Modular multipurpose magnetic resonance phantom

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a magnetic resonance imaging phantom and a method of assembly thereof. In one aspect, the magnetic resonance imaging phantom can include a plurality of modular components. The plurality of modular components can include a first modular component, a second modular component, a shell, and a lid. The second modular component can be different from the first modular component. The shell can be structured to receive at least one modular component. The lid can be attachable to the shell to enclose the at least one modular component received within the shell.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 147,418, filed December 28, 2022, and entitled "MODULARIZED MULTI-PURPOSE MAGNETIC RESONANCE PHANTOM," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), medical imaging, medical intervention, and surgical intervention. MRI systems often involve large, complex machines that generate significantly high magnetic fields, resulting in significant constraints on the feasibility of certain surgical interventions. Limitations may include limited physical access to the patient by the surgeon and / or surgical robot and / or limitations on the use of certain electrical and mechanical components in the vicinity of the MRI scanning device. Such limitations are inherent in the underlying designs of many existing systems and are difficult to overcome. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure describes a magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit. The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit can include a plurality of modular components. The plurality of modular components can include a first modular component, a second modular component, a shell, and a lid. The second modular component can be different from the first modular component. The shell can be structured to receive at least one modular component. The lid can be attachable to the shell to enclose the at least one modular component received within the shell.

[0004] In another aspect, the present disclosure describes a method for assembling a magnetic resonance imaging phantom. The method can include selecting at least two components from a kit for a first calibration, assembling the at least two components to form a first configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging phantom, and performing the first calibration using the first configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging phantom. The method can further include disassembling the first configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging phantom, selecting at least two modular components from the kit for a second calibration, assembling the at least two modular components to form a second configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging phantom, and performing the second calibration using the magnetic resonance imaging phantom. In some cases, the second configuration is different from the first configuration.

[0005] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure describes a magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit. The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit can include a shell, a first modular component, and a second modular component. The shell can include a shell interlocking feature. The first modular component can include a first interlocking feature configured to interlock with the shell interlocking feature in a different configuration. The second modular component can be different from the first modular component. The second modular component can include a second interlocking feature configured to interlock with the shell interlocking feature in a different configuration. At least one of the first modular component and the second modular component can include a contrast insert configured to receive a contrast agent. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] The various aspects described herein, both as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 depicts components of an MRI scanning system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, including a dome-shaped housing for a magnetic array, the dome-shaped housing enclosing a region of interest therein, and further depicts the dome-shaped housing positioned to receive at least a portion of a patient's head reclined on a table within the region of interest.

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A depicts a patient's head positioned within the region of interest of the MRI scanning system of FIG.

[0009] [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of an alternative dome-shaped housing for a magnetic array for use with the MRI scanning system of FIG. 1 having an access opening defined in the dome-shaped housing, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of an alternative dome-shaped housing for a magnetic array for use with the MRI scanning system of FIG. 1 having an access opening and an adjustable gap defined within the dome-shaped housing, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 depicts a dome-shaped housing for use with an MRI scanning system having an access opening in the form of a centrally defined hole, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the dome-shaped housing of FIG. 4 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 6]FIG. 6 depicts a control schematic for an MRI system in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for acquiring imaging data from an MRI system in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 depicts an MRI scanning system and a robotic system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 depicts a magnetic resonance phantom kit with various components depicted as transparent for illustrative purposes, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 depicts a magnetic resonance phantom assembled from the magnetic resonance phantom kit of FIG. 9 with various components depicted as transparent for illustrative purposes, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart depicting a method of using a magnetic resonance phantom kit according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0019] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The examples presented herein are illustrative of various disclosed embodiments and are in one form only, and such examples are not to be construed as in any way limiting the scope thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Detailed Description The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its individual entirety: -International Patent Application No. PCT / US2022 / 72143, filed May 5, 2022, entitled "NEURAL INTERVENTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 057,207, filed November 19, 2022, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVING ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE FROM LOW-FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGES"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 147,452, filed December 28, 2022, and entitled "INTRACRANIAL RADIO FREQUENCY COIL FOR INTRAOPERATIVE MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING"; -U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 147,556, filed December 28, 2022, and entitled "DEEP LEARNING SUPER-RESOLUTION TRAINING FOR ULTRA LOW-FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING."

[0021] Before describing various aspects of the interventional magnetic resonance imaging device in detail, it should be noted that the illustrative examples are not limited in application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. The illustrative examples may be implemented or incorporated in other aspects, variations, and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and phrases employed herein are chosen for the purpose of describing the illustrative examples for the convenience of the reader, and not for purposes of limitation thereof. It should also be understood that one or more of the aspects, aspect expressions, and / or examples described below may be combined with any one or more of the other subsequently described aspects, aspect expressions, and / or examples.

[0022] Various aspects are directed to neurointerventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices that enable the integration of MRI with surgical intervention and guidance. This includes providing physical access to the patient's surrounding area as well as access to the patient's head using one or more access openings. In addition, neurointerventional MRI devices may enable the use of robotic guided instruments and / or conventional surgical tools. In various instances, neurointerventional MRI can be used intraoperatively to obtain scans of the patient's head and / or brain during surgical interventions, such as surgical procedures like brain biopsies or neurosurgery.

[0023] 1 depicts an MRI scanning system 100 including a dome-shaped housing 102 configured to receive a patient's head. The dome-shaped housing 102 may further include at least one access opening configured to allow access to the patient's head and allow for neurointervention. The space within the dome-shaped housing 102 forms a region of interest for the MRI scanning system 100. Target tissue within the region of interest is subjected to magnetization fields / pulses to obtain imaging data representative of the target tissue, as further described herein.

[0024] 1A , a patient can be positioned so that their head is positioned within a region of interest within the dome-shaped housing 102. The brain can be positioned entirely within the dome-shaped housing 102. In such cases, to facilitate intracranial intervention (e.g., neurosurgery) in coordination with MR imaging, the dome-shaped housing 102 can include one or more openings that provide access to the brain. The openings can be spaced around the periphery of the dome-shaped housing.

[0025] The MRI scanning system 100 may include an auxiliary cart (see, for example, auxiliary cart 540 in FIG. 6 ) that stores certain conventional MRI electrical and electronic components (e.g., a computer, a programmable logic controller, a power distribution unit, amplifiers, etc.). The MRI scanning system 100 may also include a magnet cart that holds the dome-shaped housing 102, gradient coils, and / or transmission coils, as described further herein. In addition, the magnet cart may, in various instances, be attached to a receive coil. Referring primarily to FIG. 1 , the dome-shaped housing 102 may further include an RF transmission coil, a gradient coil 104 (depicted on its exterior), and a shim magnet 106 (depicted on its interior). Alternative configurations for the gradient coil 104 and / or the shim magnet 106 are also envisioned. In various instances, the shim magnet 106 may be adjustably positioned within a shim tray within the dome-shaped housing 102, which may allow a technician to configure the magnetic flux density of the dome-shaped housing 102 in fine detail.

