Angled Unilateral MRI Magnet for Surgical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging systems face limitations in accessibility and cost-effectiveness due to their size and design, which restricts imaging of smaller body regions and can cause discomfort for claustrophobic patients or children, as well as hinder surgical procedures and biopsies.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging system with a field generation unit, supporting structure, and radiofrequency system that includes an opening for unilateral access to the imaging volume angled relative to the main magnetic field lines, allowing for a smaller, more focused imaging volume and enhanced patient accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional magnetic resonance imaging system with a bore design is used, then the imaging system can provide a complete enclosed space for imaging, but the accessibility for surgical procedures and biopsies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet structure is segmented into separate components (first magnet and second magnet) positioned at different locations, allowing the imaging system to provide access from multiple directions rather than requiring a complete enclosed bore. This segmentation enables surgical instruments to access the imaging volume from lateral directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension for access by positioning magnets at lateral locations rather than only at the ends of a bore. This creates a partially open configuration where the imaging volume is accessible from multiple spatial dimensions, not just through the traditional longitudinal bore entrance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large bore size is used to accommodate the human body, then the imaging system can image entire body regions, but the cost and space utilization become unsatisfactory for imaging smaller body regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized imaging volume defined by the intersection of magnetic field regions from separately positioned magnets. This allows the system to provide a focused imaging region tailored to specific body parts rather than requiring a large bore sized for the entire body, optimizing both imaging capability and system size.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the magnetic field generation into separate magnet components positioned at different locations, the system can create a compact imaging volume suitable for dedicated body region imaging. This segmentation allows the imaging system to be smaller while maintaining versatility for imaging various body parts by adjusting the relative positions and orientations of the magnet components.
3Ease of operation
If an elongated examination time is required for complete body imaging, then comprehensive imaging data can be obtained, but claustrophobic patients and children cannot tolerate the examination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a partially open magnet configuration that provides lateral access to the imaging volume. This partial opening reduces the enclosed feeling that causes claustrophobia while still maintaining sufficient magnetic field coverage for imaging. The system achieves adequate imaging capability with reduced enclosure, allowing claustrophobic patients and children to tolerate the examination.
4Ease of operation
If a unilateral opening is provided for access to the imaging volume, then accessibility is improved, but the magnetic field homogeneity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric magnet configuration where the first and second magnets are positioned at different lateral locations and orientations. This asymmetric arrangement creates a partially open structure that provides unilateral access while the specific positioning and orientation of the magnet components are designed to maintain adequate magnetic field homogeneity within the imaging volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for dynamic adjustment of the magnet components' positions and orientations relative to each other and to the imaging volume. This dynamic capability enables optimization of both access and magnetic field homogeneity for different imaging applications and patient positions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design provides improved accessibility for imaging smaller body regions, reduces patient discomfort, and facilitates surgical procedures by creating a more open and cost-effective imaging environment.
Implementation Method 1
the field generation unit comprises at least one magnet for generating a B0 magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The static magnetic field may comprise magnetic field strengths of 0.2 Tesla to 7 Tesla, thus aligning nuclear spins inside the examination object along the static magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
a radiofrequency system comprising at least one radiofrequency antenna for transmitting and/or receiving radiofrequency radiation
Implementation Method 4
A radiofrequency excitation pulse may comprise an alternating (electro-)magnetic field with a frequency which corresponds to the Larmor frequency at the respective static magnetic field strength
Implementation Method 5
a gradient field system comprising at least one gradient coil for generating at least one magnetic gradient field
Implementation Method 6
For spatial encoding of measured data, rapidly switched magnetic gradient fields are superimposed on the static magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a field generation unit and a supporting structure for providing structural support for the field generation unit, wherein the field generation unit comprises at least one magnet for generating a B0 magnetic field and an opening configured to provide access to an imaging volume positioned in the B0 magnetic field along at least one direction and wherein the at least one direction is angled with respect to a main direction of magnetic field lines of the B0 magnetic field in the imaging volume.