetic resonance imaging unit.

[0010] Optionally, the magnetic resonance imaging unit includes:

[0011] A flexible coil is disposed on the imaging compatible structure. The flexible coil is used to receive the radio frequency signal generated by the thyroid gland according to the magnetic field pulse and output the magnetic resonance imaging signal.

[0012] A radio frequency shielding layer is disposed on the surface of the flexible coil, and the radio frequency shielding layer is used to shield the radio frequency signals output by the photoacoustic imaging unit.

[0013] Optionally, the imaging-compatible structure includes:

[0014] The silicone pad is curved or has a groove shape.

[0015] Optionally, the imaging-compatible structure further includes:

[0016] A transparent conductive shielding film is disposed on the flexible coil, and the transparent conductive shielding film is used to shield the coil noise output by the flexible coil to the photoacoustic imaging unit.

[0017] Optionally, the silicone pad is provided with an optical fiber channel, which is used to output the photoacoustic signal emitted by the photoacoustic imaging unit to the thyroid gland.

[0018] Optionally, the photoacoustic imaging unit includes:

[0019] Laser assembly, used to generate pulsed laser light and output it to the thyroid gland;

[0020] Ultrasonic transmission membrane;

[0021] An ultrasound detection device is provided, wherein the ultrasound transmission membrane and the ultrasound detection device are disposed on the imaging compatible structure, and the ultrasound detection device is used to detect the photoacoustic signal reflected by the thyroid gland after passing through the ultrasound transmission membrane, and output a photoacoustic imaging signal based on the photoacoustic signal.

[0022] Optionally, the laser assembly includes:

[0023] A laser used to emit pulsed laser light;

[0024] A lens is disposed on the imaging compatible structure, and the lens is used to focus the pulsed laser generated by the laser and output it.

[0025] An optical diffuser is disposed on the imaging-compatible structure, the optical diffuser being used to adjust the pulsed laser output from the lens into diffused light and emit it to the thyroid gland.

[0026] Optionally, the ultrasonic detection device includes:

[0027] An ultrasound transducer is disposed on the imaging compatible structure. The ultrasound transducer is used to receive the photoacoustic signal reflected by the thyroid gland and convert it into a photoacoustic imaging signal for output.

[0028] Optionally, the multimodal thyroid imaging device further includes:

[0029] A connecting fastener is disposed on the imaging compatible structure, and the connecting fastener is used to fix the multimodal thyroid imaging device to the user's neck.

[0030] The present invention also proposes a thyroid imaging examination system, including a host computer and a multimodal thyroid imaging device as described above. The output end of the multimodal thyroid imaging device is connected to the input end of the host computer. The host computer is used to perform fusion imaging of the photoacoustic imaging signal output by the photoacoustic imaging signal and the magnetic resonance imaging signal output by the magnetic resonance imaging unit in the multimodal thyroid imaging device.