[0026] Various structural housings for receiving a patient's head and enabling neurointervention can be utilized with MRI scanning systems such as MRI scanning system 100. In one aspect, MRI scanning system 100 may be equipped with an alternative housing, such as dome-shaped housing 202 (FIG. 2) or a two-piece housing 302 (FIG. 3) configured to form a dome shape. Dome-shaped housing 202 defines multiple access openings 203. Two-piece housing 302 also defines multiple access openings 303 and further includes an adjustable gap 305 between the two parts of the housing.

[0027] In various instances, housing 202 and housing 302 may include a bonding agent 308, such as, for example, an epoxy resin, that holds the plurality of magnetic elements 310 in a fixed position. The plurality of magnetic elements 310 may be bonded to a structural housing 312, such as, for example, a plastic substrate. In various aspects, bonding agent 308 and structural housing 312 may be non-conductive or diamagnetic materials. Referring primarily to FIG. 3 , two-piece housing 302 includes two structural housings 312. In various aspects, the structural housing for receiving the patient's head may be formed from more than two sub-components. Access opening 303 in structural housing 312 provides direct access to the patient's head and is not blocked by structural housing 312, bonding agent 308, or magnetic elements 310. Access opening 303 may be positioned, for example, within an open space of housing 302.

[0028] There are many possible configurations of neurointerventional MRI devices that can achieve improved access for surgical intervention. Many configurations are based on two main designs, commonly known as Halbach cylinders and Halbach domes, described in the following article: "Design of sparse Halbach magnet arrays for portable MRI using a genetic algorithm," IEEE transactions on magnetics, 54(1), 5100112, by Cooley et al. (e.g., Cooley, CZ, Haskell, MW, Cauley, SF, Sappo, C., Lapierre, CD, Ha, CG, Stockmann, JP, and Wald, LL (2018)). The article by Cooley et al., "Design of sparse Halbach magnet arrays for portable MRI using a genetic algorithm," published in IEEE transactions on magnetics, 54(1), 5100112 (2018), is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0029] In various cases, a dome-shaped enclosure for an MRI scanning system such as system 100 can include, for example, a Halbach dome, which defines the dome shape and is configured based on several factors, including main magnetic field B strength, field size, field homogeneity, device size, device weight, and patient access for neurointervention. In various aspects, the Halbach dome includes an outer radius and an inner radius at the base of the dome. The Halbach dome may include an elongated cylindrical portion extending from the base of the dome. In one aspect, the elongated cylindrical portion includes outer and inner radii that are the same as the base of the dome and continues a predetermined length from the base of the dome at a constant radius. In another aspect, the elongated cylindrical portion includes outer and inner radii that are different from the base of the dome (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3). In such cases, the different outer and inner radii of the elongated cylindrical portion can blend with the base radius within a transition region.

[0030] 4 illustrates an example Halbach dome 400 for an MRI scanning system (e.g., system 100, etc.) in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. For example, the example Halbach dome 400 defines an access opening in the form of a hole or access opening 403, where the dome 400 is configured to receive the head and brain B of a patient P within a region of interest therein, and the access opening 403 is configured to allow access to the patient P for neurointervention using medical instruments and / or robotically controlled surgical tools. The Halbach dome 400 can be established with a single access opening 403 on an upper side 418 of the dome 400, which allows access to the top of the skull while minimizing impact on the magnetic field. Additionally or alternatively, the dome 300 can be configured with multiple access openings around the periphery of the structure 416 of the dome 400, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .

[0031] Diameter D of access opening 403 hole may be small (e.g., about 2.54 cm) or very large (substantially the outer diameter r of the dome 400). ext) As the access opening 403 becomes larger, the dome 400 begins to resemble, for example, a Halbach cylinder. The access opening 403 is not limited to being at the apex of the dome 400. The access opening 403 can be located anywhere on the surface or structure 416 of the dome 400. In various instances, the entire dome 400 can be rotated so that the access opening 403 can be positioned with a desired physical location on the patient P. FIG. 5 shows the diameter D of the access opening 403. hole , the length L of the dome 400, and the outer radius r of the dome 400. ext and the inner radius r in 1 depicts the relative dimensions of the Halbach dome 400, including the outer radius r. The Halbach dome 400 comprises a plurality of magnetic elements arranged in a Halbach array to form a magnetic assembly. The magnetic elements have an outer radius r. ext and the inner radius r in In one aspect, exemplary dimensions are r in =19.3cm, r ext = 23.6 cm, L = 38.7 cm, and 2.54 cm ≤ D < 19.3 cm.

[0032] Based on the above example dimensions, the Halbach dome 400 with access opening 403 may be configured with a magnetic flux density B of approximately 72 mT and an overall mass of approximately 35 kg. It should be understood that the dimensions may be selected to achieve a desired magnetic flux density B, total weight of the Halbach dome 400 and / or magnet cart, and geometry of the neuro-interventional access opening 403 based on a particular application.

[0033] In various aspects, the Halbach dome 400 may be configured to define a plurality of access openings 403 located around the periphery of the structure 416 of the dome 400. These plurality of access openings 403 may be configured to allow access to the patient's head and brain B using instruments (e.g., surgical instruments) and / or a surgical robot.

[0034] In various aspects, the access opening 403 may be adjustable. The adjustable configuration may include, for example, adjusting the diameter D of the access opening 403. hole The access opening 403 may be provided with the ability to be adjusted using either a motor, mechanical assistance, or a manual system with a mechanical iris diaphragm arrangement to adjust the aperture 403. This would allow for a configuration of the dome without the access opening 403, to perform an imaging scan, and then adjust the dome 400 and its mechanical iris diaphragm arrangement to include the access opening 403, thus allowing surgical intervention through the access opening 403.

