Paramagnetic and Diamagnetic Articles for MRI Field Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for compensating magnetic field inhomogeneities in MRI are insufficient, leading to undesirable image artifacts due to limited fine corrections in magnetic field magnitude.
Innovation Solution
Positioning paramagnetic and diamagnetic articles in specific locations relative to the subject to compensate for magnetic field inhomogeneities, using a magnetic article determination algorithm to assess and correct the field inhomogeneities based on initial MRI data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional active or passive shims are used to homogenize the magnetic field B0, then some magnetic field corrections are achieved, but image artifacts remain due to insufficient fine corrections in magnetic field magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions paramagnetic and diamagnetic articles at specific local regions around the subject based on measured field inhomogeneities. Each article is placed at a determined location where it can locally compensate for specific field deviations, rather than using uniform global correction methods. This localized approach enables fine-tuned magnetic field homogenization and reduces residual image artifacts.
2Manufacturing precision
If paramagnetic and diamagnetic articles are positioned at specific locations to compensate for magnetic field inhomogeneities, then magnetic field homogeneity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by using the MRI scanner itself to measure magnetic field inhomogeneities, then automatically determines optimal positions for compensating articles based on these measurements. The process is self-contained, requiring no external specialized equipment, and the articles are positioned based on algorithmic analysis of the field data, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent determines the optimal positions for paramagnetic and diamagnetic articles before the actual MRI imaging procedure. By performing field measurements and calculating article positions in advance, the system prepares the magnetic field environment beforehand, ensuring optimal homogeneity during the imaging process without adding complexity during image acquisition.
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
This approach achieves a more homogeneous magnetic field, reducing image artifacts and improving the quality of MRI images by effectively addressing magnetic field inhomogeneities.
Implementation Method 1
a static magnetic field B0 is applied to a region of interest, and nuclei within the region are excited
Implementation Method 2
magnetic resonance (MR) techniques involve detecting NMR signals produced upon the re-alignment of the nuclear spins of atoms in the subject's tissue
Implementation Method 3
The Larmor frequency is the frequency at which nuclear spins process about the axis of the static magnetic field B0
Implementation Method 4
The electromagnetic coil may have a controllable current that induces changes in the magnetic field around the coil
Implementation Method 5
A passive shim is a piece of magnetic material placed in the static magnetic field B0 that alters the field around the shim
Implementation Method 6
Inhomogeneities in the applied magnetic field B0 may arise in various subjects, such as animals and humans, and may be caused by boundaries, such as tissue-air boundaries which cause disruptions in the magnetic field B0
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method or determining location(s) at which at least one magnetic article is to be positioned during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure of at least one subject. A magnetic field Bo is applied to a region that includes the at least one subject and does not include the at least one magnetic article. First magnetic resonance information about the region in response to the applied magnetic field BO is received. The first magnetic resonance information relates at least in part to one or more magnetic field inhomogeneities in the region. Based at least in part on the first magnetic resonance information, at least one first location proximate the at least one subject at which at least one paramagnetic article and/or diamagnetic article is to be positioned is determined, so as to at least partially compensate for the one or more magnetic field inhomogeneities.