[0031] This invention provides a multimodal thyroid imaging device comprising a photoacoustic imaging unit, a magnetic resonance imaging unit, and an imaging compatibility structure. The photoacoustic imaging unit emits photoacoustic signals to the thyroid gland and receives the reflected photoacoustic signals to output a photoacoustic imaging signal. The magnetic resonance imaging unit receives radio frequency signals generated by the thyroid gland based on magnetic field pulses to output a magnetic resonance imaging signal. The imaging compatibility structure shields the electromagnetic signals emitted by the magnetic resonance imaging unit to the photoacoustic imaging unit, as well as the radio frequency signals emitted by the photoacoustic imaging unit to the magnetic resonance imaging unit. Thus, this multimodal thyroid imaging device integrates photoacoustic imaging and magnetic resonance imaging, ensuring compatibility and collaborative operation of the two imaging modes through the imaging compatibility structure, avoiding mutual interference. It achieves simultaneous data acquisition and image fusion of PAI and MRI, providing comprehensive images with spatial, temporal, and spectral information, enhancing the ability to identify and analyze lesions. Furthermore, by utilizing the optical contrast of PAI and the high soft tissue resolution of MRI, it enables non-invasive, high-precision detection of thyroid tissue. The fusion technology in this solution can not only provide information on tissue anatomy, but also obtain information on tissue function and molecular parameters, such as hemoglobin concentration and blood oxygen saturation, thereby improving the diagnostic accuracy and early detection capabilities for thyroid cancer, as well as the ability to predict and assess thyroid nodules. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the functional modules of an embodiment of the multimodal thyroid imaging device of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the multimodal thyroid imaging device of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the flexible coil in the multimodal thyroid imaging device of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a top view of the structure of an embodiment of the multimodal thyroid imaging device of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the multimodal thyroid imaging device of the present invention.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Photoacoustic imaging unit; 2. Magnetic resonance imaging unit; 3. Imaging compatible structure; 10. Laser; 20. Lens; 30. Ultrasonic transducer; 40. Flexible coil; 41. Radio frequency shielding layer; 42. Transparent conductive shielding film; 50. Silicone pad; 60. Connecting fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and effects of this invention clearer and more explicit, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0040] In the implementation methods and claims, unless otherwise specified in the text, the terms "a," "an," "the," and "the" may also include plural forms. If the embodiments of the present invention involve descriptions of "first," "second," etc., such descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0041] It should be further understood that the term "comprising" as used in this specification means the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Furthermore, "connected" or "coupled" as used herein can include wireless connections or wireless coupling. The term "and / or" as used herein includes all or any unit and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0042] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be understood to have the same meaning as in the context of the prior art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless specifically defined as herein.

[0043] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0044] Currently, approximately 68% of adults have thyroid nodules, and there are increasingly more ways to examine the thyroid gland. With the widespread use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, more and more thyroid nodules can be detected.

[0045] However, all of the above examination methods have limitations. CT has limitations: because the thyroid gland is glandular tissue, it is highly sensitive to radiation, limiting the widespread and repeated use of CT in assessing thyroid nodules. Secondly, the thyroid gland has a rich blood supply, resulting in high self-enhancement on contrast-enhanced scans, reducing the value of CT enhancement in nodule visualization and assessment. MRI has limitations: because the trachea lies on the dorsal side of the thyroid gland, and the surface is adjacent to the skin and air, the magnetic susceptibility effect at the air-soft tissue interface, combined with the pulsation of large blood vessels in the neck, produces many artifacts, reducing MRI's ability to visualize and assess small nodules. Ultrasound has limitations: it has low spatial and soft tissue resolution, insufficient ability to visualize calcifications, and cannot accurately assess blood supply. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) uses lasers of safe intensity to irradiate endogenous luminescent substances in human tissue and changes in laser wavelength to excite transient thermoelastic expansion of different components, generating ultrasonic signals. Piezoelectric sensors convert these ultrasonic waves into electrical signals for imaging, but its spatial resolution is low. Therefore, a single examination method is insufficient for accurate assessment of thyroid nodules.

[0046] To address the above problems, this invention proposes a multimodal thyroid imaging device.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 In one embodiment, the multimodal thyroid imaging device includes:

[0048] Photoacoustic imaging unit 1 is used to emit photoacoustic signals to the thyroid gland and receive photoacoustic signals reflected by the thyroid gland in order to output photoacoustic imaging signals.

[0049] Magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 is used to receive radio frequency signals generated by the thyroid gland according to magnetic field pulses, so as to output magnetic resonance imaging signals; the photoacoustic imaging unit 1 and the magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 simultaneously image the thyroid gland;

[0050] An imaging compatible structure 3 is provided, wherein the photoacoustic imaging unit 1 and the magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 are disposed on the imaging compatible structure 3. The imaging compatible structure 3 is used to shield the electromagnetic signals emitted by the magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 to the photoacoustic imaging unit 1, and to shield the radio frequency signals emitted by the photoacoustic imaging unit 1 to the magnetic resonance imaging unit 2.

