Reusable MR Safe Temperature Probe Using Fiber Optic Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) temperature probes face challenges with material safety, flexibility, and reusability, as conventional probes can induce currents, cause distortions, and are difficult to sterilize, leading to inefficiencies and potential patient risks.
Innovation Solution
A reusable MRI-safe temperature probe featuring a fiber optic sensor with a non-ferrous sensor and a sterile, disposable sheath that accommodates both surface and internal use, ensuring minimal MRI interference and easy sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conductive materials are used in temperature probes for MRI, then temperature measurement function is achieved, but induced currents cause patient burns and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical temperature sensors with a fiber optic sensor that uses optical instead of electrical principles. The fiber optic sensor transmits light through optical fibers to measure temperature without conducting electricity, thereby eliminating induced currents and patient burns while maintaining temperature measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The probe uses composite construction combining fiber optic sensor elements with MR-compatible non-ferrous materials. This composite approach ensures both safety from induced currents and compatibility with MRI magnetic fields while achieving accurate temperature measurement
2Strength
If ferrous materials are used in temperature probes, then structural strength is achieved, but magnetic field aberrations occur in MRI
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials that combine non-ferrous structural components with adequate mechanical strength properties. The probe shaft and structural elements are made from MR-compatible non-ferrous materials such as titanium or specialized alloys that provide necessary strength without causing magnetic field aberrations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from ferrous to non-ferrous composition while maintaining structural integrity through appropriate material selection and design. This parameter change eliminates magnetic field interactions while preserving the mechanical strength needed for probe functionality
3Measurement precision
If fiber optic probes are used for internal temperature measurement, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but sterilization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the sterilizable outer sheath from the internal fiber optic sensor. The outer sheath can be removed and sterilized independently using autoclave or chemical methods, while the fiber optic sensor remains protected. This extraction of the sterilization requirement from the sensitive sensor enables proper sterilization while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate sterile barrier or protective coating on the fiber optic probe that allows sterilization processes to occur without damaging the optical fibers. This intermediary layer protects the sensitive optical components during autoclaving or chemical sterilization while still allowing the sterilization process to effectively sanitize the probe
4Productivity
If probe thickness is reduced to improve response time, then temperature measurement speed increases, but probe strength and flexibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material construction with layered or reinforced structures that provide high strength-to-thickness ratio. The probe incorporates materials and designs that maintain structural integrity and flexibility even at reduced thickness, enabling fast response times without compromising mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible shell structures and thin film technologies in the probe construction. These thin-walled yet resilient structures achieve rapid thermal response due to minimal thermal mass while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength and flexibility for safe patient insertion and positioning
5Productivity
If a single probe design is used for both surface and internal temperature measurement, then workflow efficiency improves, but probe complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal fiber optic temperature probe with a modular structure that can function for both surface and internal temperature measurements. The probe features a standardized connector, flexible shaft, and sensor tip that can be positioned for various applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized probes and simplifying clinical workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the probe into modular components including a reusable handle with connector, a flexible shaft, and a sensor tip. This segmentation allows the same basic probe design to be adapted for different applications through configuration changes while maintaining a consistent core structure, balancing versatility with manageable 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 solution provides a safe, flexible, and reusable temperature probe that minimizes MRI distortions, reduces patient risk, and simplifies clinical workflow with a sterile, disposable sheath, enhancing both surface and internal temperature measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a proximal portion connected to the locking element and in light communication via an optical fiber with the non-ferrous sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
A magnetic resonance probe (2) includes a fiber optic sensor probe (32) and a sheath (38). The fiber optic sensor probe (32) includes a non-ferrous sensor (42) on a distal portion (36) configured for insertion into a subject, a locking element (34) connected to the distal portion (36), and a proximal portion (44) connected to the locking element (34) and in light communication via an optical fiber (48) with the non-ferrous sensor (42) and includes a connector (46). The sheath (38) covers the distal portion (36) of the fiber optic sensor probe (32), engages the locking element (34), and provides a sterile outer surface (70).