Electrode Conductor Stabilization for MR-Compatible ECG
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Solution Overview
Problem
In magnetic resonance devices, the strong magnetic field causes interference with electrocardiogram (ECG) signals due to the magnetohydrodynamic effect and electrode conductor movements, leading to distorted ECG readings, which are difficult to filter and affect diagnostic precision.
Innovation Solution
An ECG device with a shapeable guide element stabilizes the electrode conductor, decoupling it from patient movements and electromagnetic interactions, and a carrier unit positions the receiving unit to minimize interference, allowing for reliable ECG signal capture within the magnetic resonance device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electrode conductor is left flexible and movable, then the ease of operation and adaptability to patient body contours is improved, but the ECG signal quality deteriorates due to movement-induced interference in the magnetic field
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode conductor system is segmented into multiple sections: a flexible first section for body contour adaptation, a stabilizing second section with guide element for interference reduction, and a connection third section. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function - the first section maintains ease of operation while the second section ensures measurement precision by preventing movement-induced interference in the magnetic field
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the electrode conductor are assigned different mechanical properties. The first section near the electrode is made flexible to adapt to patient body contours, while the second section is stabilized by a guide element to prevent movement. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If the ECG device is positioned closer to the patient's body, then the ECG signal strength is improved, but the interference from the magnetic field and its effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element acts as an intermediary between the electrode conductor and the magnetic field environment. It stabilizes the conductor in a controlled manner that allows maintaining optimal positioning for signal strength while minimizing exposure to harmful magnetic field effects and movement-induced interference
3Measurement precision
If the electrode conductor is stabilized rigidly, then the ECG signal quality is improved by reducing movement interference, but the ease of operation and adaptability to different patients deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is divided into flexible and stabilized sections, allowing the flexible first section to adapt to different patient body contours while the stabilized second section maintains signal quality. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode conductor system employs dynamic characteristics where the first section remains flexible to adapt to different patients, while the second section provides controlled stabilization. This dynamic differentiation allows the system to maintain both adaptability and signal quality across different examination scenarios
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 enhances ECG signal quality and diagnostic precision by reducing movement-induced interference, enabling accurate heartbeat capture for MR control sequences and minimizing errors in the isoelectric region.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect, arising due to the blood flow of an examination object situated in the magnetic field, is a known interaction of this type
Data Source
AI summary
An electrocardiography device (ECG device) designed for use in combination with a magnetic resonance device, including: a carrier unit; a receiving unit designed to mount on the carrier unit; an electrode; an electrode conductor connecting the electrode to the receiving unit, wherein the electrode conductor is stabilized at least partially by way of a shapeable guide element.