Automatically Positionable Send Coil for MRI Visual Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head coil arrangements in magnetic resonance facilities restrict visual contact between patients and medical personnel, particularly for claustrophobic patients or children, due to the positioning of send coil units which interfere with direct eye contact and environmental perception.
Innovation Solution
The head coil arrangement includes a send coil unit and a receive coil unit, where the send coil unit is automatically positionable in the longitudinal direction of the patient relative to the head coil arrangement, allowing for improved visual contact by reducing the time the patient's field of vision is restricted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the send coil unit is positioned close to the patient's head for optimal signal-to-noise ratio, then the magnetic resonance imaging quality is improved, but the patient's visual contact with medical personnel is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The send coil unit is made dynamically positionable relative to the head coil arrangement through a driving mechanism. It can automatically move between a restricted position (during measurement for optimal signal-to-noise ratio) and a retracted position (when not in use, allowing visual contact). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the coil position to different operational states.
2Device complexity
If the send coil unit is integrated into the head coil arrangement housing, then the device structure is simplified, but the patient's field of vision is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The send coil unit is segmented from the main head coil arrangement housing. It is positioned on a movable support structure that allows it to be separated from the fixed housing components. This segmentation enables the send coil unit to be retracted when not in use, preventing visual blockage while maintaining the integrated structure during measurement operations.
3Measurement precision
If the send coil unit remains in the measurement position throughout the examination, then the signal quality is maintained, but claustrophobic patients may terminate the examination prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The send coil unit performs periodic positioning actions - remaining in the measurement position only during actual signal acquisition phases, and retracting to the retracted position during non-measurement phases. This periodic adjustment between positions maintains signal quality when needed while reducing psychological stress on patients during waiting periods, thereby improving examination completion rates.
Data Source
AI summary
A head coil arrangement is for a magnetic resonance tomograph. In an embodiment, the head coil arrangement includes a send coil unit and a receive coil unit. The send coil unit, in the position in which the head coil arrangement is normally used on a patient, is automatically positionable in the longitudinal direction of the patient relative to the head coil arrangement. A further embodiment relates to a magnetic resonance facility comprising the head coil arrangement and a guide element, embodied to transmit a force to a dog. The send coil unit is positionable via the force on the dog.