Prostate-specific MRI device

Abstract

The invention relates to a prostate-specific MR imaging (MRI) device that allows image data to be processed in MR imaging systems, easier prostate MRIs to be performed and more accurate real-time results to be obtained.

Description

[0001] PROSTATE-SPECIFIC MRI DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a prostate-specific MR imaging (MRI) device that allows image data to be processed in MR imaging systems, easier prostate MRIs to be performed and more accurate real-time results to be obtained.

[0004] State of the Art

[0005] Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or MRI as it is generally known, is a method used mostly in medicine to image the internal structure of living things. Living tissue with high levels of magnetism is imaged by reflection. It creates images according to the density and movements of hydrogen atoms in the tissue. One of the main problems encountered in traditional MR imaging systems, especially in studies in low magnetic fields, is known to compromise image clarity in magnetic fields. The resolution of the images obtained is usually not sharp enough to make a definitive diagnosis, leading to potential misinterpretations and the need to apply invasive techniques for diagnostic procedures. Such situations can delay treatment and increase the anxiety of the person who will have an MRI scan.

[0006] Traditional MRI scans take a long time and often cause significant discomfort to the person. Staying in a closed space for a long time can lead to feelings of claustrophobia and anxiety for the person to be diagnosed. On the other hand, the fact that the MRI device takes a long time to perform its operations increases the possibility of the person being diagnosed to move on the MRI device for a long time, which makes it difficult to obtain the image.

[0007] Most conventional MRI devices require expensive helium cooling systems. Superconducting magnets used not only increase operational costs but also difficulties in regions where helium supply is low. Additionally, helium leaks pose safety risks. Similarly, MRI devices often require shielding coils for magnetic field scanning. Ensuring that the MRI device meets safety standards, especially additional components such as the 5 Gauss limitation at a distance of 5 meters, increase the complexity and cost of the system. On a different note, MR imaging devices are often bulky, making them difficult to install, maintain, and relocate. Many MRI devices require special rooms to operate safely, limiting installation costs and where they can be located in healthcare facilities. This problem often causes people to be screened to be transported longer distances within the hospital, causing potential discomfort and logistical difficulties.

[0008] Although various suggestions and applications have been developed for the MRI device in the state of the art, these developments are not sufficient. Some applications for inventions developed to this end are given below.

[0009] The patent document numbered "WO2023034549A1 " in the state of the art was reviewed. The invention that is the subject of the application relates to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. It is a light source configured to be attached to a wearable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, arranged to reflect a boundary on a portion of the portable MRI device. Furthermore, the visible boundary herein delimits a region in which a magnetic field strength generated by the portable MRI device equals or exceeds a threshold. The visible limit can show 5 Gaussian lines for a portable MRI device. The approach to the problems related to the limitation of Gaussian lines for distance and the resulting results have negative effects that may occur on the correct results to be observed.

[0010] The patent document numbered "EP4179548A1 " in the state of the art was reviewed. The invention that is the subject of the application relates to a method for creating training datasets for artificial intelligence applications in magnetic resonance imaging. Artificial intelligence applications in the MRI device have steps such as providing an MRI simulator and input of data into this simulator, operating the MRI simulator thereby producing a simulated artificial MRI image, repeating the same procedure with different pulse sequences or the same pulse sequence, changing the properties of the same pulse train when using the same pulse train and changing the properties of the MRI simulation during running of the MRI simulator, producing the position and orientation of the plane of the anatomical model are produced, and a label map for each MR image, optionally, by changing the properties of the anatomical model, and obtaining a training data set based on all produced MR images or label maps. While the MRI device makes improvements in terms of diagnosis with artificial intelligence, there are no sufficient explanations on issues such as maintaining the operating temperature at a stable level, and practical methods that can be applied regarding the ease and duration of the prostate diagnosis process in terms of portability.

[0011] Patent document no “US11660016B2” in the state of the art is reviewed. The invention that is the subject of the application relates to magnetic resonance imaging device systems and, in particular, to a portable MR imaging device for obtaining MR images of the brain. A magnet assembly for a portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes a former having a plurality of slots and a plurality of magnet blocks configured to create a single-sided permanent magnet. Each of the plurality of magnet blocks are positioned in one of the plurality of slots of the former and the arrangement of the plurality of magnet blocks is configured to optimise homogeneity over a target field of view for brain imaging and to form a cap-shaped configuration to be positioned on a head of a subject. It comprises a magnet assembly containing a plurality of magnet blocks configured to form a single-sided permanent magnet. The magnet assembly has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the arrangement of a plurality of magnet blocks is structured to optimise homogeneity over the target field of view for brain imaging and form a cap-shaped configuration to be placed on the head. The MRI device here is used for diagnoses on the brain region, and on the other hand, it does not have features such as image processing for the images of the data received by the MRI device with the support of artificial intelligence.