[0035] Halbach domes and their magnetic arrays for facilitating neurointervention are further described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2022 / 72143, filed May 5, 2022, and entitled "NEURAL INTERVENTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 6, a schematic diagram for an MRI system 500 is shown. For example, the MRI scanning system 100 (FIG. 1) and various dome-shaped housings and magnetic arrays therefor, as described further herein, can be incorporated into the MRI system 500, for example. The MRI system 500 includes a housing 502, which may be similar in many aspects to the dome-shaped housing 102 (FIG. 1), the dome-shaped housing 202 (FIG. 2), and / or the dome-shaped housing 302 (FIG. 3). The housing 502 is dome-shaped and configured to form a region of interest or field of view 552 therein. For example, the housing 502 can be configured to receive a patient's head, in various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0037] Housing 502 includes a magnet assembly 548 having a plurality of magnets (e.g., a Halbach array of magnets) arranged therein. In various aspects, a main magnetic field B generated by magnetic assembly 548 extends into a field of view 552 containing an object (e.g., a patient's head) being imaged by MRI system 500.

[0038] The MRI system 500 also includes an RF transmit / receive coil 550. The RF transmit / receive coil 550 is combined into an integrated transmit-receive (Tx / Rx) coil. In other cases, the RF transmit coil can be separate from the RF receive coil. For example, the RF transmit coil can be incorporated into the housing 502, and the RF receive coil can be positioned within the housing 502 to acquire imaging data.

[0039] The housing 502 also includes one or more gradient coils 504 configured to generate gradient fields to facilitate imaging of objects within a field of view 552 generated by a magnet assembly 548 (e.g., enclosed by a dome-shaped housing and a dome-shaped array of magnetic elements therein). A shim tray adapted to receive shim magnets 506 can also be incorporated within the housing 502.

[0040] During the imaging process, a main magnetic field B0 extends into the field of view 552. The direction of the effective magnetic field (B1) changes in response to RF pulses and associated electromagnetic fields transmitted by the RF transmit / receive coil 550. For example, the RF transmit / receive coil 550 may be configured to selectively transmit RF signals or pulses to objects (e.g., tissue in a patient's brain) within the field of view 552. These RF pulses may modify the effective magnetic field experienced by spins in the sample tissue.

[0041] The housing 502 is in signal communication with an auxiliary cart 530, which is configured to provide power to the housing 502 and send / receive control signals to / from the housing 502. The auxiliary cart 530 includes a power distribution unit 532, a computer 542, a spectrometer 544, a transmit / receive switch 545, an RF amplifier 546, and a gradient amplifier 558. In various instances, the housing 502 can be in signal communication with multiple auxiliary carts, each of which can support one or more of the power distribution unit 532, the computer 542, the spectrometer 544, the transmit / receive switch 545, the RF amplifier 546, and / or the gradient amplifier 558.

[0042] The computer 542 is in signal communication with the spectrometer 544 and is configured to transmit and receive signals between the computer 542 and the spectrometer 544. When an object within the field of view 552 is excited with RF pulses from the RF transmit / receive coil 550, the precession of the object results in an induced current, i.e., an MR current, which is detected by the RF transmit / receive coil 550 and transmitted to the RF preamplifier 556. The RF preamplifier 556 is configured to boost or amplify the excitation data signals and transmit them to the spectrometer 544. The spectrometer 544 is configured to transmit the excitation data to the computer 542 for storage, analysis, and image construction. The computer 542 is configured to combine multiple stored excitation data signals, for example, to generate an image. In various instances, the computer 542 is in signal communication with at least one database 562 that stores a reconstruction algorithm 564 and / or a pulse sequence 566. The computer 542 is configured to utilize the reconstruction algorithm to generate an MR image 568.

[0043] From the spectrometer 544, the signal can also be relayed to an RF transmit / receive coil 550 within the housing 502 via an RF power amplifier 546 and a transmit / receive switch 545 positioned between the spectrometer 544 and the RF power amplifier 546. From the spectrometer 544, the signal can also be relayed to a gradient coil 560 within the housing 502 via a gradient power amplifier 558. For example, the RF power amplifier 546 is configured to amplify the signal and transmit it to the RF transmit coil 560, and the gradient power amplifier 558 is configured to amplify the gradient coil signal and transmit it to the gradient coil 560.

[0044] In various cases, the MRI system 500 can include a noise cancellation coil 554. For example, the auxiliary cart 530 and / or the computer 542 can be in signal communication with the noise cancellation coil 554. In other cases, the noise cancellation coil 554 can be optional. For example, some MRI systems disclosed herein may not include a supplemental / auxiliary RF coil for detecting and canceling electromagnetic interference (i.e., noise).

[0045] A flowchart depicting a process 570 for acquiring an MRI image is shown in FIG. 7. The flowchart can be implemented, for example, by the MRI system 500. In various instances, in block 572, a target object (e.g., a portion of a patient's anatomy) is positioned within a main magnetic field B within a region of interest (e.g., region of interest 552) such as in a dome-shaped housing (e.g., magnet assembly 548) of various MRI scanning devices described further herein. The main magnetic field B is configured to magnetically polarize hydrogen protons (H protons) in the target object (e.g., all organs and tissues), known as net longitudinal magnetization M. This is proportional to the tissue's proton density (PD) and evolves exponentially in time, with a time constant known as the tissue's longitudinal relaxation time T. The T value of individual tissues depends on several factors, including, for example, their microscopic structure, the water and / or lipid content therein, and the strength of the polarizing magnetic field. For these reasons, the T1 value of a given tissue sample depends on the age and state of health.

[0046] In block 574, a time-varying oscillating magnetic field B1, i.e., an excitation pulse, is applied to the magnetically polarized target object using an RF coil (e.g., RF transmit / receive coil 550). The carrier frequency of the pulsed B1 field is set to the resonance frequency of 1H protons, which diverts the longitudinal magnetization from its equilibrium longitudinal direction, resulting in a rotated magnetization vector, which can generally have a transverse magnetization component as well as a longitudinal magnetization component, depending on the diversion angle used. Typical B1 pulses include inversion pulses (i.e., 180-degree pulses) and 90-degree pulses. The 180-degree pulse reverses the direction of the magnetization of 1H protons in the longitudinal axis. The 90-degree pulse rotates the magnetization of 1H protons by 90 degrees so that the magnetization is in the transverse plane. The MR signal is a time-varying current proportional to the transverse component of the magnetization and is detected using a suitable RF coil. These MR signals decay exponentially in time, with a time constant known as the transverse relaxation time, T2, which also depends on, for example, the microscopic tissue structure, water / lipid content, and the strength of the magnetic field used.

[0047] In block 576, the MR signals are spatially encoded by exposing the target object to an additional magnetic field (known as a gradient field) generated by a gradient coil (e.g., gradient coil 560). The gradient field, which varies linearly in space, is applied for short-duration periods in pulsed form, with spatial variation in each direction. The end result is the generation of multiple spatially encoded MR signals, which can be detected in block 577 and reconstructed to form an MR image depicting a slice of the object. An RF receive coil (e.g., RF transmit / receive coil 550) can be configured to detect the spatially encoded RF signals. The slice may be oriented in the transverse, sagittal, coronal, or any oblique plane.