[0051] In this embodiment, the photoacoustic imaging unit 1 can be composed of devices such as a laser emitter and a photoacoustic imager. The laser emitter can emit photoacoustic signals, the photoacoustic imager can receive the photoacoustic signals reflected by the thyroid gland, and output a photoacoustic imaging signal. Photoacoustic imaging utilizes piezoelectric sensors to convert ultrasound waves into electrical signals for imaging. Common endogenous luminescent substances in the human body include hemoglobin, melanin, and collagen, which can rely on endogenous luminescent clusters to achieve multimodal imaging without contrast agents, but the spatial resolution of the imaging is not high. The magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 can be composed of devices such as an imaging coil. For example, the imaging coil has the function of both transmitting and receiving radio frequency pulses. The imaging coil emits magnetic field pulses to the thyroid gland and receives the radio frequency signals generated by the thyroid gland, thereby outputting a magnetic resonance imaging signal; alternatively, a magnet can generate a magnetic field, or a pulse generating device can emit pulses. This solution combines the photoacoustic imaging signal output from photoacoustic imaging unit 1 and the magnetic resonance imaging signal output from magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 via a host computer or other equipment. It fuses the photoacoustic imaging (PAI) with high-resolution MRI structural imaging, utilizing the high soft tissue contrast of MRI and the high resolution and optical contrast of PAI to achieve simultaneous, multi-parameter imaging of thyroid tissue. This fusion technology not only provides anatomical information but also acquires tissue function and molecular information, such as hemoglobin concentration and blood oxygen saturation, thereby improving the diagnostic accuracy and early detection capabilities of thyroid cancer, as well as the prediction and assessment of thyroid nodules. Furthermore, the simultaneous imaging of the thyroid gland by photoacoustic imaging unit 1 and magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 enables synchronous data acquisition and image fusion of PAI and MRI, providing comprehensive images with spatial, temporal, and spectral information, enhancing the ability to identify and analyze lesions. The imaging compatibility structure 3 is designed to prevent the radio frequency signal from photoacoustic imaging unit 1 from affecting magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 during imaging, and to prevent the electromagnetic signals from magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 from affecting photoacoustic imaging unit 1. Therefore, the imaging compatibility structure 3 can be made of signal shielding material and set on the coil surface of the magnetic resonance imaging unit 2, such as indium tin oxide or graphene coating.

[0052] This invention provides a multimodal thyroid imaging device comprising a photoacoustic imaging unit 1, a magnetic resonance imaging unit 2, and an imaging compatibility structure 3. The photoacoustic imaging unit 1 emits photoacoustic signals to the thyroid gland and receives the reflected photoacoustic signals to output a photoacoustic imaging signal. The magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 receives radio frequency signals generated by the thyroid gland based on magnetic field pulses to output a magnetic resonance imaging signal. The imaging compatibility structure 3 shields the electromagnetic signals emitted by the magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 to the photoacoustic imaging unit 1, and also shields the radio frequency signals emitted by the photoacoustic imaging unit 1 to the magnetic resonance imaging unit 2. Thus, this multimodal thyroid imaging device integrates photoacoustic imaging and magnetic resonance imaging, and the imaging compatibility structure 3 ensures compatibility and collaborative operation of the two imaging modes, avoiding mutual interference. It achieves simultaneous data acquisition and image fusion of PAI and MRI, providing comprehensive images with spatial, temporal, and spectral information, enhancing the ability to identify and analyze lesions. Furthermore, by utilizing the optical contrast of PAI and the high soft tissue resolution of MRI, it enables non-invasive and high-precision detection of thyroid tissue. The fusion technology in this solution can not only provide information on tissue anatomy, but also obtain information on tissue function and molecular parameters, such as hemoglobin concentration and blood oxygen saturation, thereby improving the diagnostic accuracy and early detection capabilities for thyroid cancer, as well as the ability to predict and assess thyroid nodules.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, the magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 includes:

[0054] A flexible coil 40 is disposed on the imaging compatible structure 3. The flexible coil is used to receive the radio frequency signal generated by the thyroid gland according to the magnetic field pulse and output the magnetic resonance imaging signal.

