Hybrid MPI MRI Magnetic System Merging Field Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid systems combining Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) face challenges in integrating both modalities into a single device, including spatial resolution limitations, logistical complexities, and high costs due to separate modality requirements, which hinder synergistic data fusion and precise co-registration of image data sets.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid device with a magnetic system that generates both homogeneous and spatially varying magnetic field profiles, allowing for integrated MRI and MPI operations within the same system, utilizing superconducting, resistive, or permanent magnetic field generating elements, and a transport apparatus to move the measurement object between examination regions, thereby minimizing space and complexity while enabling shared components and precise image registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate MPI and MRI systems are used, then each modality can be optimized independently, but spatial resolution and diagnostic accuracy are limited due to inability to synergistically combine data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges MPI and MRI systems into a single hybrid device with a unified magnetic field generating system. The magnetic field generating elements are configured to produce both the homogeneous magnetic field required for MRI and the spatially varying magnetic field profile required for MPI, allowing both modalities to be performed in the same examination region without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generating elements are designed with multi-functionality to serve both MRI and MPI operations. The same magnetic system can generate different magnetic field configurations depending on the examination mode, enabling a single device to perform both imaging modalities with optimized performance for each.
2Reliability
If separate MPI and MRI examination regions are used, then each modality can operate optimally, but logistical complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both examination regions into a single integrated examination space. The magnetic field generating elements are positioned and configured to create distinct magnetic field zones within the same physical space, allowing MPI and MRI operations to be performed in the same location without requiring separate examination rooms or complex logistical arrangements.
3Measurement precision
If separate MPI and MRI systems are used, then each system can be independently optimized, but costs and space requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate imaging systems into one hybrid device, eliminating the need for separate MPI and MRI equipment. The unified magnetic field generating system and shared examination region reduce the total space occupation while maintaining the ability to perform both modalities with high image data quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generating elements are designed as a universal system that can operate in both MRI and MPI modes. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant equipment and reduces overall space requirements while preserving the diagnostic capabilities of both individual modalities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate MPI and MRI data acquisition is used, then each modality can be performed independently, but co-registration of image data sets becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data acquisition processes by performing both MPI and MRI examinations in the same examination region with the same patient positioning. This unified approach ensures that the image data sets are automatically co-registered, eliminating the need for complex post-processing alignment procedures and improving co-registration accuracy.
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 integrated system enhances diagnostic validity by combining high sensitivity and temporal resolution of MPI with high-resolution morphological information from MRI, reducing logistical and cost burdens, and allowing precise co-registration of image data sets for improved diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a homogenous magnetic field is generated
Implementation Method 2
a spatially strongly varying magnetic field profile is generated, the field vectors thereof being different at all spatial points
Implementation Method 3
The non-linear magnetization curve of the SPIOs produce harmonics of F0 as the particle response
Implementation Method 4
there is a transport apparatus by means of which the measurement object can be moved out of the first examination region and into the second examination region and/or vice versa
Data Source
AI summary
Device for alternating examination of a measurement object (103) by means of MPI and MRI within a magnetic system is characterized in that the magnetic system has a specified magnetic field profile, which is not temporally variable during the alternating examination, and both magnetic field generating elements (101,102; 201,202; 801a,801b,811,812) generate a magnetic field portion, in the first examination region (104) and in the second examination region (105), which is essential for the MRI operation and for the MPI operation, and in that there is a transport apparatus (106) by means of which the measurement object can be moved out of the first examination region and into the second examination region and/or vice versa. The total space requirement for both modalities is thus reduced and the complexity of an integrally designed hybrid system is minimized.