Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method for arranging components of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus

Abstract

In arranging the magnetic resonance imaging system, ensure sufficient space for the control device and sufficient working space for inspection and maintenance of the control device. [Solution] One embodiment of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprises a stand device and a plurality of control devices. The stand device has a superconducting magnet for generating a static magnetic field in the imaging area, a gradient magnetic field coil for generating a gradient magnetic field, a transmitting coil for irradiating a subject with high-frequency pulses, and a receiving coil for receiving magnetic resonance signals from the subject, and is placed in an examination room configured as a shielded room surrounded by a shield that blocks electromagnetic waves. At least one of the plurality of control devices that control the stand device is placed in the space on the ceiling side of the examination room, outside the shield.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus and a method of arranging components of the MRI apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] An MRI apparatus is an imaging apparatus that excites the nuclear spins of a subject placed in a static magnetic field with a high-frequency (RF: Radio Frequency) pulse at the Larmor frequency, and performs a scan to collect magnetic resonance (MR) signals generated from the subject with the excitation, and generates an MR image based on the MR signals collected by the scan.

[0003] Conventionally, a couch device for placing a subject and a gantry device that generates a magnetic field, irradiates the subject with an RF pulse, and receives an MR signal are arranged in an examination room. The examination room is a shielded room so that the magnetic field generated by the gantry device does not leak into the operation room or the machine room.

[0004] A console device for an operator (e.g., a doctor, a technician, etc.) of an MRI examination to operate and give instructions when photographing a subject is arranged in the operation room. Various control devices for controlling the operation of at least one of the gantry device and the couch device according to instructions from the console device or for controlling the MRI apparatus according to changes in the surrounding environment such as a power outage, and a power supply device for supplying a large current to the gradient magnetic field coil are arranged in the machine room. Components of the MRI apparatus installed in each room are electrically connected to each other, for example, by cables.

[0005] Thus, various control devices and power supply devices for controlling the MRI apparatus are arranged in the machine room. Therefore, it is desired to secure a sufficient arrangement space for installing various control devices and a sufficient working space for working during maintenance and repair in the machine room. However, it may be difficult to secure a sufficient space desired for the machine room. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-034771 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve is ensuring sufficient space for the control device and sufficient workspace for inspection and maintenance of the control device when arranging the control device of an MRI system. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in each embodiment described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the MRI apparatus comprises a staircase and a plurality of control devices. The staircase has a superconducting magnet for generating a static magnetic field in the imaging area, gradient coils for generating gradient magnetic fields, a transmitting coil for irradiating a subject with high-frequency pulses, and a receiving coil for receiving magnetic resonance signals from the subject, and is placed in an examination room configured as a shielded room surrounded by a shield that blocks electromagnetic waves. At least one of the plurality of control devices that control the staircase is placed in the space on the ceiling side of the examination room, outside the shield. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an MRI system. [Figure 2] Figure 2(A) shows a conventional arrangement of helium magnets in a facility where an MRI machine is installed, and Figure 2(B) shows a conventional arrangement of helium magnets or helium-free magnets. [Figure 3]A cross-sectional view showing an example of a testing room for helium magnets. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of the control device of an MRI apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] A plan view illustrating the arrangement of the control device of the MRI apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view illustrating the placement of the control device of the MRI apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figures 7(A) to 7(C) are perspective views illustrating three states of an example of a retractable ladder for accessing the control device of an MRI apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figures 8(A) to 8(C) are perspective views illustrating three states of a storage-type cabinet for accessing the control device of an MRI apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This cross-sectional view illustrates a first use case in which an existing MRI installation facility is utilized in the arrangement of the control device of the MRI apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This cross-sectional view illustrates a second usage example in which an existing MRI installation facility is utilized when arranging the control device of the MRI apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11(A) shows a perspective view illustrating installation examples in a facility where an MRI machine is installed, with and without a machine room. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The MRI apparatus and the arrangement of its components according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In each figure, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0011] (Overall configuration of the MRI system) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of MRI apparatus 1. MRI apparatus 1 comprises a pedestal 100, a plurality of control devices 300, a console 400, and a patient bed 500.

[0012] The gantry device 100 includes a superconducting magnet 10, a gradient magnetic field coil 11, and a whole body (WB) coil 12. These components are housed in a cylindrical housing.