[0055] A radio frequency shielding layer 41 is disposed on the surface of the flexible coil 40, and the radio frequency shielding layer 41 is used to shield the radio frequency signal output by the photoacoustic imaging unit 1.

[0056] In this embodiment, the magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 consists of a flexible coil 40 and a radio frequency shielding layer 41. The flexible coil 40 can be made of a flexible material, making it easier to fit the neck of the human body. Specific materials can include polyurethane, silicone, conductive polymers, or carbon nanotube composite materials. The flexible coil 40 can both transmit and receive radio frequency pulses. It transmits magnetic field pulses to the thyroid gland and receives the radio frequency signals generated by the thyroid gland, thereby outputting magnetic resonance imaging signals. The radio frequency shielding layer 41 can be divided into a high-frequency shielding layer and a low-frequency shielding layer, respectively disposed in the inner and outer rings of the flexible coil 40. The radio frequency shielding layer 41 can be made of highly conductive metal foil, such as copper foil or aluminum foil, which has the characteristics of high conductivity and strong anti-radio frequency interference effect; or a conductive polymer material, such as polyaniline or polypyrrole. The specific material of the radio frequency shielding layer 41 can be selected according to the actual situation and user needs.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the imaging-compatible structure 3 includes:

[0058] The silicone pad 50 is either curved or grooved.

[0059] In this embodiment, the imaging compatibility structure 3 can be made of a non-conductive, transparent material to ensure that the propagation of optical and ultrasonic signals is not affected. In this embodiment, a silicone pad 50 is used as the imaging compatibility structure 3. The flexible coil 40 of the magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 and the photoacoustic imaging unit 1 can both be mounted on the silicone pad 50. Using the silicone pad 50 can adapt to the requirements of magnetic resonance scanning and can reduce air artifacts between the human skin and the flexible coil 40. Setting the silicone pad 50 to a curved or grooved shape can adapt to the shape of the human neck, thus allowing the multimodal thyroid imaging device to be better mounted on the human neck for thyroid detection. The specific shape of the silicone pad 50 can also be set according to actual conditions and user needs.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 In one embodiment, the imaging compatible structure 3 further includes:

[0061] A transparent conductive shielding film 42 is disposed on the flexible coil 40. The transparent conductive shielding film 42 is used to shield the coil noise output by the flexible coil 40 to the photoacoustic imaging unit 1.

[0062] In this embodiment, the transparent conductive shielding film 42 can specifically be an indium tin oxide transparent conductive shielding film 42 or a graphene-coated transparent conductive shielding film 42; by placing the transparent conductive shielding film 42 on the flexible coil 40, it can simultaneously provide optical transparency and electromagnetic shielding functions, ensuring normal transmission of optical laser while reducing the noise of the flexible coil 40.

[0063] In one embodiment, the silicone pad 50 has an optical fiber channel, which is used to output the photoacoustic signal emitted by the photoacoustic imaging unit 1 to the thyroid gland.

[0064] In this embodiment, an independent optical fiber channel is opened on the silicone pad 50, which can avoid the photoacoustic signal irradiation path emitted by the photoacoustic imaging unit 1 being affected by the structure of the flexible coil 40 in the magnetic resonance imaging unit 2, thereby improving the quality of the photoacoustic signal.

[0065] In one embodiment, the photoacoustic imaging unit 1 includes:

[0066] Laser assembly, used to generate pulsed laser light and output it to the thyroid gland;

[0067] Ultrasonic transmission membrane;

[0068] An ultrasound detection device is provided, wherein the ultrasound transmission membrane and the ultrasound detection device are disposed on the imaging compatible structure 3. The ultrasound detection device is used to detect the photoacoustic signal reflected by the thyroid gland after passing through the ultrasound transmission membrane, and outputs a photoacoustic imaging signal based on the photoacoustic signal.

