Intrabody MRI Stacked Flat Loop Antenna Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI systems face challenges in obtaining high-resolution images of deep body structures during intracardiac and interventional procedures due to limitations in signal reception and tissue interaction, particularly in high-magnetic field environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of elongate intrabody MRI-antenna probes with stacked flat loops and associated circuitry, allowing for real-time imaging and signal detection, which includes a decoupling circuit to isolate RF transmission and a splitter circuit for simultaneous recording and stimulation, enabling high-resolution imaging of cardiac and neural tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MRI systems are used for deep body structure imaging, then the system structure is simple, but the signal-to-noise ratio is insufficient for high-resolution imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The MRI antenna is segmented into multiple stacked flat loops arranged in a stack configuration. Each loop contributes to the overall signal reception, and the segmented structure allows for optimized signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining a manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-plane loop antennas to a three-dimensional stacked configuration of flat loops. This dimensional change from two-dimensional to three-dimensional arrangement enables improved signal reception from multiple spatial directions, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio for deep body structure imaging
2Measurement precision
If stacked flat loop antennas are used to improve signal reception, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flat loops are merged into a single stacked antenna structure that functions as one integrated receive antenna. The loops are closely spaced and stacked to form a unified device that improves signal reception while presenting a single coherent structure to the imaging system, thereby managing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flat loops are nested in a stacked configuration where multiple loops are arranged in layers along the longitudinal axis. This nesting approach allows the antenna to achieve enhanced signal reception characteristics while maintaining a compact form factor that does not excessively increase device complexity
3Measurement precision
If RF decoupling circuitry is added to isolate transmit and receive functions, then the imaging accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF decoupling circuitry is extracted as a separate functional module that is coupled to the stacked flat loops. This extraction allows the transmit and receive functions to be independently optimized and managed, improving imaging accuracy while containing circuit complexity within a dedicated decoupling section rather than distributing it throughout the entire antenna structure
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
These probes provide improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and allow for precise guidance and visualization of internal anatomy during procedures, facilitating minimally invasive treatments like AFIB treatments and deep brain procedures with enhanced resolution and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The distal portion includes at least one conductor arranged in a stack of closely spaced substantially flat loops. The flat stacked loops cooperate to define an MRI signal receive antenna.
Implementation Method 2
at least two of the flat loops are closed loops with one of the other layers having a conductor in communication with at least one capacitor, wherein the flat loop layers have an associated inductance, and wherein the probe is tuned to an operating frequency of an MRI scanner using the at least one capacitor and inductance of the flat loop layers of the probe.
Data Source
AI summary
Elongate intrabody MRI-antenna probes include opposing distal and proximal portions. The distal portion includes at least one multi-turn conductor arranged as a stack of substantially flat loops, each with a substantially rectangular elongate shape. A flat loop can reside on each of a plurality of adjacent vertically stacked substantially planar layers, the flat loops cooperate to define a MRI receive antenna.