[0013] The superconducting magnet 10 has a generally cylindrical shape and generates a static magnetic field in an imaging region within a bore into which a patient, who is the subject to be examined, is carried. The bore is the inspection space inside the cylinder of the superconducting magnet 10. The superconducting magnet 10 incorporates a superconducting coil, and the superconducting coil is a helium magnet that is cooled to an extremely low temperature by liquid helium. The superconducting magnet 10 generates a static magnetic field by applying a current supplied from a static magnetic field power supply (not shown) to the superconducting coil in an excitation mode. Thereafter, when the superconducting magnet 10 shifts to the persistent current mode, the static magnetic field power supply may be disconnected. Once the superconducting magnet 10 shifts to the persistent current mode, it continues to generate a large static magnetic field for a long time, for example, over one year.

[0014] The superconducting magnet 10 may be a helium-saving magnet or a helium-free magnet. A helium-saving magnet maintains the superconducting state with an amount of liquid helium less than a predetermined amount. A helium-free magnet maintains the superconducting state without using liquid helium.

[0015] The gradient magnetic field coil 11 has a generally cylindrical shape and is fixed inside the superconducting magnet 10 in the radial direction of the cylindrical shape. The gradient magnetic field coil 11 is formed by combining three coils corresponding to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other, and generates a gradient magnetic field by receiving a current supply for each axis from a gradient magnetic field power supply 31.

[0016] Here, the left-right direction of the subject P placed on the bed device 500 is defined as the X-axis direction, the front-back direction (the body thickness direction) is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the head-foot direction is defined as the Z-axis direction. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other.

[0017] The WB coil 12 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is an RF coil fixed so as to surround the subject P inside the gradient magnetic field coil 11. The WB coil 12 has a transmission coil that irradiates the subject P with an RF pulse transmitted from the transmitter 32, and a reception coil that receives an MR signal from the subject P emitted by the excitation of hydrogen atomic nuclei.

[0018] Note that the MRI apparatus 1 may further include a local coil 20 which is an RF coil disposed close to the subject P. The local coil 20 may play a part or all of the roles of the transmission coil and the reception coil.

[0019] The plurality of control devices 300 are various control devices that control the operation of at least one of the gantry device 100 and the bed device 500 according to an instruction from the console device 400 or control the MRI apparatus 1 according to a change in the surrounding environment such as a power failure, and a power supply device that supplies a large current to the gradient magnetic field coil. The plurality of control devices 300 include at least a control device 30 that controls the gantry device. For example, the gradient magnetic field power supply 31, the transmitter 32, the receiver 33, and the sequence controller 34 are examples of the control device 30.

[0020] The gradient magnetic field power supply 31 supplies a current for generating a gradient magnetic field along each of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis to the gradient magnetic field coil 11 under the control of the sequence controller 34 so that the gradient magnetic field coil 11 generates it.

[0021] The transmitter 32 generates an RF pulse train in the Larmor frequency band as an RF transmission wave based on an instruction from the sequence controller 34, outputs it to the RF coil, and excites the subject P.

[0022] The receiver 33 performs analog-to-digital (AD) conversion on the MR signal received by the RF coil and outputs raw data, which is the digitized MR signal, to the sequence controller 34.

[0023] The sequence controller 34 performs a scan of the subject P by driving the gradient power supply 31, the transmitter 32, and the receiver 33, respectively, under the control of the console device 400. Upon performing the scan, the sequence controller 34 receives raw data from the receiver 33 and transmits that raw data to the console device 400.

[0024] Multiple control devices 300 may include at least one of a demagnetizing power supply and an uninterruptible power supply. The demagnetizing power supply is a device for safely and properly demagnetizing the superconducting magnet 10 in emergency situations or during routine maintenance. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device for stably operating the MRI device 1 even when it encounters power failures such as power outages or voltage drops. If the cooling system stops due to a power outage, there is a possibility that the superconducting magnet 10 will experience a loss of magnetic field (quench) due to a rise in temperature, and the UPS temporarily supplies power to maintain the cooling system. Helium-saving magnets or helium-less magnets always require at least one of a demagnetizing power supply that demagnetizes the static magnetic field and an uninterruptible power supply that operates in the event of a power outage.

[0025] The bed device 500 comprises a bed body 50 and a top plate 51. The bed body 50 is capable of moving the top plate 51 vertically and horizontally, and moves the subject P, who is placed on the top plate 51, to a predetermined height and then into the bore.

[0026] The console device 400 comprises a processing circuit 40, a storage circuit 41, a display 42, and an input interface 43. The console device 400 is an image processing device configured with a computer.

