MRI Coil Assembly With Integrated Motion Sensors for Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI devices face challenges in detecting and mitigating motion artifacts caused by physiological motions such as cardiac and respiratory movements during scans, often requiring separate motion detection devices that increase complexity and cost, and existing methods like electrode placement or belt systems pose safety risks and are cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A coil assembly for MRI devices integrated with sensors to detect both MR signals and motion signals, including ECG sensors for cardiac motion and respiratory signal detectors, allowing for integrated motion signal detection within the coil assembly, reducing system complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate motion detection device is used to detect physiological motion signals, then motion signals can be detected, but the equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the motion detection function directly into the coil assembly by incorporating sensors (such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, or flex sensors) that detect physiological motions like cardiac pulsations and respiratory movements. This merging of motion detection capability into the existing coil assembly eliminates the need for separate motion detection devices, thereby reducing equipment complexity while maintaining reliable motion signal detection for artifact correction
2Reliability
If electrodes are placed on the patient skin to detect ECG signals, then cardiac motion can be detected, but safety risks and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrode placement system with an integrated sensor system embedded in the coil assembly. Sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, or flex sensors directly mounted on the coil detect cardiac pulsations and respiratory movements through mechanical coupling with the patient's body, eliminating the need for skin electrode placement and associated safety risks while simplifying the operational procedure
3Reliability
If a belt with pressure sensors is used to measure respiratory signals, then respiratory motion can be detected, but the system becomes more complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates respiratory motion detection sensors (such as flex sensors, accelerometers, or pressure sensors) directly into the coil assembly structure. These sensors detect respiratory-induced movements and pressure changes through the coil's contact with the patient's chest, merging the respiratory detection function into the existing coil assembly and eliminating the need for separate belt-based 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
The integrated coil assembly effectively detects and compensates for physiological motions, improving imaging quality by reducing motion artifacts and eliminating the need for separate motion detection devices, thereby enhancing scan efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices are widely used in medical imaging. A subject, such as a patient, may be scanned by an MRI device, and a coil assembly of the MRI device may be used to detect MR signals generated during the scan.
Implementation Method 2
The physiological motion may include a cardiac motion of the subject, and the sensor may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor configured to detect a signal relating to the cardiac motion of the subject.
Implementation Method 3
The signal emitter may be configured to emit a reference signal toward the subject, and the reference signal may be reflected by the subject. The signal receiver may be configured to receive at least a portion of the reflected reference signal from the subject.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a coil assembly of an MRI device. The MRI device may be configured to perform an MR scan on a subject. The coil assembly may include one or more coil units, a substrate, and a sensor mounted within or on the substrate. The one or more coil units may be configured to receive an MR signal from the subject during the MR scan. The substrate may be configured to position the one or more coil units during the MR scan. The one or more coil units may be mounted within or on the substrate. The sensor may be configured to detect a motion signal relating to a physiological motion of the subject before or during the MR scan.