Flexible magnetic resonance head coil

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of magnetic resonance imaging, in particular to a flexible magnetic resonance head coil, which is particularly suitable for providing support for head radiotherapy. The magnetic resonance head coil comprises a flexible carrier and a plurality of radio frequency coils arranged on the flexible carrier and deformed along with the flexible carrier, the flexible carrier having an unfolded form and a working form; in the unfolded form, the flexible carrier is sheet-shaped, is deformed into the working form by being wrapped around the head of a subject, and in the working form, the flexible carrier covers the face of the head; the flexible carrier is provided with two through first holes configured to respectively expose the left eye and the right eye of the face, and one through second hole configured to expose the nose of the face.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of nuclear magnetic resonance technology, and more particularly to a flexible magnetic resonance head coil. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetic resonance coils are one of the important components of a magnetic resonance system. They are used to receive magnetic resonance signals from the examined parts such as the head and body, so that the magnetic resonance system can process the signals to reconstruct the magnetic resonance image corresponding to the examined part.

[0003] To improve image quality, placing the coil as close as possible to the area being examined is a highly effective method. With advancements in materials and technology, flexible coils are becoming increasingly mainstream because their flexible structure allows for better contact with the area being scanned, thereby increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), improving image quality, and making clinical diagnoses more accurate.

[0004] For certain specific head examinations, such as radiotherapy patients who require special masks and positioning devices, or facial plastic surgery patients who require particularly high-resolution images, conventional head coils have limitations in these special cases. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, this application provides a flexible magnetic resonance head coil, which is particularly suitable for providing support for head radiotherapy.

[0006] This application proposes a flexible magnetic resonance head coil, comprising a flexible carrier and a plurality of radio frequency coils mounted on the flexible carrier and deforming with the flexible carrier, wherein the flexible carrier has an unfolded form and an operational form. In the unfolded form, the flexible carrier is sheet-like. The flexible carrier is deformed into the working form by wrapping it around the subject's head, and in the working form, the flexible carrier covers the face of the head; The flexible carrier has: The two through holes are configured to allow the left and right eyes of the face to be exposed, respectively; A second through-hole is configured to expose the nose of the face.

[0007] In some possible implementations, the second hole is also configured to expose the mouth of the head.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the flexible carrier also has a through third hole configured to expose the mouth of the head.

[0009] In some possible implementations, in the working configuration, the flexible carrier surrounds the head in the direction of the subject's body length, and the plurality of radio frequency coils surround the head in the direction of the subject's body length.

[0010] In some possible implementations, in the working configuration, the flexible carrier covers the top of the subject's head, and the plurality of radio frequency coils cover the top of the head.

[0011] In some possible implementations, in the working configuration, the flexible carrier surrounds the subject's neck in the direction of the subject's body length, and the plurality of radio frequency coils surround the neck in the direction of the subject's body length.

[0012] In some possible implementations, in the working configuration, the flexible carrier covers the subject's chest, and the plurality of radio frequency coils cover the chest.

[0013] In some possible implementations, in the unfolded configuration, the edge of the flexible carrier defines an opening that is recessed along the length of the subject, the opening being located on the side of the first hole opposite to the second hole. In the concave direction of the opening, the width of the opening gradually decreases.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the flexible carrier has a cable lead-out portion extending from the base end of the opening, through which a cable for transmitting magnetic resonance signals is led out.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the flexible carrier is a soft blanket.

[0016] In some possible implementations, including: A first tightening element is configured to tighten the flexible carrier to the subject at the position above the subject's head; The second tightening element is configured to tighten the flexible carrier to the subject at the neck position.

[0017] According to the flexible magnetic resonance head coil provided in this application, it includes a flexible carrier and multiple radiofrequency coils mounted on the flexible carrier and deforming with the flexible carrier. The flexible carrier has an unfolded form and a working form. In the unfolded form, the flexible carrier is sheet-like. By wrapping the flexible carrier around the subject's head, it deforms into the working form, in which the flexible carrier covers the face of the head. The flexible carrier has two through-holes configured to expose the left and right eyes of the face, respectively; and a through-hole configured to expose the nose of the face. Therefore, this magnetic resonance head coil can be easily applied to the subject's head (especially the face), providing support for head radiotherapy, and is suitable for most subjects. Furthermore, the first and second holes of the flexible carrier enhance the subject's examination experience. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit this application.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic resonance head coil in its unfolded form according to an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the magnetic resonance head coil in use.

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A diagram showing the subjects being hidden.

