Radio frequency coil for magnetic resonance-based brain function detection

Abstract

A radio frequency coil for magnetic resonance-based brain function detection, and a radio frequency detection system. In the radio frequency coil for magnetic resonance-based brain function detection, by controlling a gap between an I-shaped structure (10) and a first I-shaped assembly (11) and a gap between the I-shaped structure (10) and a second I-shaped assembly (12), a user under examination can see through the gap therebetween; and by adjusting the capacitance values of multiple first capacitive components, multiple second capacitive components, multiple third capacitive components, and multiple fourth capacitive components, a birdcage structure generates a uniform magnetic field. Thus, by widening the field of view of the detection coil, the technical problem in the prior art that users easily experience claustrophobia during examination is solved while the detection performance of the radio frequency coil is maintained.

Description

A radio frequency coil for detecting head function using magnetic resonance imaging Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical imaging detection technology, specifically to a magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil and radio frequency detection system. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology has become an important tool for clinical diagnosis in modern medicine. It has the advantages of high tissue density contrast, the ability to perform slice imaging in any orientation, and no ionizing radiation, and its application is becoming increasingly widespread.

[0003] In a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the radio frequency (RF) transmitting / receiving coil is an essential component. It transmits electromagnetic signals to the body and receives energy released from tissues, thus forming medical images. Therefore, the coil's performance directly impacts the overall performance of the MRI system. Furthermore, compared to other components in an MRI system, the RF coil is easier to develop and optimize, making it a consistently popular area of ​​research in MRI.

[0004] Currently, commercially available head coils use enclosed birdcage coils, which have high magnetic field uniformity and can be orthogonally excited to obtain a high SNR (signal-to-noise ratio).

[0005] The birdcage-like structure of the coil creates a relatively enclosed space, and subjects who spend a long time in the MRI machine may experience an uncomfortable sense of claustrophobia.

[0006] Application content

[0007] The purpose of this application is to provide a magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil to solve the technical problem that users are prone to experiencing discomfort and claustrophobia during testing in the prior art.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil is provided, comprising:

[0009] The system comprises 2N T-shaped structures, multiple first capacitors, multiple second capacitors, multiple third capacitors, multiple fourth capacitors, N first unidirectional conductors, and I-shaped structures. Every two T-shaped structures are connected by one first unidirectional conductor to form an I-shaped assembly. The I-shaped assembly includes a first I-shaped assembly, a second I-shaped assembly, and multiple third I-shaped assemblies.

[0010] The first I-shaped component and the second I-shaped component are symmetrical about the I-shaped structure and are respectively set at a first preset distance from the I-shaped structure. The upper and lower parts of the I-shaped structure are respectively connected to the first I-shaped component and the second I-shaped component end to end through the first capacitor; N is a natural number greater than 1.

[0011] The upper and lower parts of the third I-shaped component are respectively connected to the upper and lower parts of the first I-shaped component through a second capacitor and a third capacitor, and are set at a second preset distance from the first I-shaped component.

[0012] The upper and lower parts of the next third I-shaped component are connected to the upper and lower parts of the previous third I-shaped component respectively through two fourth capacitors, and are set at a second preset distance from the previous third I-shaped component; until the upper and lower parts of the last third I-shaped component are connected to the previous third I-shaped component respectively through two fourth capacitors, and the upper and lower parts of the last third I-shaped component are also connected to the upper and lower parts of the second I-shaped component through another second capacitor and another third capacitor, and are set at a second preset distance from the previous third I-shaped component and the second I-shaped component, so as to form a birdcage structure;

[0013] Wherein, the first preset distance is greater than the second preset distance, the capacitance of the first capacitor is greater than the capacitance of the fourth capacitor, and the capacitances of the first capacitor, the second capacitor, the third capacitor, and the fourth capacitor are determined according to the first preset distance and the second preset distance, so that the birdcage structure generates a uniform magnetic field.

[0014] In one alternative approach, the first preset distance is 78.6 mm and the second preset distance is 49 mm.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, the MRI head function detection radio frequency coil further includes two second unidirectional conducting components. The anode of one second unidirectional conducting component is connected to one end of the third I-type component near the first I-type component, and the cathode of one second unidirectional conducting component is connected to the first I-type component via a second capacitor. The anode of the other second unidirectional conducting component is connected to one end of the third I-type component near the second I-type component, and the cathode of the other second unidirectional conducting component is connected to the second I-type component via another second capacitor.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, the I-shaped structure and the first I-shaped component enclose a first field of view, and the I-shaped structure and the second I-shaped component enclose a second field of view; the magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil further includes a first viewing window disposed in the first field of view and a second viewing window disposed in the second field of view.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, the first and second viewports are 87.5 mm long and 56 mm wide.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, a radio frequency detection system is also provided, including a magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil as described above and a head-mounted receiving array coil, wherein the head-mounted receiving array coil is fixed on a flexible member, and when the flexible member is worn on the human body, the head-mounted receiving array coil is fitted to the wearer's chin.