[0027] The memory circuit 41 is a storage medium that includes ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and external storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and optical disc drives. The memory circuit 41 stores various information and data, and stores various programs that are executed by the processor equipped in the processing circuit 40.

[0028] The display 42 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, or an organic EL panel. The display 42 may also be a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that displays various information and data under the control of the processing circuit 40 and also functions as an input device.

[0029] The input interface 43 includes various input devices for the user to input various types of information and data, and an input circuit that processes signals from the input devices. Examples of input devices include a mouse, keyboard, trackball, and touch panel. When an input device is operated, the input circuit generates a signal corresponding to that operation and outputs it to the processing circuit 40.

[0030] The processing circuit 40 is a circuit equipped with a processor, such as a dedicated or general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or programmable logic device. The processor executes various programs that are pre-stored in the memory circuit 41 or directly incorporated into the processing circuit 40. The processor can also realize various functions by combining software processing and hardware processing.

[0031] These components allow the console device 400 to control the entire MRI device 1. Specifically, the processing circuit 40 receives instructions regarding imaging conditions and other various information from a user, such as a medical technologist, via the input interface 43. The processing circuit 40 then instructs the sequence controller 34 to perform a scan based on the input imaging conditions. The processing circuit 40 also reconstructs the MR image based on the raw data transmitted from the sequence controller 34. The reconstructed MR image is displayed on the display 42 and stored in the memory circuit 41.

[0032] (MRI equipment placement) The MRI apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is characterized by the arrangement of its components. Here, Figures 2(A) and 2(B) are perspective views showing a conventional arrangement example of an MRI apparatus using a conventional helium magnet (Comparative Example 1) and a conventional arrangement example of an MRI apparatus using a helium-saving magnet or a helium-free magnet (Comparative Example 2) in a facility where the MRI apparatus is installed.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the support structure 100 and the examination bed 500 are located in the examination room ER. The examination room ER is configured as a shielded room surrounded by electromagnetic shielding to prevent the magnetic field generated by the support structure 100 from leaking into the control room OR or the machine room CR. For example, the shielding is provided by shielding materials such as a high-permeability alloy composed of nickel, iron, copper, molybdenum, etc., soft iron, copper, aluminum, or stainless steel.

[0034] The console device 400 is generally located in the control room OR. However, some or all of the console device 400 may be located in a remote location via a network.

[0035] Furthermore, various control devices 300, such as those that control the operation of the rigging device 100 and the patient bed device 500 in response to instructions from the console device 400, and control the MRI device 1 in response to changes in the surrounding environment such as power outages, as well as power supply devices that supply large currents to the gradient magnetic field coils, are generally located in the machine room CR. Specifically, several enclosures (i.e., cabinets) in which several of the multiple control devices 300 are stacked and housed are arranged in the machine room CR.

[0036] The floor area and available space of the machine room (CR), where multiple control devices 300 are located, affect the size of the workspace, the ease of installing the control devices, and the quality of services such as maintenance and repair. Therefore, it is desirable that the machine room (CR) have sufficient space for installing various control devices and sufficient workspace for maintenance and repair work. However, in the design of the facility building, there is a desire to keep the machine room (CR), which is not directly used by patients, as small as possible, and it can sometimes be difficult to secure the sufficient space desired for the machine room (CR).

[0037] Furthermore, MRI systems using helium-saving or helium-free magnets may require more control devices compared to conventional MRI systems using helium magnets, for example, in case of emergency situations such as quenching. For instance, helium-saving or helium-free magnets constantly require at least one of a demagnetizing power supply to demagnetize the static magnetic field and an uninterruptible power supply to operate during power outages. In this case, at least one of the required demagnetizing power supply and uninterruptible power supply will be located in the machine room (CR).

[0038] Therefore, when designing a new facility, it is desirable that the machine room CR be larger for MRI devices using helium-saving or helium-free magnets than for MRI devices using conventional helium magnets. Also, in existing facilities where conventional helium magnets were installed as the superconducting magnets 10 of the MRI device 1, if the superconducting magnets 10 are replaced with helium-saving or helium-free magnets, it will be necessary to expand the machine room CR to accommodate the additional control devices 30.

[0039] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an examination room (ER) with a conventional helium magnet. The support structure 100 and the bed structure 500 are installed on the floor F of the examination room (ER). Quench piping 21 is provided from the support structure 100 through the space R2 outside the shield S on the ceiling C side of the examination room (ER). The quench piping 21 discharges helium gas to the outside of the examination room when a quench occurs.

