Meandering RF Coil Grid for Breast MRI Puncture Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In magnetic resonance imaging, particularly for breast imaging, increasing the number of RF coil elements on the side surface to enhance parallel imaging performance often obstructs the puncture area, while enlarging the elements to prioritize puncture area security compromises signal noise ratio (SNR) and extends imaging time.
Innovation Solution
The RF coil incorporates a puncture needle insertion assembly with a grid structure where conductors of coil elements are laid meanderingly between holes, allowing for a sufficient puncture area without blocking and maintaining high SNR by using a detachable grid assembly that can be sterilized, and separating contact and element parts for cost-effective and infection-preventing design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of RF coil elements on the side surface is increased to enhance parallel imaging performance, then parallel imaging performance is improved, but the puncture area is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The RF coil is divided into multiple independent elements that can be selectively activated. The grid structure is segmented into multiple holes, allowing puncture needles to be inserted through specific holes while RF coil elements are positioned in the spaces between holes, thereby separating the functions of imaging and puncture access.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductors of the RF coil elements are laid meanderingly between the holes in the grid structure, utilizing the spatial dimension between the holes rather than occupying the hole spaces. This three-dimensional arrangement allows both puncture access and RF coil functionality to coexist without obstruction.
2Area of stationary object
If the diameter of elements is increased to prioritize securing the puncture area, then the puncture area is secured, but the signal noise ratio is lowered and imaging time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the RF coil have different properties: the grid structure provides puncture access in specific locations, while the meandering conductors provide RF coil functionality in the spaces between holes. This local differentiation allows both puncture area security and high SNR to be achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid structure acts as an intermediary that separates the puncture needle insertion paths from the RF coil element positions. The meandering conductors serve as intermediaries that allow RF signals to be transmitted without blocking the puncture holes, enabling both functions to operate simultaneously without compromising SNR.
Data Source
AI summary
An RF coil includes a puncture needle insertion assembly in which a plurality of holes into which a puncture needle is inserted are formed within a surface of the puncture needle insertion assembly. In the puncture needle insertion assembly, conductors of a plurality of elements of a coil that are being insulated from one another are laid to meander on a frame between the holes.