Multifrequency MREIT System for 100 Hz to 1 MHz Tissue Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Magnetic Resonance Electrical Impedance Tomography (MREIT) methods are limited to measuring tissue electrical properties at frequencies below 100 Hz or above 100 MHz, leaving a significant gap in the 100 Hz to 1 MHz range, which is crucial for understanding biophysics and improving cancer diagnosis and treatment planning, particularly for brain cancers like glioblastoma.
Innovation Solution
The development of multifrequency Magnetic Resonance Electrical Impedance Tomography (MF-MREIT) systems that use a controller, multifrequency arbitrary-waveform constant-current sources, and MRI systems to generate and modulate magnetic resonance electrical impedance sequences with sine waves between 100 Hz and 1 MHz, allowing for non-invasive imaging of electrical conductivity distributions across this range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If MREIT methods are used to measure tissue electrical properties, then non-invasive imaging is achieved, but frequency measurement is limited to below 100 Hz or above 100 MHz
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the frequency of the constant current source to operate across multiple frequency ranges (below 100 Hz, 100 Hz to 1 MHz, and above 100 MHz), allowing the same non-invasive MREIT system to adapt to different measurement requirements without changing the fundamental measurement approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the applied current to enable measurements across different frequency ranges. By modifying the frequency parameter while maintaining the non-invasive MREIT measurement technique, the system overcomes the limitation of fixed frequency ranges in conventional MREIT
2Measurement precision
If electrode-based measurements are used to obtain electrical properties below 1 MHz, then direct tissue contact measurement is achieved, but in vivo utility is limited and invasive procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses MRI-based impedance measurement as an intermediary technique to indirectly measure electrical properties of tissues below 1 MHz without requiring direct electrode-tissue contact. The MREIT method serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the need for accurate low-frequency electrical property measurement and the requirement for non-invasive in vivo measurement capability
3Measurement precision
If Gadolinium contrast or ionizing radiation is used for cancer diagnosis and monitoring, then detection sensitivity is improved, but patient risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the limitation of MREIT (inability to measure certain frequency ranges) into a benefit by developing multifrequency capabilities that specifically target the 100 Hz to 1 MHz range, providing safe alternative information for cancer diagnosis and monitoring that avoids the harmful effects of Gadolinium and ionizing radiation while still achieving diagnostic goals
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 high-resolution imaging of electrical conductivity distributions between low and high frequencies, enhancing cancer diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring, while reducing the need for invasive procedures and minimizing risks associated with existing imaging methods.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic Resonance Electrical Impedance Tomography (MREIT) at frequencies between 100 Hz and 1 MHz
Implementation Method 2
using magnetic flux densities caused by electrical current flow
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for Magnetic Resonance Electrical Impedance Tomography (MREIT). A system for imaging biological tissue comprises a controller, a multifrequency arbitrary-waveform constant-current source, a Howland constant-current source, and a digital-to-analog converter. The controller is configured to generate a multifrequency magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography sequence. The generation comprises producing, by the controller, a digital sequence, and converting, by the digital-to-analog converter, the digital sequence to an analog sequence. The generation may further comprise: producing, by the Howland constant-current source, a standard magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography sequence based on the analog sequence; producing, by the multifrequency arbitrary-waveform constant-current source, a sine wave at one or more predetermined frequencies; and modulating the standard magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography sequence with the sine wave. A method of measuring an electrical property of a biological tissue comprises imaging the biological tissue using this system.