MR-Compatible Camera Illumination for MRI Bore
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for surgical robotics within MRI environments face challenges in safely illuminating and imaging spaces within MRI systems without degrading MR images or causing unwanted movement, heat generation, or electrical interference due to magnetic forces.
Innovation Solution
Design of MR-compatible camera systems with minimized magnetic material and RF noise shielding, using LED light sources and charge-coupled device cameras that can operate within strong magnetic fields, and employing shielding techniques to contain RF noise within a sealed environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional camera systems are used within MRI bore, then illumination and imaging can be provided, but magnetic forces cause unwanted movement and RF noise degrades MR images
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system uses non-magnetic mounting components and minimizes magnetic material to change the magnetic properties of the system, allowing it to operate within the MRI bore without experiencing unwanted movement from magnetic forces while maintaining illumination capability
Solution Approach 2:
RF shielding acts as an intermediary between the camera system and the MRI environment, containing RF noise generated by the camera within a sealed enclosure and preventing it from degrading the quality of MR images
2Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting is used in MRI bore, then space can be illuminated, but heat generation and electrical interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system transitions from conventional high-power lamps to LED light sources, changing the operational parameters to produce minimal heat while providing adequate illumination. This parameter change allows continuous operation within the MRI bore without causing unwanted heat generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional electrical lighting systems with LED-based illumination, substituting a more efficient technology that converts electrical energy to light with minimal heat generation, thereby eliminating the heat and electrical interference problems associated with traditional lighting
3Measurement precision
If camera system operates within MRI bore, then surgical space can be imaged, but RF noise degrades MR image quality
Solution Approach 1:
RF shielding serves as an intermediary barrier that contains RF noise generated by the camera system within a sealed enclosure, preventing this noise from interfering with the MR image acquisition process and thus preserving MR image quality while maintaining surgical space imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful RF noise is extracted and contained within the sealed enclosure of the camera system, separating it from the MRI environment. This extraction prevents the RF noise from degrading MR images while allowing the camera to continue capturing surgical space
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
Enables safe and effective illumination and imaging during surgical procedures within MRI systems, maintaining image quality and minimizing interference, with minimal distortion and RF noise transmission.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating a space within the bore of a magnet of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system with a light emitting diode (LED) light source
Implementation Method 2
using LED light sources and charge-coupled device cameras that can operate within strong magnetic fields
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Systems and methods of using MR-compatible cameras to view magnetic resonance imaging procedures. The MR-compatible camera systems may include a casing with at least two openings, including one oriented to permit a camera to view a site, and another opening oriented to permit a light source to illuminate a portion of the site. The camera systems may be used with either closed bore or open bore MRI systems.