[0048] In block 578, the spatially encoded signals for each slice of the scanned region are mathematically digitized and spatially decoded using a computer reconstruction program (e.g., by computer 542) to generate an image depicting the internal anatomical structures of the subject. In various instances, the reconstruction program may utilize an (inverse) Fourier transform to convert the spatially encoded data (k-space data) back to geometrically decoded data.

[0049] FIG. 8 depicts a graphical illustration of a robotic system 680 that can be used for neurointervention using an MRI scanning system 600. The robotic system 680 includes a computer system 696 and a surgical robot 682. The MRI scanning system 600 can be similar to the MRI system 500 and can include a dome-shaped housing with an access opening and a magnetic array, as further described herein. For example, the MRI system 500 can include one or more access openings defined in a Halbach array of magnets in a permanent magnet assembly to provide access to one or more anatomical portions of a patient being imaged during a medical procedure. In various cases, the robotic arm and / or instruments of the surgical robot 682 are configured to extend through the access openings in the permanent magnet assembly to reach the patient or target site. Each access opening can provide access to the patient and / or surgical site. For example, in the case of multiple access openings, the multiple access openings can allow access from different directions and / or proximal locations.

[0050] According to various embodiments, the robotic system 680 is configured to be installed outside the MRI system 600. As shown in FIG. 8 , the robotic system 680 can include a robotic arm 684 configured for movement with one or more degrees of freedom. According to various embodiments, the robotic arm 684 includes one or more mechanical arm sections including a hollow shaft 686 and an end effector 688. The hollow shaft 686 and the end effector 688 are configured to be moved, rotated, and / or pivoted through various ranges of motion via one or more motion controllers 690. The double-headed curved arrows in FIG. 8 represent example rotational movements produced by the motion controllers 690 at various joints in the robotic arm 684.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the robotic arm 684 of the robotic system 682 is configured to access various anatomical portions of interest through or around the MRI scanning system 600. According to various embodiments, the access opening is designed to take into account the size of the robotic arm 684. For example, the access opening defines a perimeter configured to accommodate the robotic arm 684, hollow shaft 686, and end effector 688 therethrough. In various instances, the robotic arm 684 is configured to access various anatomical portions of a patient from around the side of the magnetic imaging device 600. The hollow shaft 686 and / or the end effector 688 can be adapted to receive a robotic instrument 692 (e.g., a biopsy needle having a cutting edge 694 for collecting a biopsy sample from a patient, etc.).

[0052] The reader will understand that robotic system 682 can be used in combination with various dome-shaped and / or cylindrical magnetic housings described further herein. Also, robotic system 682 and robotic instrument 692 in FIG. 8 are exemplary. Alternative robotic systems can be utilized in conjunction with the various MRI systems disclosed herein. Hand-held surgical instruments and / or additional imaging devices (e.g., endoscopes) and / or systems can also be utilized in conjunction with the various MRI systems disclosed herein.

[0053] In various aspects of the present disclosure, the MRI systems described herein may comprise low-field MRI (LF-MRI) systems. In such cases, the main magnetic field B generated by the permanent magnet assembly may be, for example, 0.1 T to 1.0 T. In other cases, the MRI systems described herein may comprise ultra-low-field MRI (ULF-MRI) systems. In such cases, the main magnetic field B generated by the permanent magnet assembly may be, for example, 0.03 T to 0.1 T.

[0054] Higher magnetic fields, such as those above 1.0 T, can preclude the use of certain electrical and mechanical components near MRI scanning equipment. For example, the presence of surgical instruments and / or surgical robotic components made of metal, particularly ferrous metals, can be dangerous near higher magnetic fields because such instruments can be attracted toward the magnetization source. Also, higher magnetic fields often require specially designed rooms with additional precautions and shielding to limit magnetic interference. Despite the limitations for high-field MRI systems, low-field and very-low-field MRI systems present various challenges to obtaining high-quality images with sufficient resolution to achieve desired imaging objectives.

[0055] LF and ULF-MRI systems generally define relatively poor overall magnetic field homogeneity compared to higher field MRI systems. For example, as further described herein, a dome-shaped enclosure for an array of magnets can comprise a Halbach array of permanent magnets that generates a magnetic field B0 with a homogeneity of 1,000 ppm to 10,000 ppm within a region of interest in various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0056] MRI phantoms are used to evaluate MRI performance based on known properties. For example, MRI phantoms can be used to characterize MRI systems for compliance with design requirements. MRI phantoms can be used to characterize, for example, geometric distortion, contrast, structure, SNR, and / or intracranial vascular flow. Additionally or alternatively, MRI phantoms can be used to track the performance of MRI systems over time and / or across multiple sites. Existing phantoms are generally designed for high-field systems (e.g., MRI systems utilizing magnetic field strengths greater than 1.0 T, greater than 1.5 T, and / or between 1.5 T and 3.0 T).

[0057] During the design of an MRI system, such as an LF or ULF-MRI system used in connection with neurological interventions, for example, a modular, multi-purpose phantom may be useful in some cases to calibrate, test, evaluate, and / or optimize the system. For example, a magnetic resonance phantom kit with modular, interchangeable components and / or configurations can be used to calibrate, test, evaluate, and / or optimize the characteristics of the MRI system for multiple iterations of the design. Characterization can include brain tissue contrast for T1-weighted scans (T1w), T2-weighted (T2w), proton density-weighted (PD), and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging data. Additionally, in some cases, it may be useful to evaluate diffusion-weighted (DWI) imaging data.

[0058] The MRI phantom kit can, in some cases, provide a modular system for versatile verification of various properties of an MRI system.

[0059] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an MRI phantom kit can include a plurality of components including a plurality of modular and / or replaceable components (e.g., a first modular component and a second modular component, etc.). The second modular component can be different from the first modular component. The plurality of components can further include a shell structured to receive at least one of the modular and / or replaceable components and can also include a lid attachable to the shell to enclose the at least one modular and / or replaceable component received within the shell.

[0060] Exemplary modular and / or replaceable components include, for example, a grid insert, a contrast insert, and / or an anatomical model insert. One or more of the inserts can be configured to receive, for example, a contrast agent. In various cases, the inserts and / or the contrast agent received therein can be configured in different configurations (e.g., different layers of an assembled MRI phantom, etc.). Each layer can correspond, for example, to a different slice of an MRI image.

[0061] In various instances, MRI phantoms assembled from modular and / or multi-purpose kits can be interchangeable, expandable, customizable, and / or more cost-effective than existing alternatives, e.g., particularly during product development and design. The kits can be reassembled with different components and / or in different configurations, e.g., for alternate testing and / or calibration scans.

