Liquid Crystal MRI Thermometer for Non-Invasive Temperature Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature measurement methods for MRI systems are invasive, expensive, and inadequate for accurate calibration of phantoms, leading to variability in MRI measurements due to temperature dependencies of MRI parameters like T1 and T2 relaxation times and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient.
Innovation Solution
The use of liquid crystal thermometers with unique phase transition temperatures spanning the range of typical MRI bore temperatures, allowing for non-invasive and accurate temperature assessment through distinct visual signals in MRI scans, enabling consistent characterization of MRI systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital, alcohol, or fiber optic thermometers are used to measure temperature in MRI, then temperature can be assessed, but the methods are invasive, expensive, or require laborious set-up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive temperature sensors (digital, alcohol, fiber optic thermometers) with a magnetic resonance-based temperature measurement system. The liquid crystal composition serves as a temperature-sensitive agent that can be detected non-invasively by MRI, eliminating the need for physical temperature probes and their associated setup complexity and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces liquid crystal composition as an intermediary substance that mediates between the temperature field and the MRI detection system. The liquid crystal's NMR signal characteristics change with temperature, allowing indirect temperature measurement through MRI signal analysis rather than direct sensor contact.
2Measurement precision
If chemical shift thermometers are used in MRI, then temperature measurement is possible, but variations in magnetic field strength introduce errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from chemical shift frequency (which is sensitive to magnetic field variations) to NMR signal intensity or relaxation time characteristics of the liquid crystal. These alternative parameters are less sensitive to static magnetic field strength variations, improving reliability across different MRI scanners while maintaining temperature measurement capability.
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
Provides a cost-effective and non-invasive means to accurately measure temperature, ensuring consistent characterization of MRI systems and reducing errors in measurements by using liquid crystals with distinct phase transitions detectable by MRI, facilitating standardization across different systems and time points.
Implementation Method 1
Liquid crystals undergo temperature-specific phase changes that can be detected by MRI
Implementation Method 2
Liquid crystals undergo temperature-specific phase changes that can be detected by MRI
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are novel liquid crystal based devices for the facile measurement of temperature in an MRI system. The thermometers comprise a plurality of vessels wherein each vessel contains a liquid crystal composition having a unique phase transition temperature. By scanning with appropriate techniques, the state of the liquid crystals in each vessel can be assessed, and the temperature at the time of the scan can be determined by the state of the liquid crystal compositions. Also provided are novel vessels and assemblies of vessels that can be used as MRI thermometers and which are compatible with MRI phantoms.