Concentric MRI and Fluoroscopy Markers

Solution Overview

Problem

Current visualization techniques for medical devices, such as MRI and X-ray imaging, face challenges in providing simultaneous and effective imaging of implantable devices within the body, as existing materials often compromise on radiopacity or MRI visibility, leading to suboptimal imaging quality.

Innovation Solution

A marking system comprising multiple layers of fluoroscopic imaging enhancement material and MRI enhancement material, arranged concentrically and bonded, is applied to medical devices to enhance visibility under both imaging modalities, optimizing radiopacity and MRI visibility without interfering with each other's performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If fluoroscopic imaging enhancement material is used to improve radiopacity, then X-ray visibility is improved, but MRI visibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveradiopacityVSAvoidMRI visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The marker is divided into multiple concentric layers, with different layers containing fluoroscopic enhancement materials (high atomic number) and MRI enhancement materials (ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, or superparamagnetic properties). This segmentation allows each layer to independently optimize for its specific imaging modality without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The marker combines multiple materials with complementary imaging properties in a composite structure. The fluoroscopic enhancement materials (such as tungsten, tantalum, or gold) provide radiopacity, while the MRI enhancement materials (such as iron oxide, gadolinium, or cobalt-based compounds) provide MRI visibility, creating a multi-functional composite marker.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If MRI enhancement material is used to improve MRI visibility, then MRI imaging is improved, but radiopacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMRI visibilityVSAvoidradiopacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The marker is divided into multiple concentric layers, with different layers containing fluoroscopic enhancement materials (high atomic number) and MRI enhancement materials (ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, or superparamagnetic properties). This segmentation allows each layer to independently optimize for its specific imaging modality without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The marker combines multiple materials with complementary imaging properties in a composite structure. The fluoroscopic enhancement materials (such as tungsten, tantalum, or gold) provide radiopacity, while the MRI enhancement materials (such as iron oxide, gadolinium, or cobalt-based compounds) provide MRI visibility, creating a multi-functional composite marker.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If multiple layers are used to enhance both fluoroscopic and MRI imaging, then imaging quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidmarker structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The marker employs a nested concentric layer structure where multiple functional layers are arranged one inside another. This nesting approach allows multiple imaging enhancement materials to be integrated in a compact, organized manner, minimizing the overall marker size while maintaining multiple imaging functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-layer marker structure serves multiple imaging functions simultaneously - fluoroscopic imaging, MRI imaging, and potentially other imaging modalities. This multi-functionality is achieved through the careful selection and arrangement of materials in different layers, allowing a single marker to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate markers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides effective imaging of medical devices by both MRI and fluoroscopy, ensuring high radiopacity and MRI visibility, reducing image distortion and artifacts, while maintaining mechanical compatibility and ease of attachment to medical devices.

Implementation Method 1

Materials that are highly radiopaque absorb X rays to create contrast within the image, and thus are visible

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

MRI is another visualization technique used by medical professionals. These images are produced from complex interactions between nuclear spin and electromagnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear spin interaction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS7761138B2MRI and X-ray visualization

Publication Date: 2010.07.20 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

Markers that are visible under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluoroscopy and related medical devices are disclosed.