[0040] Here, the inspection room ER is the space from the floor F to the ceiling C. The space R1 inside the shield S is the space from the apparent ceiling C, which is made up of decorative panels, to the shielded ceiling, which is the shield S. The space R2 outside the shield S is the space where the quench piping 21 above the shield S is installed, and is the space where workers perform maintenance and repairs. The four side walls and floor F of the inspection room ER are also shielded.

[0041] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of the control devices 30 in the MRI apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is an example of an examination room ER in the case of a conventional helium magnet that requires quench piping 21, whereas Figure 4 is an example of an examination room ER in the case of a helium-saving magnet or helium-less magnet that does not require quench piping 21. In this way, by eliminating the need for quench piping 21, the space R2 outside the shield S and the space R1 inside the shield S can be effectively utilized, so that the several control devices 30 that were conventionally housed in the housing can be separated from the housing and arranged individually for each control device 30. The symbols a, b, and c in control devices 30a, 30b, and 30c indicate that the arrangement of the control devices 30 is different.

[0042] At least one of the multiple control devices 300 that control the mounting device 100 is located in the space R2 outside the shield S, on the ceiling C side of the inspection room ER. For example, it is preferable that the control device 30 that generates switching noise is located in the space R2 outside the shield S. In Figure 4, two control devices 30a and 30b are located next to each other, but the number and position of the control devices 30 are not limited. For example, multiple control devices 30 may be stacked on top of each other.

[0043] At least one of the multiple control devices 300, the control device 30, may be located in the space R1 inside the shield S on the ceiling C side of the examination room ER. For example, a control device 30 connected to the mounting device 100 by an optical cable as cable 26 may be located in the space R1 inside the shield S. In Figure 4, one control device 30c is suspended from the shield S, but the number and position of the control devices 30 are not limited. Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one control device 30 located in the space R1 inside the shield S does not generate digital noise greater than a predetermined value. Here, the predetermined value is a level that does not affect the MR image.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, at least one of the multiple control devices 30 is fixed to the space on the ceiling C side of the examination room ER, for example, by screw fixing or suspension. Note that the control device 30 is not limited to screw fixing, but may also be fixed by adhesive, clamps, etc. Furthermore, the shield S is designed to be strong enough in the facility building to allow the control device 30 to be fixed by suspension.

[0045] Since the space on the ceiling C side where the control device 30 is fixed is a place where people do not normally enter, the outer casing of the control device 30 is not necessary, and the circuit board may be directly fixed to the outside or inside of the shield S on the ceiling C side.

[0046] The cable 26 wired from the mounting device 100 is, for example, a coaxial cable, and electrically connects the mounting device 100 to each control device 30 via the filter panel 25. The filter panel 25 is a filter that prevents external electromagnetic noise and RF interference, such as a power line filter, feedthrough filter, honeycomb ventilation filter, bulkhead filter, etc.

[0047] Figures 5 and 6 are a plan view and a cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of the control device 30 of the MRI apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. The dashed line in Figure 6 is an isointensity line of the magnetic field, showing how the magnetic field weakens outward from the isocenter IC (i.e., X=0, Y=0, Z=0), which is the center of the static magnetic field. Because the dashed line in Figure 6 is elliptical, it is clear that at position P1 above the Y-axis of the isocenter IC (i.e., X=0, Z=0), the influence of the magnetic field is smaller closer to the isocenter IC than at position P2 on the Z-axis of the isocenter IC (i.e., X=0, Y=0), which has the same isointensity of the magnetic field. Therefore, the length of the cable 26 can be shorter at position P1 above the Y-axis of the isocenter IC than at other positions with the same isointensity of the magnetic field.

[0048] Therefore, it is preferable that at least one control device 30 be placed in a predetermined space SP1 on the ceiling C side of the examination room ER, vertically above the isocenter IC which is the center of the static magnetic field, and it is more preferable that all control devices 30 placed in the space on the ceiling C side be placed there. Here, the predetermined range is the range in which the superconducting magnet 10 is placed.

[0049] Furthermore, during maintenance and repair, workers need to access the control device 30 located on the ceiling C side, and it is preferable that access to the control device 30 be easy. Therefore, it is preferable that, for example, a retractable ladder or a retractable cabinet be provided to allow workers to access the control device 30.

[0050] A retractable ladder 202 is provided on the ceiling side C of either the examination room ER, machine room CR, control room OR, or corridor. The retractable ladder 202 is provided so as to be able to access at least one of the multiple control devices 300.