[0012] Patent document no “US8073102B2” in the state of the art is reviewed. In the invention that is the subject of the application, a system for radiation therapy in general and especially real-time dose reconstruction using dynamic simulation and image-guided adaptive radiotherapy is mentioned. Said system comprises properties such as simulating MRI device imaging and four-dimensional aspects of radiotherapy, generating a treatment plan based on the simulation, allowing real-time, three- dimensional dose reconstruction during treatment, and using the simulation and treatment plan during treatment fractions to obtain real-time image guidance. A fourdimensional treatment plan is calculated based on the average trajectory of the target volume determined from the four-dimensional simulation. The range of possible deviations of the target volume from its mean trajectory is also determined and a bank of three-dimensional dose distributions covering the range of possible deviations of the target volume is calculated. However, it has shortcomings in terms of portability and the need to use different applications to improve image clarity.

[0013] Although, in the state of the art, there are improvements in MRI devices used for diagnostic purposes for different body parts, such as receiving scan data obtained through the MRI device with the support of artificial intelligence and analysing these data, making the MRI device portable and thus being able to perform its function, no MRI device has been found that can provide more accurate results by correcting the images taken from the MRI device by properly processing them in the same system, is more easily applicable and portable without requiring a closed environment for scanning, and can stably maintain the high temperature it is exposed to during the working process.

[0014] As a result, due to the negativities described above and the inadequacy of existing solutions on the subject, it has become necessary to make a development in the relevant technical field.

[0015] The Aim of the Invention

[0016] The most important aim of the invention is to bring the diagnoses made by the MRI device to a level that can contain high-resolution sharp images even in low magnetic fields by using the image data obtained as a result of scanning imaging and optimising it with advanced algorithms, and to make real-time and more accurate diagnoses.

[0017] Another aim of the invention is to eliminate risks such as claustrophobia and anxiety that people staying in closed spaces may experience, by means of its specially designed structure that allows scanning to be performed by sitting comfortably during prostate MRI.

[0018] Another aim of the invention is to shorten the diagnosis process by completing the diagnosis process in a short time by means of the high SNR value contained in the prostate-specific MRI device used to scan the people to be diagnosed, and to prevent undesirable distortions in the scan images caused by long-term scanning.

[0019] Another aim of the invention is to perform prostate MRI scanning in a short time through developed algorithms, without the need to use robotic arms in invasive methods.

[0020] Another aim of the invention is to reduce the operating costs by stably reducing the temperature and operating condition to a normal level by applying a high temperature superconductor coated cooling system and liquid nitrogen instead of cooling the high temperature that occurs during operation of the MRI device using a helium cooling system.

[0021] Another aim of the invention is to eliminate the necessity of performing the scanning process in fixed health facilities by means of the portable feature of MRI devices for prostate MRI, to provide early diagnosis and to provide flexibility in people's access to the MRI device.

[0022] Another aim of the invention is to ensure that the magnetic structure contained in the MRI device can produce a higher magnetic field from a smaller coil area.

[0023] Another aim of the invention is to ensure that the MRI device has a lighter and more portable structure, making its installation and maintenance easier and faster.

[0024] The structural and characteristic features of the invention and all its advantages will be understood more clearly by the figures given below and the detailed description written with reference to these figures. For this reason, the evaluation should be made by taking these figures and detailed description into consideration.

[0025] Description of Drawings

[0026] Figure -1 : is the drawing showing the front isometric view of the prostate-specific MRI device that is the subject of the invention.

[0027] Figure -2: is the drawing showing the front isometric view of the usage of the prostatespecific MRI device that is the subject of the invention. Figure -3:is the drawing showing the rear isometric view of the usage of the prostatespecific MRI device that is the subject of the invention.

[0028] Reference numbers

[0029] 1. Innovative electromagnet

[0030] 2. HTS coated conductor

[0031] 3. Shim coil

[0032] 4. Protection system

[0033] 5. Seat

[0034] 6. Image acquisition part

[0035] Description of the invention

[0036] The invention relates to a prostate-specific MR imaging (MRI) device that allows image data to be processed in MR imaging systems, easier prostate MRIs to be performed and more accurate real-time results to be obtained.

[0037] The prostate-specific MRI device comprises an innovative electromagnet (1 ), HTS (High Temperature Superconductor) coated conductor (2), shim coil (3), protection system (4), seat (5), and image acquisition part (6).

[0038] At the core of the prostate-specific MRI device is an innovative electromagnet (1 ) containing a specially designed magnet for high resolution imaging at 0.5 Tesla for prostate diagnosis purposes. This magnet is structurally small, prioritises the comfort of the person undergoing the prostate diagnosis process and ensures portability. The innovative electromagnet (1 ) creates the primary magnetic field targeting the prostate area for optimum imaging by activating the prostate-specific MRI device. Here, the primary magnetic field begins to surround the prostate area. The innovative electromagnet (1 ) is capable of producing a high magnetic field in a smaller coil area. On the other hand, it resists superconductivity and structural Lorentz force for the prostate-specific MRI imaging device.