[0062] Referring primarily to Figure 9, an MR phantom kit 1000 is shown. The MR phantom kit 1000 includes multiple components, including a shell (i.e., housing 1002), multiple modular components 1010, 1020, 1030, and a lid 1008. While only three modular components 1010, 1020, and 1030 are shown in Figure 9, the reader will understand that the MR phantom kit is not limited to kits having three modular components. The kit 1000 can include more or less than three modular components.

[0063] Kit 1000 can be assembled into different configurations of MR phantoms. An exemplary configuration of MR phantom 1050 is shown in FIG. 10. For example, various MRI systems disclosed herein, such as MRI scanning system 100 (FIG. 1) and MRI system 500 (FIG. 6), can be utilized with kit 1000 and phantom 1050 disclosed herein to acquire MR images thereof. MRI scanning system 100 and MRI system 500 can also be used in connection with alternative MR phantom kits and phantoms described further herein.

[0064] The shell 1002 defines receptacles for receiving the modular components 1010, 1020, 1030 therein. The shell 1002 includes interlocking features 1006 defined on an inner surface 1004 of the shell 1002. The interlocking features 1006 define longitudinal recesses that extend radially outward and are structured to interlock with corresponding features (e.g., interlocking features 1016, 1026, 1036) on the modular components 1010, 1020, 1030. The four interlocking features 1006 are spaced around the periphery of the shell 1002. Although four evenly spaced interlocking features 1006 are shown in FIG. 9, the reader will understand that a different number and / or arrangement of interlocking features 1006 may be utilized to releasably connect the modular component 1010 to the shell 1006.

[0065] The interlocking features 1006, 1016, 1026, 1036 define longitudinal features that may be slidably positioned to connect the components. The interlocking features 1006 are longitudinal recesses, although in other cases the interlocking features 1006 may define longitudinal slots that are sized and positioned to be slidably received within longitudinal recesses in the modular components 1010, 1020, 1030. In still other cases, the interlocking features 1006, 1016, 1026, 1036 may comprise complementary pegs and receptacles (e.g., the interlocking features of LEGO® building blocks, etc.).

[0066] The lid 1008 forms a cover for the shell 1002 such that modular components disposed therein can be retained within the shell 1002. The lid 1008, in various cases, can be snap-fit ​​or friction-fit to the shell 1002. In other cases, the lid 1008 can be threadably engaged to the shell 1002. Additionally or alternatively, fasteners and / or clamps can releasably fasten the lid 1008 to the shell 1002. The lid 1008 is configured to retain the modular components 1010, 1020, and / or 1030 within the shell 1002.

[0067] In various instances, the shell 1002 and lid 1008 may be made of plastic. Alternative materials are also envisioned.

[0068] In some cases, the modular components 1010, 1020, and / or 1030 can be releasably retained within the shell 1002, for example, using frictional forces alone, without a lid 1008 enclosing the shell 1002. In one aspect, the modular components 1010, 1020, 1030 can releasably engage with each other and / or with the shell 1002 (e.g., interlocking features 1006 of the shell 1002, etc.) to secure the modular components 1010, 1020, 1030 together and / or to the shell 1002.

[0069] In various instances, each modular component 1010, 1020, 1030 can be formed from a plastic body having different materials and / or structures spaced therein.

[0070] The modular component 1010 depicted in FIG. 9 is an imaging insert and is configured to receive at least one contrast agent therein. The modular component 1010 includes an interlocking feature 1016 defined in its outer surface 1014. The interlocking feature 1016 is a longitudinal ridge that protrudes radially outward. For example, the interlocking feature 1016 can be dimensioned to fit within the longitudinal recess of the interlocking feature 1006. Four interlocking features 1016 are spaced around the periphery of the modular component 1010. While four evenly spaced interlocking features 1016 are shown in FIG. 9, the reader will understand that a different number and / or arrangement of interlocking features may be utilized to releasably connect the modular component 1010 to the shell 1006.

[0071] Modular component 1010 is configured to receive contrast agent 1018 contained within a tubular insert. Different contrast agents can be disposed within modular component 1010. For example, contrast agent 1018 can be selected based on the MRI system and / or desired characteristics of the MR image. Contrast agent 1018 is enclosed within the tubular insert, which is configured to slide into and out of a channel 1012 defined at least partially through modular component 1010. In various cases, contrast agent 1018 can be encapsulated in a vial or tube that is slidably held within modular component 1010. The tube, in various cases, can be refillable.

[0072] Different tubes of contrast agent 1018 can be disposed within the modular component 1010 and / or within different channels 1012 within the modular component 1010 to calibrate, test, evaluate, and / or optimize different characteristics of various MRI systems and / or MRI operating parameters. For a first calibration, a first contrast agent 1018 can be utilized, while a different contrast agent 1018 can be utilized for a second calibration. In various instances, the different contrast agents 1018 can be rearranged within the modular component 1010. For example, in some non-limiting aspects of the present disclosure, the spacing between the contrast agents 1018 can be adjusted between calibrations. In other non-limiting aspects, compartments within the modular component 1010 can be configured to open to receive the contrast agent 1018 therein. One or more of the compartments can be filled, emptied, and / or refilled with a variety of different contrast materials depending on the desired characteristics of the examination. For example, the contrast material can be nickel chloride, sodium chloride, copper sulfate, and / or gadolinium chloride.

[0073] 9, contrast agents 1018 extend longitudinally through modular components 1010 in a radial array. Alternative configurations are also envisioned. For example, contrast agents can be positioned in axial layers and / or stacks.

[0074] The modular component 1020 is a grid insert configured to receive at least one grid 1028 therein. The grid can be configured, for example, to characterize geometric distortion in an image. The modular component 1020 includes interlocking features 1026 defined in its outer surface 1024. The interlocking features 1026 are longitudinal ridges that project radially outward. For example, the interlocking features 1026 can be dimensioned to fit within the longitudinal recesses of the interlocking features 1006. Four interlocking features 1026 are spaced around the periphery of the modular component 1020. While four evenly spaced interlocking features 1026 are shown in FIG. 9 , the reader will understand that a different number and / or arrangement of interlocking features can be utilized to releasably connect the modular component 1020 to the shell 1002.

[0075] Grid 1028 is a three-dimensional grid. In other cases, multiple grids can be stacked and / or layered within modular component 1020. The grids can be imaged in different slices of the MR image.

