Intravascular MRI Probe Assembly Using Nested Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the capability to produce real-time, three-dimensional imagery of blood vessel interiors during surgical procedures without exposing patients and surgeons to harmful radiation, and existing MRI technologies are not designed for intravascular use.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized probe assembly with x, y, and z coils, gradient echo coils, a radio frequency coil, a shim coil, and a magnet, coupled with a conductor that connects to a magnetic resonance imaging processor, allowing for real-time three-dimensional imaging within blood vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a miniaturized MRI probe is inserted into a blood vessel for intravascular imaging, then real-time three-dimensional imaging capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to miniaturize multiple MRI components (coils, gradient systems, magnet) into a compact probe assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested doll by placing multiple MRI components (x-coil, y-coil, z-coils, gradient echo coils, shim coil, and magnet) concentrically within the probe assembly, with each component positioned inside the previous one, similar to nested dolls. This allows all necessary MRI functionality to be contained within a single small probe that can be inserted into blood vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the MRI system into separate functional segments (radio frequency coils for excitation and reception, gradient coils for spatial encoding, shim coils for field uniformity, and magnet for main field generation), each optimized for its specific function. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component while maintaining overall system functionality within the constrained probe volume.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional MRI technologies are used for blood vessel imaging, then imaging capability is provided, but radiation exposure risks occur with alternative imaging methods like X-ray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using magnetic fields and radio frequency waves, which are non-ionizing and safe for biological tissues, to replace ionizing radiation-based methods like X-ray imaging. The magnetic resonance imaging technique provides detailed anatomical information without the harmful radiation effects, converting a potentially harmful imaging approach into a safe one.
3Length of moving object
If the probe diameter is reduced to fit inside blood vessels, then intravascular access is enabled, but the volume available for positioning MRI components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the volume constraint by nesting multiple MRI components concentrically within the probe, with each component positioned inside the previous one. This three-dimensional nesting arrangement maximizes the use of available space within the small probe diameter, allowing all necessary components to coexist in a compact configuration that would be impossible with conventional side-by-side arrangements.
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 real-time, three-dimensional imaging of blood vessel interiors during surgical procedures, providing comprehensive guidance without the risks associated with X-ray radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
An x coil, a y coil and a pair of z coils is each positioned within the probe for producing a magnetic field to facilitate magnetic resonance imaging
Implementation Method 2
A first gradient echo coil, a second gradient coil, a shim coil and a magnet is each positioned within the probe
Data Source
AI summary
An intravascular MRI probe assembly for producing real time, three dimension imagery of an interior of a blood vessel includes a probe has diameter is sufficiently small to fit inside of a blood vessel of a human being. An x coil, a y coil and a pair of z coils is each positioned within the probe for producing a magnetic field to facilitate magnetic resonance imaging of an interior of the blood vessel. A first gradient echo coil, a second gradient coil, a shim coil and a magnet is each positioned within the probe. A conductor is coupled to the probe and the conductor extends away from the second end of the probe. Additionally, the conductor is electrically coupled to a magnetic resonance imaging processor to produce a three dimensional image of the interior of the blood vessel.