[0069] In this embodiment, the photoacoustic imaging unit 1 consists of a laser component, an ultrasonic transmission membrane, and an ultrasonic detection device. The laser component generates and emits pulsed laser light to the thyroid gland. The ultrasonic transmission membrane ensures that the photoacoustic signal reflected from the thyroid gland is transmitted to the ultrasonic detection device without attenuation; it can be made of materials such as polyurethane, polyethylene, or silicone. The ultrasonic detection device receives the photoacoustic signal and converts it into an electrical signal, i.e., a photoacoustic imaging signal, and outputs it. It can also receive the ultrasonic waves generated by photoacoustics. After the thyroid gland's cells absorb light, they convert it into ultrasonic waves through a thermoelastic mechanism, causing thermal expansion. Due to the special generation mechanism of this ultrasonic signal, it is usually called a photoacoustic signal to distinguish it from other ultrasonic signals.

[0070] Referring to Figure 2, in one embodiment, the laser assembly includes:

[0071] Laser 10 is used to emit pulsed laser light;

[0072] Lens 20 is disposed on the imaging compatible structure 3, and the lens is used to focus the pulsed laser generated by the laser 10 and output it.

[0073] An optical diffuser is disposed on the imaging compatible structure 3. The optical diffuser is used to adjust the pulsed laser output by the lens 20 into diffused light and emit it to the thyroid gland.

[0074] In this embodiment, the laser assembly can consist of a laser 10, a lens 20, and an optical diffuser. The laser 10 generates pulsed laser light and emits it to the thyroid gland, irradiating its cellular tissue. The laser 10 can be a multi-wavelength or tunable laser to improve the PAI's ability to distinguish different tissue components (hemoglobin, fat, collagen, etc.). The lens 20 focuses or controls the direction of the pulsed laser light, improving the uniformity of the photoacoustic signal. The optical diffuser ensures uniform distribution of the pulsed laser light, reducing localized overheating.

[0075] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment, the ultrasonic detection device includes:

[0076] An ultrasound transducer 30 is disposed on the imaging compatible structure 3. The ultrasound transducer 30 is used to receive the photoacoustic signal reflected by the thyroid gland and convert it into a photoacoustic imaging signal for output.

[0077] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer 30 is based on the piezoelectric effect. Piezoelectric materials (such as lead zirconium titanate, polymers, etc.) undergo mechanical deformation when a voltage is applied, thereby generating ultrasonic waves; conversely, when ultrasonic waves act on a piezoelectric material, it generates an electrical signal. Thus, the ultrasonic transducer 30 can receive photoacoustic signals, convert them into electrical signals, and output photoacoustic imaging signals.

[0078] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer 30 is any one of an ultrasonic transducer 30 with low electromagnetic interference piezoelectric material as electrode, an optical ultrasonic transducer 30, and a passive ultrasonic transducer 30.

[0079] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer 30 can be an ultrasonic transducer 30 using a low electromagnetic interference piezoelectric material as electrodes to reduce electromagnetic noise and minimize its impact on the magnetic resonance radio frequency signal. The low electromagnetic interference piezoelectric material can be polyvinylidene fluoride or lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate. The ultrasonic transducer 30 can also be an optical ultrasonic transducer 30 or a passive ultrasonic transducer 30. The optical ultrasonic transducer 30 uses optical methods to excite and detect ultrasonic signals, eliminating the need for metal electrodes and completely eliminating interference with the magnetic resonance. The passive ultrasonic transducer 30 uses a passive structure, transmitting photoacoustic signals only through a magnetic resonance-compatible waveguide structure, without affecting the radio frequency signal of the magnetic resonance coil. The specific type of ultrasonic transducer 30 can be selected according to the actual situation and user needs.