[0076] The modular component 1030 is an anatomical model insert configured to receive at least one anatomical model 1038 therein. The modular component 1030 includes an interlocking feature 1036 defined in its outer surface 1034. The interlocking feature 1036 is a longitudinal ridge that protrudes radially outward. For example, the interlocking feature 1036 can be dimensioned to fit within the longitudinal recess of the interlocking feature 1006. Four interlocking features 1036 are spaced around the periphery of the modular component 1030. While four evenly spaced interlocking features 1036 are shown in FIG. 9 , the reader will understand that a different number and / or arrangement of interlocking features may be utilized to releasably connect the modular component 1030 to the shell 1002.

[0077] Anatomical model 1038 is a three-dimensional model of a human head. In other cases, anatomical model 1038 can be a different anatomical feature.

[0078] In various cases, the shell 1002 can be structured to receive more than one modular component 1010, 1020, 1030 therein. For example, multiple modular components can be disposed and / or secured within the shell 1002 and / or to each other within the shell 1002. The modular components 1010, 1020, 1030 can be stacked and / or layered vertically and / or horizontally within the shell and / or MR phantom assembly.

[0079] In still other cases, the MR phantom can be assembled without the shell 1002. For example, the modular components 1010, 1020, 1030 can directly engage / interlock together to form the MR phantom.

[0080] 10 depicts an MR phantom 1050 assembled from an MR phantom kit 1000. In the depicted configuration, a modular component 1020 is disposed within a shell 1002, and a cover 1008 is secured to the shell 1002. In an alternative configuration, a modular component 1010 or 1030 can be disposed within the shell 1002. In yet other cases, a modular component 1010 can be disposed within the shell 1002; however, a different type and / or arrangement of contrast agent 1018 can also be disposed within the modular component 1010. Additional configurations are also envisioned.

[0081] FIG. 11 is a flowchart 1100 depicting a method of using an MR phantom kit, such as kit 1000 (FIG. 9). To perform a first calibration or test, at least two components from the magnetic resonance phantom kit can be selected (block 1102) and assembled together (block 1104) to form a first configuration of an MRI phantom. The components can include, for example, a shell, such as shell 1002 (FIGS. 9 and 10), and at least one of modular components 1010, 1020, and 1030. A first calibration can be performed by imaging the assembled MRI phantom (block 1106). For example, MRI scanning system 100 (FIG. 1) and / or MRI system 500 (FIG. 6) can be used to image the assembled MRI phantom. The images can be analyzed for at least one characteristic and / or quality metric of the MRI system.

[0082] After the first calibration, the MRI phantom can be disassembled or at least partially disassembled (block 1108). To perform a second calibration or test, at least two components from the magnetic resonance phantom kit can be selected (block 1110) and assembled together (block 1112) to form a second configuration of the MRI phantom. The components can include, for example, a shell, such as shell 1002 (FIGS. 9 and 10), and at least one of modular components 1010, 1020, and 1030. In various cases, the same modular components can be assembled for the first and second configurations; however, the arrangement of components or at least a subset of components can be different. In other cases, the second configuration can include at least one component that is different from the first configuration. For example, replaceable components can be swapped between the first and second configurations. Additionally or alternatively, the MRI phantom can be scaled (e.g., expanded or cut). For example, additional modular components can be added. In other cases, at least one modular component can be removed.

[0083] A second calibration can be performed by imaging the reassembled MRI phantom (block 1114). For example, MRI scanning system 100 (FIG. 1) and / or MRI system 500 (FIG. 6) can be used to image the assembled MRI phantom. The images can be analyzed with respect to at least one characteristic and / or quality metric of the MRI system.

[0084] In various cases, the calibrating step includes acquiring imaging data in a low field strength primary magnetic field. In certain cases, the calibrating step includes acquiring imaging data in an extremely low field strength magnetic field.

[0085] In various instances, different configurations of the MRI phantom can be selected and / or customized for different MRI systems. For example, different MRI systems can define different form factors and be configured to image structures of different sizes and / or different geometric constraints. By way of example, an MRI system for imaging a patient's brain (e.g., during a neurosurgical intervention) can have a different form factor and / or a different field of view than an MRI system for imaging the patient's neck, shoulders, heart, and / or lungs, for example.

[0086] In various instances, different configurations of the MRI phantom can be selected and / or customized for different magnetic field strengths. For example, referring again to FIG. 9 , modular component 1010 can be configured such that each tube of contrast agent 1018 is filled with a solution of contrast agent having a different concentration. A low-field MRI system can perform contrast imaging using modular component 1010 having tubes of contrast agent 1018 filled with solutions of contrast agent having different concentrations.

[0087] In various cases, different configurations can be selected for verification of different properties. In some cases, different configurations can be selected for verification of multiple properties.

[0088] In some cases, the first configuration can be selected for verifying geometric distortion, contrast, structure, signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and intracranial vascular flow. In some cases, the second configuration can be selected for verifying geometric distortion, contrast, structure, signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and intracranial vascular flow. In at least one case, with reference to FIG. 11 and also to FIG. 9 , at least two components of the first or second configuration can include modular component 1010, and the corresponding first or second configuration can be used to verify contrast. In another case, at least two components of the first or second configuration can include modular component 1020, and the corresponding first or second configuration can be used to verify geometric distortion. In yet another case, at least two components of the first or second configuration can include modular component 1030, and the corresponding first or second configuration can be used to verify structural characteristics.

[0089] Referring again to FIG. 11 , in various cases, at least one of the configurations is selected and / or customized for diffusion-weighted imaging. For example, in at least one case, referring to FIG. 11 and also to FIG. 9 , at least two components of the first or second configuration can include modular component 1010. Instead of modular component 1010 having a tube filled with contrast agent 1018, the tube can be filled with a solution having a different diffusivity. The corresponding first or second configuration including modular component 1010 having a tube filled with a solution having a different diffusivity can be used for diffusion-weighted imaging.

[0090] example Various additional aspects of the subject matter described herein are presented in the following numbered examples.

[0091] Example 1: A magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit comprising a plurality of modular components, the plurality of modular components comprising a first modular component and a second modular component, the second modular component being different from the first modular component; a shell structured to receive at least one modular component; and a lid attachable to the shell to enclose the at least one modular component received within the shell.

[0092] Example 2: The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of Example 1, wherein the first modular component and the second modular component are selected from the group consisting of a grid insert, a contrast insert, and an anatomical model insert.

[0093] Example 3: The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of any one of Examples 1 and 2, further comprising a plurality of contrast agents, wherein the first modular component comprises a contrast insert structured to receive at least one contrast agent.

