Catheter MRI Sensor Phased Array Coil Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI systems face limitations in enhancing image resolution and differentiation, particularly in procedures requiring precise tissue visualization and temperature monitoring during interventions like cardiac ablation.
Innovation Solution
A medical probe with spatially separated planar coils and a processor that applies phase delays to maximize signal detection, allowing for enhanced imaging by orienting the receiving direction of the coils to improve resolution and tissue differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single coil is used for signal detection, then the device complexity is low, but the image resolution and tissue differentiation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single coil into multiple spatially separated coils arranged in an array. Each coil detects signals from a specific spatial region, and the processor combines these segmented signals to reconstruct high-resolution images with improved tissue differentiation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection (0D) to a spatial array detection (1D, 2D, or 3D arrangement of coils). This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture spatial information across multiple dimensions, significantly improving image resolution and tissue differentiation while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic array design.
2Measurement precision
If multiple spatially separated coils are used, then the image resolution and tissue differentiation improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is designed with multi-functionality to handle various signal processing tasks including phase delay adjustment, signal combination, and image reconstruction for multiple coils simultaneously. This universal processing capability manages the increased complexity from multiple coils while delivering improved tissue differentiation and measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If phase delays are applied to maximize signals from a particular direction, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic phase delay adjustment where the processor can adaptively modify phase delays for each coil based on the desired detection direction and tissue characteristics. This dynamic control enables precise signal maximization from particular directions while the programmable nature of the processor keeps the control complexity manageable through software-based solutions.
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
The solution enables improved image resolution, faster imaging times, and enhanced physical and chemical tissue differentiation, facilitating more accurate procedural assessments, such as temperature monitoring during cardiac ablation.
Implementation Method 1
a processor which operates the array of coils as a phased array of antennas, and which applies phase delays to the coils so as to maximize the signal received from a selected direction, or from a selected location
Implementation Method 2
a processor which operates the array of coils as a phased array of antennas
Implementation Method 3
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an extremely powerful technique for visualizing tissue, particularly soft tissue, of a patient. The technique relies on exciting nuclei, typically hydrogen nuclei, from their equilibrium state, and measuring the resonant radio-frequency signals emitted by the nuclei as they relax back to equilibrium.
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical probe, including a flexible insertion tube having a distal end for insertion into a body cavity. An array of spatially separated coils is positioned within the distal end. A processor is configured to process respective signals generated by the coils in response to magnetic resonance of tissue in the body cavity, and to process the signals while applying a phase delay responsive to a separation between the coils so as to image the tissue.