[0022] Figure 4 Observing from another perspective Figure 2 A diagram showing the time.

[0023] Figure 5 Figure 4 A diagram showing the subjects being hidden.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic resonance head coil in its unfolded form according to another embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the magnetic resonance head coil in use.

[0026] Figure 8 Observing from another perspective Figure 7 A diagram showing the time.

[0027] Figure 9 yes Figure 8A diagram showing the subjects being hidden.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10, 20 - Magnetic resonance head coil; DR1 - Body length direction; 1-Flexible carrier 2-First hole; 3-Second hole; 4-First tightening component; 5-Second tightening component; 6-Opening; 7-Cable lead-out section. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the described embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. It is understood that, without conflict, some technical means of the various embodiments described herein can be substituted for or combined with each other.

[0030] In the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. Therefore, objects specified with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of those objects, and, for example, the term "first element" itself does not imply the existence of a "second element," nor does the term "second element" itself imply the existence of a "first element." Furthermore, words such as "a" or "one" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one, while "multiple" indicates not less than two.

[0031] Figures 1 to 5 A flexible magnetic resonance head coil 10 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, which is at least capable of performing magnetic resonance imaging examinations on the head (e.g., the face of the head) of a subject, and includes a flexible carrier 1 and a plurality of radio frequency coils disposed on the flexible carrier 1 (not shown).

[0032] Flexible carrier 1 has Figure 1 The flattened shape shown and Figures 2 to 5 The working form is shown. In this embodiment, the flexible carrier 1 is a deformable soft blanket, which, in its flattened state, becomes as follows: Figure 1 The shape shown is an irregular sheet. In application, the flexible carrier 1 is wrapped around the subject's head based on the generation of flexible deformation, thereby deforming to... Figures 2 to 5 The working configuration is shown. In the working configuration, the flexible carrier 1 at least covers the face of the subject's head. More specifically, the flexible carrier 1 can surround the subject's head and neck in at least a 180° circumference around the subject's body length direction DR1, and cover the top of the head and the subject's chest.

[0033] Multiple radio frequency (RF) coils are mounted on a flexible carrier 1 and configured to deform with the flexible carrier 1. In some embodiments, the multiple RF coils are all toroidal coils and are stitched to the interior of the flexible carrier 1 (i.e., between the two main surfaces of the flexible carrier 1), forming a multi-channel array coil. When the flexible carrier 1 is in an unfolded state, the multiple RF coils also unfold accordingly with the flexible carrier 1 and are generally arranged on an imaginary plane defined by the aforementioned sheet-like structure. When the flexible carrier 1 is in an operational state, the multiple RF coils deform with the flexible carrier 1, thereby surrounding the subject's head and neck in at least a 180° circumference around the body length direction DR1, and covering the top of the head and the subject's chest. As a result, the MRI head coil 10 can perform combined MRI examination of the subject's head, neck, and chest.

[0034] In other embodiments, the flexible carrier 1 and multiple radio frequency coils surround the subject's head in at least a 180° circumference around the body length direction DR1, but do not cover the subject's neck and chest; the magnetic resonance head coil 10 is used only for magnetic resonance imaging of the head. In still other embodiments, the multiple radio frequency coils cover only the subject's face, without covering other parts of the subject; this magnetic resonance head coil 10 can be dedicated to magnetic resonance imaging of the face.

[0035] Furthermore, the flexible carrier 1 has two through-holes 2 and one through-hole 3. The two first holes 2 are configured to expose the left and right eyes of the head, respectively, while the second hole 3 is configured to expose the nose of the head, thereby improving the examination experience for the subject. Moreover, the second hole 3 is formed to be larger than the first holes 2, so that the second hole 3 can also expose the mouth of the head. Additionally, three of the plurality of radio frequency coils can be arranged inside the flexible carrier 1, respectively, surrounding the two first holes 2 and the second hole 3.

[0036] In other embodiments, the flexible carrier 1 also has a through third hole configured to expose the mouth of the head, and the second hole 3 is dedicated to exposing the nose of the subject.

[0037] Please review Figure 1In its unfolded form, the edge of the flexible carrier 1 defines an opening 6 that is recessed inward along the length direction DR1. This opening 6 is located on the side opposite to the second hole 3 of the first hole 2, thus corresponding to the top of the subject's head. Furthermore, the width of the opening 6 gradually decreases in the recessed direction (i.e., from the side of the head to the side of the neck), thus approximating a V-shape. This opening 6 allows the flexible carrier 1 to match the shape and size of most human heads, avoiding excessive overlap or even wrinkles at the top of the head when in use.