[0080] Reference Figure 4 In one embodiment, the multimodal thyroid imaging device further includes:

[0081] A connecting fastener 60 is disposed on the imaging compatible structure 3, and the connecting fastener 60 is used to fix the multimodal thyroid imaging device to the user's neck.

[0082] In this embodiment, the connecting fastener 60 can be a hook and loop fastener, also known as Velcro, which can be used for binding and fixing. Taking Velcro as an example, the Velcro strap and hook and loop portion are placed on both ends of the silicone pad 50. By attaching the Velcro strap and hook and loop, the multimodal thyroid imaging device can be fixed to the user's neck. For specific fixing methods, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 4 .

[0083] To better illustrate the technical concept and working principle of this invention, combined with Figures 1 to 5 The technical solution of this invention will be described as follows:

[0084] This solution uses a silicone pad 50 as the imaging compatibility structure 3, and mounts the photoacoustic imaging unit 1 and the magnetic resonance imaging unit 2 on the silicone pad 50 to form a multimodal thyroid imaging device. In this solution, the silicone pad 50 is first fixed to the user's neck using a connecting fastener 60, and then the flexible coil 40 is mounted on the silicone pad 50, closely conforming to the thyroid gland on the neck. The magnetic resonance signal is transmitted to the radio frequency receiving coil through electromagnetic field coupling, achieving a significant improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio. The specific positional relationships can be referenced... Figure 5 Furthermore, the silicone pad 50 can reduce magnetic susceptibility artifacts easily caused by air between the thyroid gland and the flexible coil 40. A lens 20 is installed on the silicone pad 50, allowing the laser light from the laser 10 located in the operating chamber to be scattered by the fiber optic lens 20 and uniformly irradiate the thyroid gland. The spaces on both sides of the silicone pad 50 can be used to install the flexible coil 40 for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals. An ultrasound transducer 30 can be integrated at the bottom of the silicone pad 50 to collect ultrasound signals generated by laser irradiation of endogenous photoclusters in the thyroid gland. This allows PAI and MRI to be performed simultaneously and in the same location, fusing PAI functional imaging and high-resolution MRI structural imaging. In addition to directly fusing PAI and MRI, this multimodal thyroid imaging device can also monitor cell-scale morphological changes and temperature variations caused by photon-induced thermo-elastic expansion using MRI microstructural imaging sequences (such as OGSE-time-dependent diffusion-weighted imaging) and temperature-sensitive sequences.

[0085] The present invention also proposes a thyroid imaging examination system.

[0086] In one embodiment, the thyroid imaging examination system includes a host computer and a multimodal thyroid imaging device as described above. The output terminal of the multimodal thyroid imaging device is connected to the input terminal of the host computer. The host computer is used to fuse the photoacoustic imaging signal output from the photoacoustic imaging signal in the multimodal thyroid imaging device and the magnetic resonance imaging signal output from the magnetic resonance imaging unit 2. In this embodiment, the host computer can be a computer or other device. The host computer can fuse PAI and MRI images. Through fused imaging, anatomical, functional, and molecular information of thyroid tissue can be obtained, including but not limited to tissue structure, hemodynamics, and blood oxygenation levels. It eliminates the need for exogenous contrast agents to obtain contrast images of multiple tissue components (hemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, or melanin, etc.) and high-resolution MRI structural imaging for accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for contrast agents, reducing hygiene costs and avoiding the risk of adverse reactions caused by contrast agents. It is understood that since the above-mentioned multimodal thyroid imaging device is used in the thyroid imaging examination system of the present invention, the embodiments of the thyroid imaging examination system of the present invention include all technical solutions of all embodiments of the above-mentioned multimodal thyroid imaging device, and the achieved technical effects are completely the same, which will not be repeated here. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The thyroid imaging examination system can be divided into an operating room and an examination room. The operating room is equipped with a laser 10 and a host computer. The examinee can place the silicone pad 50 of the multimodal thyroid imaging device against the neck in the examination room. In this way, the host computer in the operating room can receive the photoacoustic image and magnetic resonance image output by the multimodal thyroid imaging device, and then fuse the two images to obtain a fused image to evaluate and judge the human thyroid.

