Low-Field MRI Coil Array with Contoured Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-field MRI systems are costly, large, and limited in availability, making them unsuitable for time-critical diagnostic imaging in clinical settings where access is restricted, and low-field MRI systems face challenges with reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and longer scan times due to weak MR signals.
Innovation Solution
A low-field MRI system with a coil design featuring a substrate contoured to follow subject anatomy, multiple turns, and a decoupling mechanism, utilizing multi-strand wires and passive decoupling to enhance SNR and reduce noise, allowing for parallel imaging processes and increased measurement averaging without extending scan times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-field MRI systems are used, then image quality and signal strength are improved, but system size, cost, and availability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using low-field MRI (0.2T or less) instead of traditional high-field systems, fundamentally altering the magnetic field strength parameter to achieve a different balance between image quality and system accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple receive coils (e.g., 8-channel array) that can be independently controlled and positioned, allowing the system to achieve high image quality through parallel imaging and signal combination while maintaining a compact, accessible form factor
2Device complexity
If low-field MRI systems are used, then system size and cost are reduced, but signal-to-noise ratio and scan time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signals from multiple receive coils and multiple echo signals through parallel imaging techniques, merging the signal strengths to achieve adequate signal-to-noise ratio despite operating at low field strengths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses continuous signal acquisition and combination across multiple coils and echoes, maintaining useful signal detection throughout the scan process to compensate for the lower signal strength inherent in low-field systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If low-field MRI systems are used, then availability and accessibility are improved, but scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging task across multiple receive coils that operate in parallel, allowing simultaneous data collection from different spatial regions, thereby reducing the total scan time required to acquire sufficient signal for image reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic signal acquisition through multiple echoes and repeated coil readings, efficiently sampling k-space data in a time-optimal sequence that minimizes total scan time while maintaining image quality
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 improved signal resolution and increased SNR in low-field MRI, enabling efficient imaging with reduced hardware requirements and increased availability, suitable for clinical applications where high-field systems are impractical.
Implementation Method 1
a signal is emitted by the excited nuclei or 'spins', after the excitation signal B1 is terminated, and this signal may be received and processed to form an image
Implementation Method 2
magnetic field gradients (Gx, Gy, and Gz) are employed. Typically, the region to be imaged is scanned by a sequence of measurement cycles in which these gradients vary according to the particular localization method being used
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for performing parallel magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) process using a low-field magnetic resonance imaging (IfMRI) system includes a substrate configured to follow a contour of a portion of a subject to be imaged by the IfMRI system using a pMRI process. A plurality of coils are coupled to the substrate. Each coil in the plurality of coils has a number of turns and an associated decoupling mechanism selected to operate the plurality of coils to effectuate the pMRI process using the IfMRI system.