C-arm MRI with Electropermanent Magnets for Surgical Access
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI systems do not provide adequate access for interventions such as biopsy or surgery, as they typically require the subject to be fully enclosed within the imaging system.
Innovation Solution
The use of a C-arm MRI system that incorporates electropermanent magnets (EPMs) to create quasi-static magnetic fields and magnetic gradients, allowing for partial enclosure of the subject while maintaining access to specific body parts for procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional MRI systems fully enclose the subject, then imaging quality is maintained, but surgical access to body parts is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The MRI system is segmented into multiple independent magnet assemblies arranged in a C-arm configuration, where each assembly contributes to the overall magnetic field but none completely enclose the subject. This segmentation allows the subject to be partially imaged while maintaining open access from multiple directions for surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging approach transitions from requiring complete three-dimensional enclosure to achieving adequate imaging through a limited angular arc. The C-arm configuration captures sufficient magnetic resonance signals from a partial enclosure perspective, eliminating the need for full 360-degree enclosure while maintaining diagnostic capability.
2Ease of operation
If the subject is partially exposed outside the imaging system, then surgical access is enabled, but the magnetic field uniformity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assemblies are strategically positioned and oriented to concentrate magnetic field strength and uniformity specifically within the region of interest that requires imaging. The field distribution is optimized locally at the imaging zone while allowing other regions to remain open for surgical access, rather than attempting uniform enclosure throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The C-arm MRI system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adequate magnetic field uniformity for diagnostic imaging of specific body regions while concurrently maintaining open architecture for surgical procedures. The system adapts to serve both imaging and surgical access requirements without compromising either function.
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 approach enables the detection and imaging of tumors and other lesions without obstructing surgical access, allowing for interventions to be performed without removing the patient from the imaging system.
Implementation Method 1
The use of a C-arm MRI system that incorporates electropermanent magnets (EPMs) to create quasi-static magnetic fields and magnetic gradients
Implementation Method 2
detecting tumors and other lesions or structures of interest in parts of human or non-human animals using MRI systems
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for accessing and imaging at least one body part of interest may position a subject in an imaging system to partially encloses the subject and partially expose the subject, and access at least one body part of the subject that is exposed outside the imaging system for a procedure. The at least one exposed body part is positioned to be imaged by the imaging system.