[0019] In one alternative embodiment, the head-mounted receiver array coil further includes multiple coils arranged in pairs and overlapping each other, with each coil transmitting the received signal to the host computer through an independent channel.

[0020] In one alternative, the number of coils is 24, and the head-mounted receiver array consisting of the 24 coils is arranged in a centrally symmetrical manner.

[0021] In one alternative embodiment, the head-mounted receiver array coils are 282 mm long and 107 mm wide, with each coil having a diameter of 40 mm.

[0022] In one alternative embodiment, the flexible member is further provided with a first wearing portion and a second wearing portion, the first wearing portion and the second wearing portion being based on a head-mounted receiver array coil.

[0023] This application's magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil allows the user under test to see objects through the gap between the I-shaped structure and the first and second I-shaped components by controlling the distance between them. By adjusting the capacitance values ​​of multiple first and second capacitors, the birdcage structure generates a uniform magnetic field, thereby widening the field of view of the detection coil. This solves the technical problem of claustrophobia that users often experience during testing in the prior art without changing the detection effect of the radio frequency coil.

[0024] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of the embodiments of this application and to implement them in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of this application more obvious and understandable, specific implementation methods of this application are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil provided in this application;

[0027] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the head-mounted receiver array coil of the radio frequency detection system provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present application are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present application may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0029] The following analysis, based on relevant technologies, examines existing solutions for head function detection radio frequency coils.

[0030] Traditional head imaging coils require customized models, sizes, and types to meet the demands of high-quality imaging, taking into account individual patient characteristics, body size, and the specific features of the area being examined. This not only increases the time and financial costs for patients but, more importantly, makes commercial applicability difficult. Existing head imaging coils, due to their complex structure and flawed design, are inconvenient to use and produce less than ideal imaging results.

[0031] Furthermore, commercially available coils typically have fixed mechanical structures. This means that different patients, due to variations in body geometry, will have different fill factors even when using the same coil, and increasing the coil fill factor significantly improves the SNR (Spot Reduction). Compact coil designs can achieve a maximized fill factor. However, for traditional coils, to maximize the fill factor within a system, different models, sizes, and types of coils need to be customized for different patients, body sizes, and individual characteristics of the detection site to meet high-quality imaging requirements. This not only increases the time and financial costs for patients but, more importantly, makes commercial applicability difficult to achieve. The application of such equipment will be severely limited.

[0032] This application provides a magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil to solve the technical problem that users of existing magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coils are prone to experiencing an uncomfortable claustrophobic feeling during testing.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a structural diagram of a magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil according to this application. The magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil includes:

[0034] The system comprises 2N T-shaped structures, multiple first capacitors C1, multiple second capacitors C2, multiple third capacitors C3, multiple fourth capacitors C4, N first unidirectional conductors D1, and I-shaped structures 10. Each pair of T-shaped structures is connected by one first unidirectional conductor D1 to form an I-shaped assembly. The I-shaped assembly includes a first I-shaped assembly 11, a second I-shaped assembly 12, and multiple third I-shaped assemblies 13.

[0035] The first I-shaped component 11 and the second I-shaped component 12 are symmetrical about the I-shaped structure 10 and are respectively set at a first preset distance from the I-shaped structure 10. The upper and lower parts of the I-shaped structure 10 are respectively connected to the first I-shaped component 11 and the second I-shaped component 12 end to end through the first capacitor C1; N is a natural number greater than 1.

[0036] The upper and lower parts of a third I-shaped component 13 are respectively connected to the upper and lower parts of the first I-shaped component 11 via a second capacitor C2 and a third capacitor C3, and are set at a second preset distance from the first I-shaped component 11.