[0051] Figures 7(A) to 7(C) are perspective views illustrating three states of an example of a retractable ladder 202 for accessing the control device 30 of the MRI apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. For example, when a cover 201 (Figure 7(A)) attached to an opening 200a (see Figure 5) provided in the shield S of the examination room ER is pulled out, the retractable ladder 202 provided in the cover 201 appears (Figure 7(B)). The worker can use the deployed retractable ladder 202 (Figure 7(C)) to access the inner space R1 and the outer space R2 of the shield S on the ceiling C side of the examination room ER, and perform maintenance and repairs.

[0052] The cover portion 201 is made of a shielding material that blocks electromagnetic waves, and the retractable ladder 202 is made of a non-magnetic material. In the case of a machine room CR, an operating room OR, or a corridor, the opening 200a may be provided in the ceiling C, the cover portion 201 does not have to be a shielding material, and the retractable ladder 202 does not have to be made of a non-magnetic material.

[0053] Furthermore, a retractable cabinet 206 is provided on the ceiling C side of either the machine room, the control room, or the corridor. The retractable cabinet 206 can be pulled out to provide access to at least one of the multiple control devices 30. In this case, the retractable cabinet 206 has at least one control device 30.

[0054] Figures 8(A) to 8(C) are perspective views illustrating three states of an example of a storage cabinet 206 for accessing the control device 30 of an MRI apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. For example, after the lid 205 (Figure 8(A)) attached to an opening 200b (see Figure 5) provided in the ceiling C of the machine room CR is pulled out (Figure 8(B)), the storage cabinet 206 is pulled out from the opening 200b (Figure 8(C)). The operator can access the control device 30 placed in the pulled-out storage cabinet 206 and perform maintenance, repairs, etc. It is desirable that there is sufficient space for the operator to perform maintenance, repairs, etc., in the area where the storage cabinet 206 is pulled out.

[0055] Figures 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views illustrating a first and second example of the arrangement of the control device for an MRI apparatus according to an embodiment, in which an existing MRI apparatus installation facility is reused. For example, in an existing facility where a conventional helium magnet was installed as the superconducting magnet 10 of the MRI apparatus 1, the superconducting magnet 10 may be replaced with a helium-saving magnet or a helium-free magnet.

[0056] In existing facilities where conventional helium magnets are installed, in addition to the machine room CR, there is a space R2 where the quench piping 21 is installed. Furthermore, since the liquid helium injection is performed by inserting a rod-shaped siphon from above the support structure 100, if the ceiling height C is low, a recessed space SP2 is required for inserting the siphon, i.e., the space SP2 where the liquid helium injection is performed.

[0057] However, helium-saving magnets or helium-less magnets do not require quench piping 21 to discharge helium gas to the outside of the laboratory ER when a quench occurs, nor do they require liquid helium injection work to replenish liquid helium. Therefore, without modifying the existing facility building, the space SP2 where liquid helium injection work was performed as shown in the first use example in Figure 9, and the space R2 where the quench piping 21 was installed as shown in the second use example in Figure 10, can be effectively utilized.

[0058] Therefore, at least one of the multiple control devices 300, the control device 30, may be placed outside the shield S on the ceiling C side of the existing inspection room ER, in at least one of the spaces R2 where the quench piping 21 was installed and SP2 where the liquid helium injection work was carried out. The quench piping 21 can also be used as a duct, and air from an air conditioning device such as an air conditioner can be supplied to the control device 30 via the duct to cool the control device 30.

[0059] Furthermore, even with conventional helium magnets, it is possible to effectively utilize the space R2 where the quench pipe 21 is installed by arranging all of the control devices 30 or multiple control devices 300 in the space on the ceiling C side, while avoiding the location of the quench pipe 21.

[0060] Figure 11(A) is a perspective view illustrating an installation example in a facility where MRI device 1 is installed, with a machine room (CR) present, and Figure 11(B) is a perspective view illustrating an installation example without a machine room (CR). Note that Figure 11(A) is identical to Figure 2(A).

[0061] All of the control devices 300, except for at least one control device located in the space R2 outside the shield S on the ceiling C side of the examination room ER, may be located in either the space R2 outside the shield S on the ceiling C side of the examination room ER or in the existing machine room. This arrangement allows for a reduction in the floor area of ​​the machine room CR. Even if the conventional helium magnet in the MRI device 1 is replaced with a helium-saving magnet or a helium-less magnet, the floor area of ​​the existing machine room CR does not need to be expanded, as shown in the hatching in Figure 11(A).