[0087] It should be understood that the application of the present invention is not limited to the examples above. Those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multimodal thyroid imaging device, characterized in that, include: The photoacoustic imaging unit is used to emit photoacoustic signals to the thyroid gland and receive the photoacoustic signals reflected by the thyroid gland in order to output photoacoustic imaging signals. A magnetic resonance imaging unit is used to receive radio frequency signals generated by the thyroid gland according to magnetic field pulses, and to output magnetic resonance imaging signals; the photoacoustic imaging unit and the magnetic resonance imaging unit simultaneously image the thyroid gland; An imaging compatible structure is provided, wherein the photoacoustic imaging unit and the magnetic resonance imaging unit are disposed on the imaging compatible structure, and the imaging compatible structure is used to shield the electromagnetic signals emitted by the magnetic resonance imaging unit to the photoacoustic imaging unit, and to shield the radio frequency signals emitted by the photoacoustic imaging unit to the magnetic resonance imaging unit.

2. The multimodal thyroid imaging device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic resonance imaging unit includes: A flexible coil is disposed on the imaging compatible structure. The flexible coil is used to receive the radio frequency signal generated by the thyroid gland according to the magnetic field pulse and output the magnetic resonance imaging signal. A radio frequency shielding layer is disposed on the surface of the flexible coil, and the radio frequency shielding layer is used to shield the radio frequency signals output by the photoacoustic imaging unit.

3. The multimodal thyroid imaging device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The imaging-compatible structure includes: The silicone pad is curved or has a groove shape.

4. The multimodal thyroid imaging device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The imaging-compatible structure also includes: A transparent conductive shielding film is disposed on the flexible coil, and the transparent conductive shielding film is used to shield the coil noise output by the flexible coil to the photoacoustic imaging unit.

5. The multimodal thyroid imaging device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The silicone pad has an optical fiber channel, which is used to output the photoacoustic signal emitted by the photoacoustic imaging unit to the thyroid gland.

6. The multimodal thyroid imaging device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The photoacoustic imaging unit includes: Laser assembly, used to generate pulsed laser light and output it to the thyroid gland; Ultrasonic transmission membrane; An ultrasound detection device is provided, wherein the ultrasound transmission membrane and the ultrasound detection device are disposed on the imaging compatible structure, and the ultrasound detection device is used to detect the photoacoustic signal reflected by the thyroid gland after passing through the ultrasound transmission membrane, and output a photoacoustic imaging signal based on the photoacoustic signal.

7. The multimodal thyroid imaging device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The laser component includes: A laser used to emit pulsed laser light; A lens is disposed on the imaging compatible structure, and the lens is used to focus the pulsed laser generated by the laser and output it. An optical diffuser is disposed on the imaging-compatible structure, the optical diffuser being used to adjust the pulsed laser output from the lens into diffused light and emit it to the thyroid gland.

8. The multimodal thyroid imaging device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The ultrasonic detection device includes: An ultrasound transducer is disposed on the imaging compatible structure. The ultrasound transducer is used to receive the photoacoustic signal reflected by the thyroid gland and convert it into a photoacoustic imaging signal for output.

9. The multimodal thyroid imaging device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multimodal thyroid imaging device also includes: A connecting fastener is disposed on the imaging compatible structure, and the connecting fastener is used to fix the multimodal thyroid imaging device to the user's neck.

10. A thyroid imaging examination system, characterized in that, The device includes a host computer and a multimodal thyroid imaging device as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the output terminal of the multimodal thyroid imaging device is connected to the input terminal of the host computer, and the host computer is used to perform fusion imaging on the photoacoustic imaging signal output by the photoacoustic imaging signal and the magnetic resonance imaging signal output by the magnetic resonance imaging unit in the multimodal thyroid imaging device.

Images