[0094] Example 4: A method for assembling a magnetic resonance imaging phantom, the method including: selecting at least two components from a kit for a first calibration; assembling the at least two components to form a first configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging phantom; performing the first calibration using the first configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging phantom; disassembling the first configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging phantom; selecting at least two modular components from the kit for a second calibration; assembling the at least two modular components to form a second configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging phantom, the second configuration being different from the first configuration; and performing the second calibration using the magnetic resonance imaging phantom.

[0095] Example 5: The method of Example 4, wherein performing the first calibration includes acquiring imaging data in a low field strength magnetic field.

[0096] Example 6: The method of any one of Examples 4 and 5, wherein the first configuration is customized for a first magnetic resonance imaging system and the second configuration is customized for a second magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0097] Example 7: The method of any one of Examples 4-6, wherein the first configuration is customized for a first magnetic field strength and the second configuration is customized for a second magnetic field strength.

[0098] Example 8: The method of any one of Examples 4-7, wherein the first configuration is selected for verification of two or more properties selected from the group consisting of geometric distortion, contrast, structure, signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and intracranial vascular flow.

[0099] Example 9: The method of any one of Examples 4-7, wherein the first configuration is customized for diffusion weighted imaging.

[0100] Example 10: The method of any one of Examples 4-9, wherein the at least two components selected for the second calibration are different from the at least two components selected for the first calibration.

[0101] Example 11: The method of any one of Examples 4 and 5, wherein the at least two components selected for the second calibration are the same as the at least two components selected for the first calibration.

[0102] Example 12: A magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit comprising: a shell comprising a shell interlocking feature; a first modular component comprising a first interlocking feature configured to interlock with the shell interlocking feature in a different configuration; and a second modular component different from the first modular component, the second modular component comprising a second interlocking feature configured to interlock with the shell interlocking feature in the different configuration, and at least one of the first modular component and the second modular component comprising a contrast insert configured to receive a contrast agent.

[0103] Example 13: The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of Example 12, further comprising a third modular component comprising a third interlocking feature configured to interlock with the shell interlocking feature in a different configuration.

[0104] Example 14: The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of any one of Examples 12 and 13, wherein the contrast insert comprises a refillable tube.

[0105] Example 15: The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of any one of Examples 12-13, wherein the contrast agent is selected from the group consisting of nickel chloride, sodium chloride, copper sulfate, and gadolinium chloride.

[0106] Example 16: The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of any one of Examples 12 and 13, wherein different configurations correspond to different magnetic field strength applications.

[0107] Example 17: The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of any one of Examples 12 and 13, wherein the different configurations correspond to different geometric form factors for different magnetic resonance systems.

[0108] Example 18: A magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit described in any one of Examples 12 and 13, wherein the first modular component and the second modular component are selected for verification of two or more properties selected from the group consisting of geometric distortion, contrast, structure, signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and intracranial vascular flow.

[0109] Example 19: The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of any one of Examples 12 and 13, wherein the first modular component and the second modular component are selectively arranged for diffusion weighted imaging.

[0110] Example 20: A magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit described in any one of Examples 12-19, wherein the first modular component and the second modular component are selectively arranged to obtain imaging data in a low field strength magnetic field.

[0111] Although various aspects disclosed herein are directed to brain imaging and / or neurological intervention, the reader will understand that the various systems and methods disclosed herein may, in various instances, be used to image other portions of a patient's anatomy and / or different structures.

[0112] While several embodiments have been illustrated and described, it is not the applicant's intention to restrict or limit the scope of the appended claims to such details. Numerous modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents to those embodiments may be implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the structure of each element associated with the described embodiments can alternatively be described as a means for providing the function performed by that element. Furthermore, where a material is disclosed for a component, other materials may also be used. It is therefore to be understood that the foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, combinations, and variations that fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, modifications, and equivalents.

[0113] The foregoing detailed description sets forth various aspects of the present devices and / or processes through the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples. To the extent that such block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples contain one or more functions and / or operations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that each function and / or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples can be individually and / or collectively implemented by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein may equivalently be implemented, in whole or in part, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or in integrated circuits, as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing circuitry and / or writing code for the software and / or firmware would be clearly within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand that the subject mechanisms described herein can be distributed as one or more program products in a variety of forms, and that the illustrative embodiments of the subject matter described herein apply regardless of the particular type of signal-bearing medium used to actually effect the distribution.

[0114] The instructions used to program the logic to implement various disclosed aspects can be stored in memory within the system, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other storage device. Additionally, the instructions can be distributed over a network or using other computer-readable media. Thus, a machine-readable medium can include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer), including, but not limited to, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disks, read-only memories (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, flash memories, or tangible machine-readable storage devices used in transmitting information via the Internet via electrical, optical, acoustical, or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.). Thus, non-transitory computer-readable media includes any type of tangible machine-readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer).

[0115] As used in any aspect of this specification, the term "control circuit" may refer to, for example, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry (e.g., a computer processor including one or more individual instruction processing cores, processing units, processors, microcontrollers, microcontroller units, controllers, digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), state machine circuitry, firmware that stores instructions executed by the programmable circuitry, and any combination thereof. Control circuits may collectively or individually be embodied as circuitry that forms part of a larger system (e.g., an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip (SoC), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a server, a smartphone, etc.). Thus, as used herein, a "control circuit" includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application-specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general-purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general-purpose computer configured, at least in part, by a computer program to perform the processes and / or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured, at least in part, by a computer program to perform the processes and / or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., a form of random access memory), and / or electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, a communications switch, or an optoelectronic appliance). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein can be implemented in analog or digital form or some combination thereof.

[0116] As used in any aspect of this specification, the term "logic" may refer to apps, software, firmware, and / or circuitry configured to perform any of the foregoing operations. Software may be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction sets, and / or data recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Firmware may be embodied as hard-coded (e.g., non-volatile) code, instructions or instruction sets, and / or data in a memory device.

[0117] When used in any aspect of this specification, the terms "component," "system," "module," and the like may refer to a controlled circuit computer-related entity that is either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

[0118] As used in any aspect of this specification, an "algorithm" refers to a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result, and a "step" refers to manipulations on physical quantities and / or logical states which may, but need not, take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It is common usage to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. These and similar terms can be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities and / or states.