[0039] ReBCO strips replace traditional temperature conductors and use large magnetic fields more efficiently. HTS (High Temperature Superconducting) coated conductors (2), which allow superconducting materials to be formed into magnetic coils in order to produce them in smaller sizes than traditional copper windings have the ability to be produced in flexible and long lengths with thermal stability and zero electrical resistance and are structurally conductive. HTS coated conductors (2), especially HTS ReBCO tapes, offer higher thermal margins and flexibility against mechanical vibrations. HTS coated conductors (2) support the efficient operation of the MRI process without thermal problems.

[0040] In the prostate-specific MRI device, the shim coil (3), which is the part that increases the quality of the image captured by the MRI device by ensuring the homogeneity of the magnetic field, works actively during the MR imaging process. The shim coil (3) allows the magnetic field to be equal throughout the target area. In this way, high resolution results can be obtained in the scanned image and clearer and sharper results can be obtained with MRI scan images.

[0041] In order to resist any sudden loss of superconductivity, there is a protection (Quench) system (4) that acts as a security mechanism on both the device and the person being diagnosed. The protection system (4) stands by to intervene in case the superconducting state of the magnet deteriorates or malfunctions and provides a safety advantage for both the prostate-specific MRI device and the person having a diagnostic scan.

[0042] When using a prostate-specific MRI device for prostate diagnosis, the part where the person is positioned during the scan is the seat (5). The seat (5), which is 60 cm in diameter, provides maximum comfort and makes the person having the scan feel comfortable. Additionally, the aim of its design is to position the person in an aligned and most accurate way during the scanning process. During the image capture of the MRI scanning process, the image acquisition part is the element that captures high-resolution images of the prostate (6). Here, the central region of the image acquisition part (6) has a diameter of 10 cm. The image acquisition part (6) is used to capture real-time prostate images of the prostate-specific MRI device. The image acquisition part (6) can capture these images in high resolution by means of its special structure, and by means of the high resolution, results can be obtained with much higher accuracy in prostate diagnosis by analysing them later by developed algorithms.

[0043] The prostate image data obtained in the image acquisition part (6) is processed and interpreted by medical experts for diagnosis.

[0044] The cooling system in the prostate-specific MRI imaging device is provided by conduction, eliminating the need for liquid helium. By eliminating this need, problems such as logistics and high costs that may be experienced in the supply of liquid helium are eliminated and a more sustainable and cost-effective solution is provided.

[0045] Although the primary focus of a prostate-specific MRI device is prostate imaging, the design and technology of this MRI system has been modified for other special imaging needs, such as brain-specific MRI. By means of this adaptability, the developed technology can be used in multiple medical imaging scenarios.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Prostate-specific MR imaging device that allows real-time results of prostate MR imaging to be obtained by processing image data in MR imaging systems, comprising:- at least one innovative electromagnet (1 ), used for prostate diagnosis, which creates the primary magnetic field targeting the prostate area for imaging upon activation and surrounds the prostate area during this process, resisting superconductivity and structural Lorentz force for a prostate-specific MRI imaging device,- at least one HTS coated conductor (2), which is portable and thermally stable due to its smaller size than conventional copper, and provides flexibility against mechanical vibrations during prostate MRI scanning,- at least one shim coil (3), which works actively during the MRI imaging process, serves to increase the image quality captured by the prostatespecific MRI device by ensuring the homogeneity of the magnetic field,- at least one protection (Quench) system (4) that ensures safety on both the device and the person being diagnosed with the aim of resisting any sudden loss of superconductivity and stands by to intervene in case the superconducting state of the innovative electromagnet (1 ) deteriorates and malfunctions,- at least one seat (5) that allows the person who will have an MRI scan to sit aligned with the scanning angle during the scan in the use of a prostate-specific MRI device for prostate diagnosis, and- at least one image acquisition part (6) used for real-time capture of prostate images, capable of capturing these images in high resolution and allowing the analysis of images to be carried out much more easily and with accurate results thanks to this high-resolution image acquisition.

2. Prostate specific MRI device according to Claim 1 , comprising HTS coated conductor (2) containing YSI ReBCO strips.

3. Prostate specific MRI device according to Claim 1 , comprising HTS coated conductor (2) with zero electrical resistance.

4. Prostate specific MRI device according to Claim 1 , comprising the seat (5) with a diameter of 60 cm.

5. Prostate specific MRI device according to Claim 1 , comprising the image acquisition part (6) with a diameter of 10 cm in the central area.

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