[0062] Furthermore, the location where each control device 30 is placed may be determined appropriately according to the size of the workspace and the frequency of maintenance, servicing, etc. For example, control devices 30 that require frequent maintenance may be placed in the machine room CR, while control devices 30 that require infrequent maintenance may be placed in the space R2 outside the shield S. Such an arrangement ensures ample workspace and improves the serviceability of maintenance, servicing, etc.

[0063] Furthermore, all of the control devices 300 may be placed in the space R2 outside the shield S on the ceiling C side of the examination room ER. With this arrangement, regardless of whether a conventional helium magnet, a low-helium magnet, or a helium-free magnet is used as the superconducting magnet 10 in the installation of the MRI device 1, the machine room CR itself can be eliminated. As shown in the hatching in Figure 11(B), if there is no machine room CR, the space that would have been used for the machine room CR can be used as a corridor, increasing the degree of freedom in the design of the facility building. Thus, according to the MRI device and the method of arranging the components of the MRI device according to this embodiment, sufficient space for the control devices and sufficient working space for inspection and maintenance of the control devices can be secured.

[0064] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1…Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine 10…Superconducting magnet 11…Gradient coil 12…Whole Body (WB) coil 20…Local coil 100…Stand system 30…Control unit CR…Machine room ER…Examination room OR…Operation room S…Shield C…Ceiling

Claims

1. A mounting device to be placed in an examination room configured as a shielded room surrounded by a shield that blocks electromagnetic waves, the mounting device having a superconducting magnet that generates a static magnetic field in the imaging area, a gradient magnetic field coil that generates a gradient magnetic field, a transmitting coil that irradiates the subject with high-frequency pulses, and a receiving coil that receives magnetic resonance signals from the subject, Among the plurality of control devices that control the mounting device, at least one control device is located on the ceiling side of the inspection room and in the space outside the shield, A magnetic resonance imaging system equipped with the following features.

2. The superconducting magnet is a helium-saving magnet that maintains a superconducting state with a smaller amount of liquid helium than a predetermined amount, or a helium-free magnet that maintains a superconducting state without using liquid helium. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned helium-saving magnet or helium-free magnet is a superelectric magnet that constantly requires at least one of a demagnetizing power supply device for demagnetizing the static magnetic field and an uninterruptible power supply device that operates in the event of a power outage. The plurality of control devices include at least one of the demagnetizing power supply and the uninterruptible power supply, The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned helium-saving magnet or helium-less magnet is a superconducting magnet that does not require quench piping to discharge helium gas to the outside of the inspection chamber when a quench occurs, and does not require liquid helium injection work to replenish liquid helium. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2.

5. All of the plurality of control devices, excluding the at least one control device, are located in either the space on the ceiling side of the inspection room and outside the shield, or in the existing machine room. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

6. At least one of the plurality of control devices is positioned outside the shield on the ceiling side of the existing inspection room, in at least one of the spaces where the quench piping was installed and the space where the liquid helium injection operation was performed. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

7. At least one of the plurality of control devices is located in the space on the ceiling side of the inspection room and inside the shield. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The at least one control device, positioned in the space inside the shield, does not generate digital noise greater than a predetermined value. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The at least one control device is positioned in a space within a predetermined range from vertically above the isocenter, which is the center of the static magnetic field, on the ceiling side of the examination room. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The predetermined range is the range in which the superconducting magnet is placed. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 9.

11. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in which a retractable ladder is provided on the ceiling side of one of the inspection room, machine room, operation room, or corridor, The retractable ladder is provided so as to be able to access at least one of the plurality of control devices. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

12. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in which a retractable cabinet is provided on the ceiling side of either the machine room, the control room, or the corridor, The aforementioned storage cabinet has at least one control device among the plurality of control devices, The storage cabinet is pulled out to allow access to the at least one control device. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

13. The at least one control device is fixed to the space on the ceiling side of the inspection room by screw fixing or suspension method. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

14. A method for arranging the components of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, A mounting device having a superconducting magnet for generating a static magnetic field in the imaging area, a gradient magnetic field coil for generating a gradient magnetic field, a transmitting coil for irradiating the subject with high-frequency pulses, and a receiving coil for receiving magnetic resonance signals from the subject is placed in an examination room configured as a shielded room surrounded by a shield to block electromagnetic waves. Of the multiple control devices that control the mounting device, at least one control device is placed in the space on the ceiling side of the inspection room and outside the shield. Placement method.

Images