Flexible Breast MRI Coil Array for Signal-to-Noise Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breast receive coils for MRI fail to conform to varying patient sizes, resulting in a poor signal-to-noise ratio, which limits the effectiveness of breast cancer detection and imaging, especially in techniques like high resolution diffusion weighted imaging.
Innovation Solution
A flexible breast receive coil array with more than 8 channels, designed to conform to different breast sizes, comprising a mechanical support structure that separates from the electrical components, allowing for a high filling factor and improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional breast receive coils are used, then the imaging system can be simplified, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to poor conformance to patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The coil array is divided into multiple independent receive coils (more than 8 channels) that can be independently controlled and optimized. Each coil element can be segmented to conform to specific anatomical regions of the breast, allowing the system to achieve high signal-to-noise ratio through localized optimization while maintaining overall system manageability through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The coil array incorporates flexible elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different patient breast sizes and shapes. The mechanical support structure can be adjusted or reconfigured to accommodate varying anatomical conditions, enabling the coil array to maintain optimal conformance and signal reception across different patients without requiring complete system redesign
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid coil structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but the ability to conform to varying patient sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coil array utilizes flexible substrates or thin-film structures that can bend and conform to the contours of patient anatomy. This flexibility is achieved through materials and structural design that allow deformation while maintaining electrical functionality, enabling adaptation to varying breast sizes and shapes without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical support structure is segmented into modular components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall flexibility, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to creating a single fully flexible structure
3Measurement precision
If fewer receive coils are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image resolution and signal quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs more than 8 receive coils, using excessive action by incorporating additional channels beyond the minimum required. This allows for oversampling and improved signal reconstruction, enabling higher image resolution and better noise characterization through techniques like compressed sensing that can process the extra data to produce high-quality images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic signal processing techniques to manage the complexity of multiple channels. By using digital signal processing, parallel processing, and advanced reconstruction algorithms, the system can effectively utilize more channels to improve image quality without proportionally increasing operational complexity
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 flexible coil array achieves a significantly higher signal-to-noise ratio and lower geometry factors, enabling better image resolution and faster imaging processes, particularly suitable for 3 Tesla imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems enable imaging based on a primary magnetic field, a radio frequency (RF) pulse, and time-varying magnetic gradient fields that interact with specific nuclear components in an object, such as hydrogen nuclei in water molecules. The magnetic moments of such nuclear components may generally align with the primary magnetic field, but subsequently precess about the bulk magnetic field direction at a characteristic frequency known as the Larmor frequency. An RF pulse at or near the Larmor frequency of such nuclear components may cause their magnetic moments to be rotated. When the RF pulse has ended, the magnetic moments relax and generally align with the primary magnetic field, emitting a detectable signal.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a receive coil assembly for use in magnetic resonance imaging of breast tissue. In certain embodiments the assembly comprises separable parts: a configurable mechanical support and a flexible receive coil array. The adjustability and separability of the receive coil array relative to the mechanical support allows the receive coil array to substantially conform to the breasts of the patient during imaging.