Modular Movable Antenna Coil Arrays for Breast MR Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Obtaining high-quality magnetic resonance (MR) images of breast tissue is challenging due to motion artifacts caused by patient movement, varying breast sizes, and the need to image either one or both breasts, which affects signal-to-noise ratio and requires adjustable and immobilizable antenna coil configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular MR imaging system with movable antenna coil arrays, a central fixed coil, and adjustable patient support structures to accommodate varying breast sizes and immobilize tissue, allowing for imaging of either one or both breasts by positioning the coils and patient support structures to maintain breast tissue stability during scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single surface coil is used, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but it is difficult to accommodate varying breast sizes between patients
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple antenna coil arrays (first antenna coil array and second antenna coil array) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate varying breast sizes by adjusting the number and position of active coils, while maintaining optimal signal-to-noise ratio through proximity to the tissue being imaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna coil arrays are made movable relative to the base plate, allowing dynamic adjustment of coil positions and configurations. This enables the system to adapt to different patient anatomies and breast sizes while maintaining optimal imaging conditions and signal quality.
2Measurement precision
If the breast tissue is immobilized to reduce motion artifacts, then image quality is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support structures are positioned and adjusted before the MR scan begins, establishing proper patient positioning and tissue immobilization in advance. This preliminary action prevents motion artifacts during the actual imaging process without requiring complex real-time control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable antenna coil arrays act as intermediaries between the patient support structures and the imaging system. By allowing the coils to move and adapt to patient positioning, the system achieves tissue immobilization and optimal imaging geometry without requiring direct mechanical constraint of the patient's body.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable antenna coil arrays are used to accommodate varying breast sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable antenna coil arrays serve multiple functions: they can be positioned to accommodate different breast sizes, configured for unilateral or bilateral imaging, and adjusted to optimize signal-to-noise ratio. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple mechanical mounting system on a base plate, avoiding the need for multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein describes an improved MR imaging system for breast tissue. The MR imaging system includes a pair of antenna coil arrays that are movable with respect to a base plate on which the coil arrays are mounted. A fixed coil array may also be mounted in a medial location on the base plate. The MR imaging system provides an abdominal support structure and a head support structure to position a patient in a prone position over the movable and fixed coil arrays. An additional support pad may be provided on the upper surface of the medial coil to support the patient's chest. Each of the movable antenna coil arrays may be moved laterally along the base plate to adjust the space between the two arrays. Once adjusted, each of the movable antenna coil arrays may be secured in the adjusted position to immobilize the breast tissue.