[0038] Furthermore, the two sides of the opening 6 are formed as symmetrical arc-shaped edges that protrude toward the opening direction of the opening 6.

[0039] In addition, to better hold the flexible carrier 1 tightly against the subject's head, the magnetic resonance head coil 10 is also equipped with a first tightening member 4 and a second tightening member 5 disposed on the flexible carrier 1. The first tightening member 4 is configured to tighten the flexible carrier 1 against the subject at the top of the subject's head, and the second tightening member 5 is configured to tighten the flexible carrier 1 against the subject at the neck position.

[0040] In this embodiment, both the first tightening member 4 and the second tightening member 5 are Velcro components. By bonding the adhesive portion and the bonded portion of the Velcro component to each other at appropriate relative positions, the flexible carrier 1 is tightened toward the subject, so that the radio frequency coil is as close to the subject as possible, thereby improving the quality of magnetic resonance imaging. The adhesive portion and the bonded portion of the first tightening member 4 are respectively located on opposite sides of the opening 6.

[0041] Next, please see Figures 6 to 9 , Figures 6 to 9 A flexible magnetic resonance head coil 20 according to another embodiment of this application is shown, which has a... Figures 1 to 5 The structure of the magnetic resonance head coil 10 in the illustrated embodiment is similar to that described above. Figures 1 to 5 The description is intended to be understood by way of reference, and for simplicity, identical or similar components are given the same or similar reference numerals, and repetitive detailed descriptions of their identical parts are omitted. The following focuses on describing this embodiment and... Figures 1 to 5 The differences between the embodiments shown.

[0042] In this embodiment, the size of the magnetic resonance head coil 20 is smaller than that of the magnetic resonance head coil 10 in the length direction of the subject, so that the magnetic resonance head coil 20 does not substantially cover the subject's neck and does not cover the subject's chest at all.

[0043] Additionally, the magnetic resonance head coil 20 is slightly smaller than the magnetic resonance head coil 10 in the circumferential direction around the subject, and in use, the magnetic resonance head coil 20 typically does not surround the entire circumference of the subject's head, but only surrounds (or covers) the front half of the subject's head. In some embodiments, the magnetic resonance head coil 20 can be used in conjunction with an additional coil assembly, which can be a rigid coil assembly that covers (and supports) the subject's head from the rear side.

[0044] Furthermore, the flexible carrier 1 of the magnetic resonance head coil 20 has a cable lead-out portion 7 extending from the base end of the opening portion 6, through which a cable for transmitting magnetic resonance signals (not shown in the figure) is led out.

Claims

1. A flexible magnetic resonance head coil, characterized in that, It includes a flexible carrier and multiple radio frequency coils mounted on the flexible carrier and deforming with the flexible carrier, the flexible carrier having an unfolded form and an operational form; In the unfolded form, the flexible carrier is sheet-like. The flexible carrier is deformed into the working form by wrapping it around the subject's head, and in the working form, the flexible carrier covers the face of the head; The flexible carrier has: The two through holes are configured to allow the left and right eyes of the face to be exposed, respectively; A second through-hole is configured to expose the nose of the face.

2. The magnetic resonance head coil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second hole is also configured to expose the mouth of the head.

3. The magnetic resonance head coil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible carrier also has a through third hole, which is configured to expose the mouth of the head.

4. The magnetic resonance head coil according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the operating configuration, the flexible carrier surrounds the head along the length of the subject's body, and the plurality of radio frequency coils surround the head along the length of the subject's body.

5. The magnetic resonance head coil according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the working configuration, the flexible carrier covers the top of the subject's head, and the plurality of radio frequency coils cover the top of the head.

6. The magnetic resonance head coil according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the working configuration, the flexible carrier covers the chest of the subject, and the plurality of radio frequency coils also cover the chest.

7. The magnetic resonance head coil according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the unfolded configuration, the edge of the flexible carrier defines an opening that is recessed along the length of the subject, the opening being located on the side opposite to the second hole of the first hole; The width of the opening gradually decreases in the concave direction of the opening.

8. The magnetic resonance head coil according to claim 7, characterized in that, The flexible carrier has a cable lead-out portion extending from the base end of the opening, through which a cable for transmitting magnetic resonance signals is led out.

9. The magnetic resonance head coil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible carrier is a soft blanket.

10. The magnetic resonance head coil according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, include: A first tightening element is configured to tighten the flexible carrier to the subject at the position above the subject's head; The second tightening element is configured to tighten the flexible carrier to the subject at the neck position.

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