Modular Cryogenic MR Coil System for Small Animal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging systems face challenges in achieving high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) due to electrical noise, particularly in pre-clinical and small animal applications where space and coil system complexity are limited, and varying magnetic field strengths require adaptable RF coils.
Innovation Solution
A modular coil system comprising a cryogenic RF receive coil module and a transmit coil module, allowing user-assembled configurations for MR examinations, with features like variable reactance and thermally reflective barriers to enhance SNR and accommodate different field strengths and applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cryogenic RF receive coils are used to improve SNR, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coil system is divided into separate modular components: a cryogenic receive coil module and a non-cryogenic transmit coil module. Each module can be independently cooled and configured, allowing the receive coil to benefit from cryogenic cooling for improved SNR while the transmit coil remains simpler and can be operated at room temperature, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Cryogenic cooling is applied locally only to the receive coil module where it is most needed for noise reduction, while the transmit coil module operates at room temperature. This selective cooling approach improves SNR where it matters most without requiring the entire coil system to be complex and cooled, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If higher field strength magnets are used to improve SNR, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but system complexity, size, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows for parameter changes in the RF coil modules to adapt to different magnetic field strengths. The modular design enables users to select and configure appropriate receive and transmit coil modules for specific field strengths (e.g., 7T, 9.4T, 11.7T), improving SNR for each field strength without requiring a completely different magnet system for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular coil system is designed to be universal across different magnetic field strengths and applications. Users can combine different receive coil modules (cryogenic or non-cryogenic) with different transmit coil modules to create configurations suitable for various field strengths and imaging requirements, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated systems for each field strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular coil system is designed for user assembly to improve adaptability, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized modular modules with defined mechanical and electrical interfaces. Each module (receive coil, transmit coil, support structures) is designed to be independently manufactured and assembled by users through simple connection procedures, enabling adaptability to different configurations without requiring complex assembly knowledge or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables users to self-assemble and self-configure their own coil systems by simply connecting the appropriate modules together. The standardized interfaces and clear module functions allow users to independently select and assemble configurations for their specific needs without requiring specialized technical assistance, thereby improving ease of operation despite the modular 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
The modular coil system improves SNR by reducing coil noise and accommodating various MR applications, enabling efficient MR examinations across different field strengths and animal sizes with user-configurable modules.
Implementation Method 1
These coils have been implemented using high temperature superconductor (HTS) material or cold copper (i.e., copper or oxygen free copper coils cooled near to or below liquid nitrogen temperatures) to both reduce the coil resistance and thermal noise.
Implementation Method 2
high temperature superconductor (HTS) material or cold copper (i.e., copper or oxygen free copper coils cooled near to or below liquid nitrogen temperatures) to both reduce the coil resistance and thermal noise.
Implementation Method 3
The RF coil excites magnetic resonance in MR active nuclei and receives magnetic resonance signals from MR active nuclei.
Implementation Method 4
The RF coil excites magnetic resonance in MR active nuclei and receives magnetic resonance signals from MR active nuclei.
Implementation Method 5
a thermally reflective barrier to reduce thermal radiation heat transfer to the coil
Implementation Method 6
a thermally reflective barrier to reduce thermal radiation heat transfer to the coil
Implementation Method 7
variable reactance and thermally reflective barriers to enhance SNR and accommodate different field strengths and applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance coil system 18 allows for the use of modular components and which in one embodiment is particularly well-suited for use with small animals and includes an animal receiving apparatus 202, a transmit coil module 204, and a receive coil module 206. The receive coil module 206 includes a cryogenic receive coil. The coil system 18 is selectively insertable in the bore of the gradient coil of a magnetic resonance examination system.