[0037] The upper and lower parts of the next third I-shaped component 13 are connected to the upper and lower parts of the previous third I-shaped component 13 respectively through two fourth capacitors C4, and are set at a second preset distance from the previous third I-shaped component 13; until the upper and lower parts of the last third I-shaped component 13 are connected to the previous third I-shaped component 13 respectively through two fourth capacitors C4, and the upper and lower parts of the last third I-shaped component 13 are also connected to the upper and lower parts of the second I-shaped component 12 through another second capacitor C2 and another third capacitor C3, and are set at a second preset distance from the previous third I-shaped component 13 and the second I-shaped component 12 to form a birdcage structure; the I-shaped structure 10 and the first I-shaped component 11 enclose a first field of view, and the I-shaped structure 10 and the second I-shaped component 12 enclose a second field of view, and the width of the first field of view and the second field of view are both the first preset distance;

[0038] Wherein, the first preset distance is greater than the second preset distance, the capacitance of the first capacitor C1 is greater than the capacitance of the fourth capacitor C4, and the capacitance of the first capacitor C1, the second capacitor C2, the third capacitor C3 and the fourth capacitor C4 are determined according to the first preset distance and the second preset distance, so that the birdcage structure generates a uniform magnetic field.

[0039] In the above scheme, Figure 1 is a user-facing planar schematic diagram. During actual testing, the MRI head function detection radio frequency coil is a birdcage structure composed of an I-shaped structure 10, a first I-shaped component 11, a second I-shaped component 12, and multiple third I-shaped components 13 arranged in parallel. The third I-shaped components 13 are connected end-to-end via a fourth capacitor C4. The first I-shaped component 11 and the third I-shaped component 13 are connected end-to-end via second capacitors C2 and C3. The second I-shaped component 12 and the third I-shaped component 13 are connected end-to-end via another second capacitor C2 and another third capacitor C3. The first I-shaped component 11, the second I-shaped component 12, and the I-shaped structure 10 are all connected end-to-end via a first capacitor C1. The I-shaped structure 10 and the first I-shaped component 11 enclose a first field of view, and the I-shaped structure 10 and the second I-shaped component 12 enclose a second field of view. The width of both the first and second field of view is a first preset distance.

[0040] The radio frequency coil for magnetic resonance head function detection in this application allows the user under test to see objects through the gap between the I-shaped structure 10 and the first I-shaped component 11 and the second I-shaped component 12. By adjusting the capacitance values ​​of multiple first capacitors C1 and multiple second capacitors C2, a uniform magnetic field is generated in the birdcage structure. This widens the field of view of the detection coil and solves the technical problem of claustrophobia that users easily experience during testing in the prior art without changing the detection effect of the radio frequency coil.

[0041] It should be noted that the capacitance values ​​of the multiple first capacitors C1 are equal, the capacitance values ​​of the multiple second capacitors C2 are equal, the capacitance values ​​of the multiple third capacitors C3 are equal, and the capacitance values ​​of the multiple fourth capacitors C4 are equal.

[0042] The capacitance values ​​of the first capacitor C1, the second capacitor C2, the third capacitor C3, and the fourth capacitor C4 are determined based on a first preset distance and a second preset distance. This determination process is implemented using simulation software. The implementation process involves determining the distance between each third I-beam assembly 13, the distance between the first I-beam assembly 11 and an adjacent third I-beam assembly 13, the distance between the second I-beam assembly 12 and an adjacent third I-beam assembly 13, the width of the first field of view, and the width of the second field of view. These parameters are then input into the pre-modeled magnetic field simulation software for simulation. The capacitance values ​​of the first capacitor C1, the second capacitor C2, the third capacitor C3, and the fourth capacitor C4 are adjusted one by one until the birdcage structure generates a uniform magnetic field, thus determining the specific capacitance value of each capacitor.

[0043] Optionally, the first preset distance is 78.6 mm, and the second preset distance is 49 mm.

[0044] In an optional embodiment, the MRI head function detection radio frequency coil further includes two second unidirectional conduction components D2. The anode of one second unidirectional conduction component D2 is connected to one end of a third I-type component 13 near the first I-type component 11, and the cathode of one second unidirectional conduction component D2 is connected to the first I-type component 11 through a second capacitor C2. The anode of the other second unidirectional conduction component D2 is connected to one end of a third I-type component 13 near the second I-type component 12, and the cathode of the second unidirectional conduction component D2 is connected to the second I-type component 12 through another second capacitor C2.

[0045] In the above scheme, the setting of the second unidirectional conduction component D2, in conjunction with the second unidirectional conduction component D2 in each I-type component, restricts the current flow direction of each coil, so that the magnetic field of the coil is in the same direction and almost equal in magnitude each time, and the magnetic field distribution remains unchanged, thereby improving the overall stability of the RF coil for magnetic resonance head function detection.

