Movable MRI Spatial Encoding Elements for Motion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI systems struggle to achieve high spatial resolution during interventional procedures due to stationary magnetic field gradients, which fail to compensate for physiological motion, limiting imaging capabilities especially in applications like chronic total occlusions where vessel wall and lumen visualization is needed.
Innovation Solution
A device with spatial-encoding elements that can move with physiological motion, producing magnetic fields to encode nuclear magnetic resonance signals in a local frame of reference, allowing for imaging in a moving frame that synchronizes with the device, enabling better visualization of vessel walls and lumens during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stationary magnetic field gradients are used for spatial encoding, then the MRI system structure is simple and stable, but motion compensation is insufficient and spatial resolution deteriorates during physiological motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the magnetic field gradient system movable rather than stationary. The gradient coil assembly is coupled to the movable support structure that travels along with the catheter, allowing the magnetic field gradients to move dynamically with the catheter during physiological motion. This enables motion compensation while maintaining high spatial resolution in the local frame of reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the magnetic field generation system into separate components: a first magnetic field generating assembly for spatial encoding and a second magnetic field generating assembly for signal reception. These segmented assemblies can be independently positioned and moved, allowing complex motion compensation without requiring a completely redesigned magnetic field system.
2Reliability
If data is acquired during short quiescent periods to compensate for motion, then motion artifacts are reduced, but imaging time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the magnetic field gradient system movable and coupling it to the catheter, the patent enables continuous imaging during catheter movement. The system no longer requires stopping or waiting for quiescent periods, as the moving gradients automatically compensate for physiological motion throughout the entire imaging process, eliminating time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuous imaging by ensuring that the magnetic field gradient system operates continuously alongside the catheter movement. The movable gradient assembly maintains continuous spatial encoding capability during the entire catheter insertion and manipulation process, eliminating the need to interrupt imaging for motion compensation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stationary gradient coils are used, then the system is easier to operate, but it cannot provide spatial encoding in a moving frame of reference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional support structure that simultaneously provides mechanical support for the movable gradient coil assembly, houses the catheter, and enables precise positioning and movement control. This integrated design adds imaging capability without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a movable support structure as an intermediary between the catheter and the magnetic field generating coils. This intermediary assembly translates the catheter's movement into coordinated movement of the gradient coils, automatically providing motion compensation without requiring complex real-time control systems.
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 solution enables motion-artifact-free imaging by spatially encoding signals in a local frame of reference that moves with the device, improving visualization of vessel walls and lumens during interventional procedures, such as crossing chronic total occlusions, and is applicable in various MRI and spectroscopy applications.
Implementation Method 1
spatially encoding nuclear magnetic resonance signals using magnetic susceptibility effects
Data Source
AI summary
A device for spatially encoding nuclear magnetic resonance signals is provided. The device includes a plurality of spatial-encoding elements configured to produce a spatial-encoding magnetic field in the presence of an external magnetic field, such as the main magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system. The spatial-encoding elements include paramagnetic and diamagnetic spatial-encoding elements. The device further includes a support configured to hold the plurality of spatial-encoding elements in a fixed arrangement. By adjusting the orientation of the device, the spatial-encoding elements are moved relative to each other and thereby produce a plurality of different spatial-encoding magnetic fields. These spatial-encoding magnetic fields are used to spatially encode nuclear magnetic resonance signals emanating from spins in a volume-of-interest adjacent the device. An image reconstruction method for reconstructing images from signals spatially-encoded with the device is also provided.