Annular MRI Magnet Structure for Natural Limb Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatuses face challenges in imaging large animal patients, such as horses, due to the need for unnatural patient positioning and the use of bulky support structures, which can require anesthesia and lengthy procedures, while small magnet structures for multi-slice imaging result in long scan times and bulky devices.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus with a magnet structure having an open or closed annular cross-section and vertical orientation, allowing for natural patient posture and vertical displacement, combined with adjustable magnetic field strength and shimming elements to optimize imaging volume and comfort, enabling imaging of limbs in natural stress positions without the need for unnatural positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a large magnet structure is used to accommodate the whole patient, then the imaging volume is large and can envelope several anatomic regions, but the magnet structure becomes very large and expensive, causing problems for veterinary applications with large animals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging task into multiple slices, where each slice is imaged separately using a smaller magnet structure. This allows the system to maintain a compact magnet size while still being able to image multiple anatomic regions by acquiring and reconstructing multiple slices, thus resolving the contradiction between large imaging volume and large magnet structure size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of time by using multi-slice imaging techniques, where slices are acquired sequentially rather than simultaneously. This allows a smaller magnet structure to effectively cover a larger volume over time, resolving the contradiction between imaging volume and magnet structure size.
2Ease of operation
If the patient is positioned on a support structure in an unnatural position, then the patient can be imaged, but the animal must be anesthetized or narcotized and bulky means are needed for positioning and holding the patient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the patient into an unnatural position on a support structure, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the magnet structure around the naturally positioned patient or body part. This eliminates the need for complex positioning devices and anesthesia, as the patient remains in a natural stance while the imaging device is adapted to accommodate them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the support function from the patient positioning system and replaces it with the magnet structure itself serving as the positioning reference. The magnet structure is designed with openings and geometry that accommodate naturally positioned limbs, eliminating the need for separate bulky support structures.
3Length of stationary object
If a small magnet structure is used for multi-slice imaging, then the magnet structure size is reduced, but long scan times are required and bulky devices are needed to hold the patient body part in a stable and fixed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning capabilities where the magnet structure or the patient support can be adjusted during the imaging process. This allows for faster repositioning between slices and reduces the need for excessively long scan times, while still maintaining a compact magnet structure size.
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
Enables efficient and comfortable imaging of human or animal limbs in natural stress positions, reducing the need for anesthesia and bulky support structures, while optimizing magnetic field homogeneity and scan time, thus improving the imaging process for both human and veterinary applications.
Implementation Method 1
the magnet structure comprises means for generating a static magnetic field in the chamber or the cavity
Implementation Method 2
means for transmitting signals for exciting magnetic resonance signals to be generated by the limb or part of the limb introduced inside the said chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging of patients with limbs, particularly lower limbs, under natural stress, which apparatus includes a magnet structure having an open or closed annular shape, and a predetermined axial extension, which structure delimits a cavity for receiving at least a part of the patient body, with at least two or three open sides, the open sides providing access to the cavity. The open or closed annular magnet structure being disposed with the axis of the open or closed annular shape oriented with at least one vertical directional component and devices being provided for vertical translation of the magnet structure or the patient relative to the magnet structure.