[0046] Optionally, the second unidirectional conducting component D2 is a diode, and the first unidirectional conducting component is a diode.

[0047] Optionally, the first capacitor C1, the second capacitor C2, the third capacitor C3, and the fourth capacitor C4 are capacitors, which can be selected as needed.

[0048] In an optional embodiment, the I-shaped structure 10 and the first I-shaped component 11 enclose a first field of view, and the I-shaped structure 10 and the second I-shaped component 12 enclose a second field of view; the magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil also includes a first viewing window disposed in the first field of view and a second viewing window disposed in the second field of view.

[0049] In the above embodiments, by setting a viewing window, it can be ensured that the user can broaden their field of vision through the viewing window, thereby reducing the user's sense of claustrophobia.

[0050] Optionally, the length of the first viewing window and the width of the second viewing window are 87.5 mm and 56 mm respectively.

[0051] This application also proposes a radio frequency detection system, including the above-mentioned magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil and a head-mounted receiving array coil. The head-mounted receiving array coil is fixed on a flexible member, and when the flexible member is worn on the human body, the head-mounted receiving array coil is set to fit the wearer's chin.

[0052] The flexible design allows for comfortable wear by different patients, enabling the coil unit to bend adaptively. This ensures the coil fits snugly against the patient's head, improving image quality. The degree of bending does not affect the coil's resonant frequency because bending does not alter the self-inductance of the coil conductor circuit. Therefore, while improving the fit between the user and the receiving array coil, the coil's performance remains unchanged, thus enhancing detection and imaging quality.

[0053] Since the above-mentioned radio frequency detection system is made using a magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil, it includes all the solutions and beneficial effects of magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coils, which will not be elaborated here.

[0054] In the above implementation scheme, the parameters of the lumped elements on the coil can also be adjusted to achieve resonance at the Larmor frequency corresponding to different magnetic resonance field strengths, so as to be backward compatible with 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging system or higher field magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0055] Optionally, the flexible component can be made of nylon elastic fabric, leather, etc., and the head-mounted receiver array coil can be fixed on the flexible component according to the printed circuit process, or it can be made using liquid metal process.

[0056] Optionally, the head-mounted receiver array coil also includes multiple coils 21 arranged in pairs and overlapping each other, with each coil transmitting the received signal to the host computer through an independent channel.

[0057] The coils 21, which are arranged in pairs and overlap each other, can achieve mutual decoupling between each coil, avoiding the influence between the magnetic fields of the coils 21 that would lead to inaccurate detection results. This optimizes the coil unit structure and enables focused imaging of the head's motion sensory functional area, resulting in high signal-to-noise ratio and high resolution images.

[0058] Optionally, the number of coils 21 is 24, and the coils of the head-mounted receiver array are arranged symmetrically at the center.

[0059] By setting up the above coil structure, multiple channels can be used to receive feedback signals from multiple different locations on the human head after the radio frequency signal of the MRI head function detection radio frequency coil is applied, thereby enabling magnetic resonance imaging at the location corresponding to the MRI head function detection radio frequency coil.

[0060] Optionally, the head-mounted receiver array coils are 282 mm long and 107 mm wide, with each coil having a diameter of 40 mm.

[0061] Optionally, the flexible component is further provided with a first wearing part 22 and a second wearing part 23, which are based on a head-mounted receiver array coil.

[0062] The above settings allow for better fixation of the head-mounted receiver array coil position.

[0063] Based on the above scheme, to verify the coil imaging performance, a 5.0T MRI system from United Imaging Systems was used as the test platform. Water film imaging tests and human head scanning imaging tests were conducted using the head coil of this application, and the imaging performance was compared and analyzed with that of commercial coils. The system imaging effect was also analyzed. Experimental results proved its feasibility, demonstrating that high-resolution brain functional image data can be obtained.

[0064] It is understood that the technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0065] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application, and only specifically describe the technical principles of this application. These descriptions are only for explaining the principles of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application in any way. Based on this explanation, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application, as well as other specific embodiments of this application that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without creative effort, should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0066] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of this application may be practiced without these specific details. Similarly, for the sake of brevity and to aid in understanding one or more aspects of the application, in the above description of exemplary embodiments of this application, various features of the embodiments are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof. The claims, which follow the detailed description, are hereby expressly incorporated into that detailed description, wherein each claim itself is a separate embodiment of the application.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will understand that the modules in the device of the embodiment can be adaptively changed and placed in one or more devices different from that embodiment. Modules, units, or components in the embodiment can be combined into a single module, unit, or component, and further, they can be divided into multiple sub-modules, sub-units, or sub-components, except that at least some of such features and / or processes or units are mutually exclusive.

