MRI Patient Thermal Control via Heat Balance Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance apparatuses face challenges in maintaining patient thermal comfort during examinations due to heat buildup, as existing cooling methods do not accurately account for heat loss, leading to discomfort and potential temperature increases beyond safe limits.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a heat balance model to determine control parameters for temperature modifiers, considering both heat production and loss, to maintain a balanced thermal state, incorporating ambient and examination parameters, and potentially adjusting patient clothing or environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If cooling methods are used to dissipate heat during magnetic resonance examination, then heat loss is improved, but patient thermal comfort deteriorates due to inaccurate heat balance assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring ambient parameters (temperature, humidity, air velocity, radiation temperature) and examination parameters (specific absorption rate, patient properties) to dynamically adjust cooling intensity. The heat balance model processes this feedback information to determine optimal control parameters for temperature modifiers, ensuring heat loss matches heat production to maintain thermal comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes multiple parameters simultaneously to achieve heat balance: ambient temperature, humidity, air velocity, and radiation temperature are adjusted based on the calculated heat balance. The system modifies examination parameters like specific absorption rate and patient properties (clothing insulation, body composition) to determine the precise cooling intensity needed, transforming the approach from fixed cooling to dynamic parameter optimization.
2Loss of energy
If ambient temperature is reduced to improve heat loss, then heat dissipation is improved, but patient comfort worsens due to excessive cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different thermal conditions to different parts of the patient's body through spatially distributed temperature modifiers. Instead of uniformly cooling the entire environment, the system targets specific body regions with localized cooling or heating, allowing heat dissipation in areas needing it while maintaining comfort in sensitive areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static ambient temperature control to dynamic, real-time adjustment of thermal conditions. The system continuously adapts cooling intensity based on changing heat production during the examination and varying ambient conditions, modifying temperature modifiers' operation in response to real-time heat balance calculations rather than maintaining a fixed ambient temperature.
3Loss of energy
If fans are used to enhance convective cooling, then heat loss is improved, but measurement precision of patient thermal state deteriorates due to slow skin temperature response
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a heat balance model as an intermediary between direct temperature measurement and cooling control. Instead of relying solely on slow-responding skin temperature measurements, the model calculates the patient's thermal state by combining ambient parameters, examination parameters, and limited temperature data, providing a more accurate and responsive assessment of the patient's actual thermal condition.
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 allows for precise assessment and improvement of patient thermal comfort by equalizing heat balance, reducing discomfort and limiting trunk temperature increases, thereby enhancing the overall thermal well-being during medical examinations.
Implementation Method 1
voltages are induced due to the magnetic fields generated during an examination procedure, which voltages can generate an electrical flow of current that heats the body of the patient
Implementation Method 2
voltages are induced due to the magnetic fields generated during an examination procedure, which voltages can generate an electrical flow of current that heats the body of the patient
Implementation Method 3
The generated heat is dissipated from the body of the patient to the patient's surroundings by convection, thermal radiation and by cooling through evaporation
Implementation Method 4
The generated heat is dissipated from the body of the patient to the patient's surroundings by convection, thermal radiation and by cooling through evaporation
Implementation Method 5
The generated heat is dissipated from the body of the patient to the patient's surroundings by convection, thermal radiation and by cooling through evaporation due to the transpiration of the patient that occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a temperature control apparatus for a medical examination device, in particular a magnetic resonance apparatus, wherein the medical examination device causes a heat input into the body of a patient to be examined during an examination procedure, and wherein the temperature control apparatus has at least one temperature modifier designed for controlling the temperature of the patient, at least one item of heat information that describes the heat balance of the patient is determined, in order to determine a control parameter for controlling at least one ambient parameter that describes the at least one temperature modifier by taking into account at least one ambient condition on the body of the patient, and at least one examination parameter that describes the examination procedure as the input variables of a heat balance model.