MRI Local RF Coil Positioning via Activatable Marker Element

Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, particularly hybrid MRI-PET systems, face interference issues due to local radiofrequency (RF) coils, which attenuate PET signals and require accurate positioning for attenuation correction, but existing marker-based localization methods are not ideal as they interfere with MRI measurements.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic resonance imaging system with a marker element that can be activated and deactivated to be detectable or undetectable by the MRI system, using a relocation system, shielding elements, and ultrasound emitters to determine the position of local RF coils without disturbing MRI measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If markers are built into the coil to help detecting the coil via MRI, then the position determination is improved, but the markers interfere with the MRI measurement and cause false or less reliable diagnoses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoil position determinationVSAvoidMRI diagnosis reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The marker element is made movable relative to the coil, allowing it to be positioned within the detection area for coil localization and then moved outside the detection area to eliminate interference during MRI measurements. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between needing the marker for position determination and needing to eliminate it for reliable MRI diagnosis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the marker element from the coil structure, allowing independent positioning and control. The marker can be selectively placed within or outside the MRI detection area as needed, while the coil remains stationary. This segmentation enables the marker to serve its localization function without permanently interfering with MRI measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If local RF coils are used in MRI systems, then the MRI measurement quality is improved, but the coils attenuate PET signals and interfere with PET measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMRI measurement qualityVSAvoidPET signal attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The marker element is made movable relative to the coil, allowing it to be positioned within the detection area for coil localization and then moved outside the detection area to eliminate interference during MRI measurements. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between needing the marker for position determination and needing to eliminate it for reliable MRI diagnosis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the marker element from the coil structure, allowing independent positioning and control. The marker can be selectively placed within or outside the MRI detection area as needed, while the coil remains stationary. This segmentation enables the marker to serve its localization function without permanently interfering with MRI measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If markers are used for coil detection, then the attenuation correction for PET signals is improved, but the markers remain visible during MRI examination and cause aliasing artefacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattenuation correction accuracyVSAvoidaliasing artefacts in MRI images

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The marker element is made movable relative to the coil, allowing it to be positioned within the detection area for coil localization and then moved outside the detection area to eliminate interference during MRI measurements. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between needing the marker for position determination and needing to eliminate it for reliable MRI diagnosis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 accurate determination of local RF coil positions for attenuation correction in PET measurements without interfering with MRI diagnostics, ensuring reliable and accurate imaging results.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one marker element is detectable by the magnetic resonance imaging system at a position relative to the at least one local RF coil if the at least one marker element is activated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

deactivate the at least one marker element by removing the at least one marker element from at least one of the at least one local RF coil or a field of view of the magnetic resonance imaging system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical movement: Displacement

Data Source

PatentUS12178668B2Magnetic resonance imaging system and method for determining the position of at least one coil in a magnetic resonance imaging

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

At least one example embodiment provides a magnetic resonance imaging system comprising at least one local radiofrequency (RF) coil; and at least one marker element, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging system is configured to activate the at least one marker element and deactivate the at least one marker element such that the at least one marker element is detectable by the magnetic resonance imaging system at a position relative to the at least one local RF coil if the at least one marker element is activated, and the at least one marker element is not detectable by the magnetic resonance imaging system if the at least one marker element is deactivated.