Integrated MRI and RF Coil Array for Localized Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF hyperthermia methods for generating localized heating in oncology require cumbersome water-filled bags and invasive thermocouple measurements, limiting efficiency and precision in targeting specific regions of interest.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a plurality of coils to transmit spatially localized electromagnetic fields, generate magnetic resonance signals, and control RF energy distribution to achieve precise localized heating, eliminating the need for water-filled bags and invasive measurements by utilizing magnetic resonance imaging for real-time adjustment and verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional RF hyperthermia uses an array of dipole antennas with water-filled bags, then RF energy coupling to the body is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome equipment setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RF transmit coils and MRI imaging coils into a single integrated coil array system. The same coil elements used for MRI imaging are also used for RF hyperthermia treatment, eliminating the need for separate water-filled coupling bags and external RF antenna arrays. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining RF energy coupling efficiency through direct coil-to-body contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil array serves dual purposes: it functions as both the MRI imaging system and the RF hyperthermia treatment system. Each coil element can operate in different modes (imaging mode or heating mode) based on control parameters, providing universal functionality that eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment and reduces overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If invasive thermocouples are used to verify localized heating pattern, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and patient comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive thermocouple measurement system with a non-invasive MRI-based temperature monitoring system. The same coil array used for RF heating also detects temperature changes through MRI signal variations, eliminating the need for physical probe insertion while maintaining measurement capability through magnetic resonance-based thermal mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The MRI system performs self-verification of heating patterns using its own imaging capability. The coil array that delivers RF energy also monitors the resulting temperature distribution through MRI, allowing the system to self-validate treatment accuracy without requiring separate measurement devices or invasive procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If spatially localized electromagnetic fields are transmitted via multiple coils, then localized heating precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RF transmit coil array and MRI imaging coil array into a single integrated system. The same multiple coil elements that would otherwise be required for both separate systems are combined, allowing spatially localized heating control through coordinated coil activation while using the same hardware infrastructure for both treatment and imaging functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which coil elements are active and their respective power levels based on the desired heating target location and shape. The control system selectively energizes specific coil elements and modulates their amplitude and phase to create dynamic, reconfigurable heating patterns without requiring physical reconfiguration of the coil array 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
Enables efficient and precise localized heating by generating arbitrary specific absorption rate distributions within a region of interest, improving the targeting of tumor areas while reducing the need for invasive monitoring and cumbersome equipment.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a spatially localized or shaped electromagnetic field via a plurality of coils to a subject and generating magnetic resonance signals
Implementation Method 2
controlling the plurality of the coils to radiate radio frequency (rf) energy to generate the localized heating in a region of interest
Implementation Method 3
generating unique radio frequency waveforms on each of the coils to generate an arbitrary specific absorption rate distribution in the subject to enable spatially localized heating
Implementation Method 4
performing magnetic resonance imaging based on the magnetic resonance signals to generate an image of a region of interest of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for generating a localized heating are provided, the method comprising: transmitting a spatially localized or shaped electromagnetic field via a plurality of coils to a subject and generating magnetic resonance signals; performing magnetic resonance imaging based on the magnetic resonance signals to generate an image of a region of interest of the subject; and controlling the plurality of the same imaging coils to radiate radio frequency (rf) energy to generate the localized heating on a region of interest. The invention provide a more efficient manner for generating localized heating and means for verifying the heating pattern without the need to measure temperature rises in the patient. This is useful to check the localization prior to the application of hyperthermia.