Hybrid MR-Xray System with Segmented Gradient Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems, such as magnetic resonance tomographs and X-ray units, face limitations in providing comprehensive and consistent anatomical information for diagnostics, particularly in achieving high spatial and temporal resolution while minimizing artifacts and radiation dose.
Innovation Solution
An integrated examination system combining a magnetic resonance tomograph with a cylindrical coil, an X-ray source, and an X-ray detector, where the X-ray system is rotatable and arranged between gradient coil portions to avoid obstruction, allowing for simultaneous high-resolution imaging with minimal artifacts and optimized radiation usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic resonance imaging is used, then soft tissue contrast is improved, but temporal resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic resonance imaging components (cylindrical coil, gradient coils) with X-ray imaging components (X-ray source, X-ray detector) into a single hybrid examination system. This merging allows the system to leverage the high soft tissue contrast capability of MRI while incorporating the high temporal resolution capability of X-ray imaging, thereby resolving the contradiction between these two imaging modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid examination system is designed to perform both magnetic resonance imaging and X-ray imaging functions within a single device. The system can switch between or combine these imaging modes to provide both high soft tissue contrast and high temporal resolution, making the system universally applicable to various diagnostic requirements that previously required separate devices.
2Speed
If X-ray imaging is used, then temporal resolution is improved, but soft tissue contrast deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges X-ray imaging components with magnetic resonance imaging components into a hybrid system. This allows the system to provide high temporal resolution through X-ray imaging while simultaneously achieving high soft tissue contrast through magnetic resonance imaging, thereby resolving the limitations of standalone X-ray systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging. This universal design enables the system to adapt to different diagnostic needs, providing high temporal resolution when needed while also delivering superior soft tissue contrast when required, something that cannot be achieved with a single-imaging-mode device.
3Measurement precision
If gradient coils are placed in the examination space, then magnetic resonance imaging capability is improved, but X-ray detection is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The gradient coil assembly is segmented into multiple portions (first gradient coil portion, second gradient coil portion, third gradient coil portion) arranged at different locations within the examination space. This segmentation allows the system to provide magnetic resonance imaging capability in specific regions while leaving other regions clear for X-ray detection, thereby resolving the obstruction problem.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the examination space are assigned different functional qualities: some regions contain gradient coils for magnetic resonance imaging while other regions are cleared for X-ray detection. This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously support both imaging modalities without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between MRI capability and X-ray detectability.
4Measurement precision
If multiple coils are arranged in the examination space, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging systems (magnetic resonance imaging components and X-ray imaging components) into a single hybrid examination system. While this combining does increase device complexity, it is justified by the significant improvement in imaging capability and the ability to provide both high soft tissue contrast and high temporal resolution simultaneously, which cannot be achieved with separate devices.
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 system achieves temporally and spatially consistent anatomical information, enhancing clinical effectiveness by combining magnetic resonance and X-ray imaging methods, reducing artifacts, and allowing for higher image resolution and lower radiation doses.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic resonance tomograph (100) with a cylindrical coil (120) for generating a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
there is advantageously formed in the interspace between the first gradient coil portion and the second gradient coil portion a gradient field which permits a spatially resolved examination by means of magnetic resonance imaging
Implementation Method 3
X-ray images with high temporal resolution can be prepared by means of the first X-ray source and the first X-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
An examination system including a magnetic resonance scanner having a solenoid for generating a magnetic field, the solenoid surrounding an examination chamber is provided. In addition, a first X-ray source and a first X-ray detector are provided in the examination chamber.