Anatomically Positioned MRI Head Coil for Better Signal Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MRI head coils are rigid and difficult to position accurately, especially for young children, leading to reduced signal-to-noise ratio and increased claustrophobia due to inadequate patient-coil fit and positioning challenges.
Innovation Solution
A two-part MRI receive coil system comprising contoured side panels with integrated audio interfaces and adjustable cradle components that use anatomical landmarks for precise positioning, allowing for customizable fit and reduced sound interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rigid conventional head coils are used, then structural stability is maintained, but positioning accuracy and patient comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The head coil is transformed from a rigid structure to a flexible, adjustable one. The side panels can be positioned and secured at different locations along the patient's head, and the cradle component can be adjusted to fit different head sizes and shapes. This dynamic adjustability enables accurate positioning while maintaining structural stability during the MRI scan.
Solution Approach 2:
The head coil is divided into separate modular components: side panels with receive antennas, a cradle component, and positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and positioned to achieve optimal fit and signal-to-noise ratio while accommodating various patient anatomies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid head coils are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different patient anatomies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coil structure incorporates adjustable and flexible elements that allow adaptation to different head sizes and shapes. The side panels can be positioned at different locations, and the cradle component can be adjusted to accommodate various anatomical features, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with adjustable components creates a universal head coil that can accommodate a wide range of patient anatomies including different age groups and head sizes. The same basic structure serves multiple functions through adjustment rather than requiring separate specialized coils for different patient populations.
3Reliability
If conventional positioning methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system allows dynamic adjustment of the side panels and cradle component to achieve optimal proximity between the receive antennas and the patient's head. This adjustable positioning ensures maximum signal-to-noise ratio by minimizing the distance between the coil elements and the imaging region, while the adjustment mechanisms remain relatively simple.
4Ease of operation
If fixed head coils are used, then structural stability is maintained, but patient comfort and claustrophobia reduction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The head coil incorporates adjustable side panels and a flexible cradle component that can be customized to fit the patient's head shape and size. This adaptability improves patient comfort by providing a secure yet comfortable fit, and can help reduce claustrophobia by allowing the coil to conform to the patient's anatomy rather than forcing the patient to adapt to a fixed structure.
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
Improves MRI image quality and reduces claustrophobia by ensuring optimal antenna placement and patient comfort through anatomically contoured, adjustable components that enhance signal capture and minimize sound disturbance.
Implementation Method 1
A first plurality of receive antennas are located within the first side panel to capture signals during MRI system operation. A second plurality of receive antennas are located within the second side panel to capture signals during MRI system operation.
Implementation Method 2
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to image biological tissue by creating an environment where a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal is generated
Data Source
AI summary
An MRI receive coil is provided comprising: a first side panel; a second side panel; a first plurality of receive antennas located at the first side panel; a first sound chamber for noise suppression or audio receive located at the first side panel; a second plurality of receive antennas located at the second side panel; a second sound chamber for noise suppression or audio receive can be located at the second side panel.