MRI-Compatible EEG Coil Leads for Motion-Tracked Brain Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brain imaging technologies, such as EEG and MRI/fMRI, face challenges in achieving high spatio-temporal resolution due to magnetic interference, safety hazards, and motion-induced noise, making simultaneous data acquisition impractical and inaccurate for diagnosing brain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for coordinated acquisition of EEG and MRI data using an MRI-compatible EEG lead with an integrated coil, which isolates electrical signals and tracks patient motion to reduce artifacts, enabling high spatial and temporal resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If EEG leads are placed inside an MRI scanner to simultaneously acquire EEG and MRI data, then high spatio-temporal resolution is achieved, but magnetic fields and RF pulses introduce significant artifacts into EEG recordings and compromise data integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes ferromagnetic materials from the EEG cap and lead assembly, eliminating the source of magnetic interference. This allows the EEG system to be placed inside the MRI scanner without compromising data integrity from magnetic field effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a non-ferromagnetic, electrically conductive material as an intermediary between the EEG electrodes and the magnetic field environment. This intermediary material shields the EEG signals from RF artifacts while maintaining electrical conductivity for signal acquisition
2Measurement precision
If EEG electrodes and leads with different magnetic properties from human tissues are placed in the MRI scanner, then EEG data can be acquired, but the electromagnetic fields used for imaging are disturbed and MRI image quality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic properties of the EEG components by using non-ferromagnetic materials, matching the magnetic properties of human tissues. This parameter change eliminates the electromagnetic interference that would otherwise disturb the MRI imaging fields
3Reliability
If patient motion occurs during simultaneous EEG and MRI acquisition, then physiological processes are naturally occurring, but motion introduces noise that degrades both fMRI and EEG data quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where motion is detected by sensors (accelerometers, position encoders) and this motion information is fed back to the data processing system. The system then compensates for motion artifacts by aligning and correcting the EEG and fMRI data based on the detected motion patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite sensor assemblies that combine multiple sensing modalities (accelerometers, position sensors, EEG electrodes) in a single integrated unit. This composite approach allows simultaneous measurement of both physiological signals and motion, enabling comprehensive artifact correction
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 system provides high-resolution EEG and fMRI data by isolating electrical signals and compensating for motion artifacts, improving diagnostic accuracy and image quality during MRI procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a coil arranged proximate to each of the plurality of EEG electrodes to receive induced voltage caused by changes in magnetic fields proximate to each of the plurality of EEG electrodes
Implementation Method 2
MRI is a technique that utilizes magnetic and radio frequency ("RF") fields to provide high-quality image slices of the brain
Implementation Method 3
Radio waves 10,000-30,000 times stronger than the earth's magnetic field are transmitted through the patient's body
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided that include acquiring, at a plurality of different times, an induced voltage within a plurality of coils arranged about the subject's head and positioned within a variable magnetic field. The method also includes acquiring electroencephalogram (EEG) data from a plurality of EEG sensors, wherein each EEG sensor is paired with a respective one of the plurality of coils. The method also includes determining, for each of the plurality of times, a position of each coil in the plurality of coils positioned in the variable magnetic field utilizing the induced voltage at the particular time and using the position of each coil in the plurality of coils to correlate the EEG data with at least one of an anatomical image or a functional image of the head of the subject.