Emulating Computer System for MRI Surgical Table Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Siemens MRI scanners, such as Aera and Skyra, are designed for diagnostic imaging and cannot be used for surgical procedures due to limitations in table movement and lack of mounting points for surgical equipment, as the system requires a dockable table for imaging and disables imaging without proper connection.
Innovation Solution
An emulating computer system is used to emulate the diagnostic table's sensor and actuator states, allowing the MRI scanner to function with a separate surgical table by establishing communication protocols and providing virtual values for patient positioning and safety calculations, enabling safe and effective imaging in non-standard configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dockable table is used with the MRI scanner for diagnostic imaging, then imaging safety and control are ensured through communication protocols, but the system cannot be used for surgical procedures due to limited table movement and lack of mounting points
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary computer system is introduced that acts as a mediator between the surgical table and the MRI scanner control system. This intermediary receives commands from the scanner control system and translates them into appropriate actions for the surgical table, enabling compatibility without requiring modification of the original scanner system.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical table is designed to serve multiple functions: it can support both surgical procedures and MRI imaging operations. By making the table universally compatible with different operational modes and rooms, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated tables for diagnostic and surgical purposes.
2Reliability
If the MRI scanner is designed to require a dockable table for imaging, then safety protocols are maintained, but the scanner cannot function in surgical settings with separate tables
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary computer system creates a virtual copy or simulation of the dockable table's communication interface. It emulates the expected communication protocols and data formats, allowing the scanner control system to operate under its safety assumptions while actually controlling a different type of surgical table.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication parameters and control signals dynamically based on the operational context. When operating with a surgical table instead of a dockable table, the intermediary translates and adapts the control parameters to match the capabilities and interface of the surgical table while maintaining scanner safety requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the diagnostic table is permanently attached to the magnet, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot be used in separate rooms for different interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent components: the magnet can be moved between rooms, and the table (whether dockable or surgical) remains in its respective room. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system flexibility through the intermediary control system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the magnet is moved between rooms for different procedures, then versatility is improved, but the system complexity increases due to movement and reconfiguration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary computer system serves as a mediator that manages the complexity of moving the magnet between rooms. It handles the coordination of table positioning, communication protocol adaptation, and control signal translation, thereby shielding the user from the underlying system complexity while enabling versatile operation across multiple rooms.
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
Enables the use of Siemens MRI scanners in surgical settings by ensuring safe and effective imaging with appropriate specific-absorption rate (SAR) calculations and patient positioning, even when the standard dockable table is not connected, maintaining safety and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency transmission and detection system for eliciting and detecting NMR signals from the part in response to the magnetic fields
Data Source
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AI summary
In MR imaging in a suite of rooms including a diagnostic room and a second surgical room, the magnet includes a diagnostic table separable from a docking station of the magnet and the second room includes a second surgical table. An imaging control computer controls operation of the imaging system and a movement control computer controls operation of the magnet moving system and the patient support table. During imaging in the surgical room, the diagnostic table is separated and docked at a secondary docking station while an emulating computer system cooperate with the imaging control computer system by emulating outputs from the disconnected diagnostic table for controlling operation of the imaging system.