Dual Leg MRI Coil Array with Decoupled Birdcage Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies face challenges in achieving high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and homogeneous signal sensitivity for peripheral vascular disease imaging, particularly in the lower extremities, due to issues with coil geometry, inductive coupling, and limitations of birdcage coils in parallel imaging.
Innovation Solution
A coil array design that encloses each leg separately with decoupled birdcage coils using shared reactive components, allowing for parallel imaging without conductive shielding, and optimizing coil configurations to minimize mutual inductance and maximize SNR, including the use of birdcage-like geometry and surface coils in an 'infinity' configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single enclosure coil geometry is used to enclose both legs, then the coil structure is simple, but the signal-to-noise ratio is reduced due to increased detection noise and larger enclosure radius
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single enclosure coil into two separate coil sections, each enclosing one leg independently. This segmentation allows each coil to have a smaller radius and closer proximity to the target anatomy, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining overall structural simplicity through modular design.
2Measurement precision
If separate coils are placed around each leg to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then the detection SNR improves, but inductive coupling between the coils causes signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a decoupling circuit as an intermediary component between the two separate coils. This circuit includes reactive elements (inductors and capacitors) that cancel out the mutual inductance between the coils, thereby eliminating the harmful inductive coupling effect while preserving the improved signal-to-noise ratio from the separate coil configuration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If birdcage coils are used to provide homogeneous signal intensity, then signal homogeneity improves, but parallel imaging is not possible and scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system into multiple independent coil sections, each capable of simultaneous operation. This segmentation enables parallel imaging by allowing multiple coils to acquire signal data concurrently, thereby reducing scan time while maintaining the homogeneous signal characteristics through proper coil design and decoupling.
4Length of stationary object
If surface coils are used to reduce distance from anatomy, then the distance between coil elements and anatomic parts is minimized, but coil coupling between legs becomes serious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a decoupling circuit as an intermediary between the closely spaced surface coils on each leg. This circuit compensates for the strong inductive coupling that results from the coils' close proximity to the anatomy and each other, allowing the coils to maintain their close distance configuration without suffering from excessive coupling interference.
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 achieves higher SNR, reduces scan time, and improves resolution by minimizing inductive coupling and providing homogeneous sensitivity over the region of major arteries, enabling effective parallel imaging and efficient imaging of the lower extremities.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic resonance imaging of the lower extremities using a coil array having sections of decoupled coil elements
Implementation Method 2
decoupled birdcage coils using shared reactive components, allowing for parallel imaging without conductive shielding, and optimizing coil configurations to minimize mutual inductance
Data Source
AI summary
Magnetic resonance imaging of the lower extremities using a coil array having sections of decoupled coil elements that enclose, bilaterally and separately, both legs at the same longitudinal region along the cranial-caudal direction.