[0119] The network may include a packet-switched network. The communication devices may be capable of communicating with each other using a selected packet-switched network communication protocol. One exemplary communication protocol may include an Ethernet communication protocol, which may enable communication using Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP). The Ethernet protocol may conform to or be compatible with the Ethernet standard published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), published in December 2008 and entitled "IEEE 802.3 Standard," and / or later versions of this standard. Alternatively, or in addition, the communication devices may be capable of communicating with each other using an X.25 communication protocol. The X.25 communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with standards promulgated by the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). Alternatively, or in addition, the communication devices may be capable of communicating with each other using a frame relay communication protocol. The frame relay communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with standards promulgated by the Consultative Committee for International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) and / or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively, or in addition, the transceivers may be capable of communicating with each other using an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communication protocol. The ATM communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the ATM standard published by the ATM Forum, published in August 2001 and entitled "ATM-MPLS Network Interworking 2.0," and / or later versions of this standard. Of course, different and / or later-developed connection-oriented network communication protocols are equally contemplated herein.

[0120] Unless otherwise specifically stated as is apparent from the foregoing disclosure, throughout the foregoing disclosure, discussions using terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "displaying," or the like, should be understood to refer to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and converts data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the computer system's registers and memory into other data that is similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system's memory or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display device.

[0121] One or more components may be referred to herein as being "configured to," "configurable to," "operable / operative to," "adapted / adaptable," "able to," "conformable / conformed to," etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, unless the context requires otherwise, "configured to" can generally encompass active and / or inactive and / or standby state components.

[0122] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating a handle portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician, and the term "distal" refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It should be further understood that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "up," and "down" may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

[0123] Those skilled in the art will generally recognize that terms used herein, particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that where a specific number of introduced claim recitations are intended, such intention will be expressly recited in the claim, and that in the absence of such recitation, no such intention exists. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that introducing a claim recitation with the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such an introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same applies to the use of a definite article used to introduce a claim recitation.

[0124] Additionally, even when a claim recitation incorporating a specific number is explicitly recited, those of skill in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the number recited (e.g., a literal recitation of "two recitations" without other modifiers typically means at least two recitations or two or more than two recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where notation similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, such a construct is generally intended in the sense that one of skill in the art would understand the notation (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include, without limitation, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where notation similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, generally, such constructs are intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the notation (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but not be limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that disjunctive words and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should typically be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms, unless the context indicates otherwise.For example, the phrase "A or B" will typically be understood to include the possibilities of "A," or "B," or "A and B."

[0125] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the actions recited therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, while various operational flow diagrams are presented in a certain sequence, it should be understood that various actions may be performed in other orders than those depicted, or may be performed in parallel. Examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, prelude, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless the context indicates otherwise. Furthermore, terms such as "responsive to," "related to," or other past tense adjectives generally are not intended to exclude such variants, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0126] It should be noted that any reference to "one aspect," "an aspect," "an exemplification," "one exemplification," and the like means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one aspect," "in an aspect," "in an exemplification," and "in one exemplification" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same aspect. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0127] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other disclosure material referred to herein and / or listed in any Application Data Sheet is incorporated herein by reference to the extent the incorporated material does not contradict this specification. Accordingly, to the extent necessary, the disclosure as expressly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is considered to be incorporated herein by reference but that conflicts with existing definitions, descriptions, or other disclosure material set forth herein will be incorporated only to the extent that no conflict arises between the incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0128] In summary, numerous benefits resulting from employing the concepts described herein have been described. The foregoing description of one or more embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and explanation. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise embodiments disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. One or more embodiments have been selected and described, along with various modifications as suited to particular uses, to illustrate the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize various embodiments. It is intended that the claims submitted herewith define the overall scope.

Claims

1. A magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit, comprising: A plurality of modular components, the plurality of modular components comprising: a first modular component; a second modular component, the second modular component being different from the first modular component; and a plurality of modular components comprising: a shell structured to receive at least one modular component; a lid attachable to the shell to enclose the at least one modular component received within the shell; and A magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit comprising:

2. 10. The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of claim 1, wherein the first modular component and the second modular component are selected from the group consisting of a grid insert, a contrast insert, and an anatomical model insert.

3. The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of contrast agents, the first modular component comprising a contrast insert structured to receive at least one contrast agent.

4. 1. A method of constructing a magnetic resonance imaging phantom, comprising: selecting at least two components from the kit for a first calibration; assembling the at least two components to form a first configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging phantom; performing the first calibration using the first configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging phantom; Disassembling the first configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging phantom; selecting at least two modular components from the kit for a second calibration; assembling the at least two modular components to form a second configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging phantom, the second configuration being different from the first configuration; and performing the second calibration using the magnetic resonance imaging phantom; A method comprising:

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein performing the first calibration includes acquiring imaging data in a low field strength magnetic field.

6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the first configuration is customized for a first magnetic resonance imaging system and the second configuration is customized for a second magnetic resonance imaging system.

7. The method of claim 4 , wherein the first configuration is customized for a first magnetic field strength and the second configuration is customized for a second magnetic field strength.

8. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first configuration is selected for verification of two or more properties selected from the group consisting of geometric distortion, contrast, structure, signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and intracranial vascular flow.

9. The method of claim 4 , wherein the first configuration is customized for diffusion-weighted imaging.

10. The method of claim 4 , wherein the at least two components selected for the second calibration are different from the at least two components selected for the first calibration.

11. The method of claim 4 , wherein the at least two components selected for the second calibration are the same as the at least two components selected for the first calibration.

12. A magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit, comprising: a shell having a shell interlocking feature; a first modular component, the first modular component comprising a first interlocking feature configured to interlock with the shell interlocking feature in different configurations; a second modular component, the second modular component different from the first modular component, the second modular component comprising a second interlocking feature configured to interlock with the shell interlocking feature in a different configuration, and at least one of the first modular component and the second modular component comprising an imaging insert configured to receive a contrast agent; A magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit comprising:

13. The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of claim 12 , further comprising a third modular component comprising a third interlocking feature configured to interlock with the shell interlocking feature in a different configuration.

14. The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of claim 12 , wherein the contrast insert comprises a refillable tube.

15. 13. The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of claim 12, wherein the contrast agent is selected from the group consisting of nickel chloride, sodium chloride, copper sulfate, and gadolinium chloride.

16. The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of claim 12 , wherein the different configurations correspond to different magnetic field strength applications.

17. The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of claim 12 , wherein the different configurations correspond to different geometric form factors for different magnetic resonance systems.

18. 13. The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of claim 12, wherein the first modular component and the second modular component are selected for verification of two or more properties selected from the group consisting of geometric distortion, contrast, structure, signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and intracranial vascular flow.

19. The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of claim 12 , wherein the first modular component and the second modular component are selectively arranged for diffusion weighted imaging.

20. 13. The magnetic resonance imaging phantom kit of claim 12, wherein the first modular component and the second modular component are selectively arranged to obtain imaging data in a low field strength magnetic field.

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