[0068] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative of this application and not restrictive, and those skilled in the art can devise alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word “” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. This application can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the unit claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, and third, etc., does not indicate any order. These words can be interpreted as names. The steps in the above embodiments, unless otherwise specified, should not be construed as limiting the order of execution.

Claims

1. A radio frequency coil for detecting head function using magnetic resonance imaging, characterized in that, include: The system comprises 2N T-shaped structures, multiple first capacitors, multiple second capacitors, multiple third capacitors, multiple fourth capacitors, N first unidirectional conductors, and I-shaped structures. Every two T-shaped structures are connected by one first unidirectional conductor to form an I-shaped assembly. The I-shaped assembly includes a first I-shaped assembly, a second I-shaped assembly, and multiple third I-shaped assemblies. The first I-shaped component and the second I-shaped component are symmetrical about the I-shaped structure and are respectively set at a first preset distance from the I-shaped structure. The upper and lower parts of the I-shaped structure are respectively connected to the first I-shaped component and the second I-shaped component end to end through the first capacitor; N is a natural number greater than 1. The upper and lower parts of the third I-shaped component are respectively connected to the upper and lower parts of the first I-shaped component through a second capacitor and a third capacitor, and are set at a second preset distance from the first I-shaped component. The upper and lower parts of the next third I-beam component are sequentially connected to the upper and lower parts of the previous third I-beam component via two fourth capacitors, and are spaced apart from the previous third I-beam component by a second preset distance; until the upper and lower parts of the last third I-beam component are connected to the previous third I-beam component via two fourth capacitors, and the upper and lower parts of the last third I-beam component are also connected to the upper and lower parts of the second I-beam component via another second capacitor and another third capacitor, and are spaced apart from the previous third I-beam component and the second I-beam component by a second preset distance, to form a birdcage structure; the I-beam structure and the first I-beam component enclose a first field of view, and the I-beam structure and the second I-beam component enclose a second field of view, the width of the first field of view and the width of the second field of view are both the first preset distance; Wherein, the first preset distance is greater than the second preset distance, the capacitance of the first capacitor is greater than the capacitance of the fourth capacitor, and the capacitances of the first capacitor, the second capacitor, the third capacitor, and the fourth capacitor are determined according to the first preset distance and the second preset distance, so that the birdcage structure generates a uniform magnetic field.

2. The RF coil for magnetic resonance head function detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first preset distance is 78.6 mm, and the second preset distance is 49 mm.

3. The MRI head function detection radio frequency coil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MRI head function detection radio frequency coil also includes two second unidirectional conduction components. The anode of one second unidirectional conduction component is connected to one end of the third I-type component near the first I-type component, and the cathode of one second unidirectional conduction component is connected to the first I-type component through a second capacitor. The anode of the other second unidirectional conduction component is connected to one end of the third I-type component near the second I-type component, and the cathode of the other second unidirectional conduction component is connected to the second I-type component through a second capacitor.

4. The RF coil for magnetic resonance head function detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The I-shaped structure and the first I-shaped component enclose a first field of view, and the I-shaped structure and the second I-shaped component enclose a second field of view; the magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil also includes a first viewing window disposed in the first field of view and a second viewing window disposed in the second field of view.

5. The RF coil for magnetic resonance head function detection according to claim 3, characterized in that, The length of the first viewing window and the width of the second viewing window are 87.5 mm and 56 mm respectively.

6. A radio frequency detection system, characterized in that, The device includes a magnetic resonance head function detection radio frequency coil as described in any one of claims 1-5 and a head-mounted receiving array coil, wherein the head-mounted receiving array coil is fixed on a flexible member and, when the flexible member is worn on the human body, the head-mounted receiving array coil is fitted to the wearer's chin.

7. The radio frequency detection system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The head-mounted receiver array coil also includes multiple coils arranged in pairs, each coil transmitting the received signal to the host computer through an independent channel.

8. The radio frequency detection system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of coils is 24, and the head-mounted receiver array composed of the 24 coils is arranged symmetrically at the center.

9. The radio frequency detection system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The head-mounted receiver array coil is 282mm long and 107mm wide, with each coil having a diameter of 40mm.

10. The radio frequency detection system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flexible component is further provided with a first wearing part and a second wearing part, which are based on a head-mounted receiver array coil.

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