Magnetic Induction Tomography Coil Array for Deep Tissue Electrical Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies for tissue using magnetic induction tomography (MIT) face challenges in noninvasively mapping the distribution of passive electrical properties of tissues, particularly in depth and with varying configurations, which limits their effectiveness in monitoring wound healing and other applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of dedicated magnetic field generation and detection coils, along with advanced electronic circuitry and processing methods, allows for the generation and measurement of magnetic fields to create three-dimensional images of tissue properties, enabling noninvasive assessment of tissue electrical characteristics at different depths and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic induction tomography is used to image tissue properties, then noninvasive measurement of electrical properties is achieved, but measurement precision and depth resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement process by using multiple coils positioned at different locations and orientations around the tissue. Each coil measures magnetic fields from a specific region, and the processor integrates these segmented measurements to reconstruct three-dimensional images of electrical properties at different depths, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex measurement setup
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional surface measurements to three-dimensional volumetric imaging by strategically positioning coils in multiple spatial dimensions around the tissue. This dimensional expansion allows the system to resolve electrical properties at different depths and orientations, overcoming the depth resolution limitation while maintaining noninvasive measurement capability
2Measurement precision
If multiple coils are used to improve imaging depth and resolution, then measurement capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each coil in the system is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as a transmitter and receiver of magnetic fields. The same coil can be used to generate the primary magnetic field and detect the secondary field from induced eddy currents, eliminating the need for separate dedicated transmitter and receiver coils. This universality reduces device complexity while maintaining the capability for deep tissue imaging with high resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of multiple coils into a coordinated array that works together as an integrated measurement system. The processor combines signals from multiple coils to reconstruct three-dimensional images, merging the data from different spatial positions and orientations into a unified representation of tissue electrical properties, thereby achieving enhanced depth and orientation resolution without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
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
This approach enables precise, noninvasive imaging of tissue electrical properties, facilitating better understanding and monitoring of wound healing processes, and potentially informing treatment decisions and developing wound therapies.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more generation coils can generate a primary magnetic field that passes through an object. The flux of the primary magnetic field can induce eddy currents in the object.
Implementation Method 2
The one or more detection coils can then measure a secondary magnetic field generated by the induced eddy currents.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic inductance tomography (MIT) device for imaging a tissue of a patient can include multiple coils, electronic circuitry, and one or more processors. The electronic circuitry can separately energize individual coils of the multiple coils to generate magnetic fields perturbed by the tissue. The one or more processors can receive MIT signals responsive to the magnetic fields perturbed by the tissue and process the MIT signals to generate an MIT image. The MIT signals can include a first MIT signal generated by a first coil of the multiple coils and a second MIT signal generated by a second coil of the multiple coils. The first MIT signal can be indicative of a characteristic of the tissue at a different depth in the tissue from a surface of the tissue than the second MIT signal.