Musculoskeletal RF Surface Coil With Rigid-Flexible Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF surface coils struggle to maintain close proximity to varying patient anatomies, leading to reduced image quality due to inconsistent signal-to-noise ratio and potential damage from repeated flexing.
Innovation Solution
A flexible RF surface coil design incorporating a rigid lower member and one or more flexible upper members, with RF coil elements affixed to a flexible substrate, allowing for conformability to patient anatomy and stable positioning, while using a flame-retardant barrier and fluid ingress protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the RF surface coil is made flexible to conform to varying patient anatomies, then adaptability is improved, but structural strength deteriorates due to repeated flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The RF surface coil is divided into multiple discrete coil elements rather than a single continuous flexible structure. Each coil element can be independently positioned and secured, allowing the overall array to conform to varying anatomies while each individual element maintains structural integrity through targeted support structures and securement mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If the RF coil elements are positioned closer to the patient anatomy, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but risk of damage from repeated flexing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil elements are pre-positioned and secured to the patient's anatomy before the MRI scanning process begins. Securement mechanisms such as adhesives, fasteners, or positioning structures are applied in advance to fix the coil elements in optimal positions close to the anatomy, eliminating the need for repeated adjustment and flexing during the procedure, thereby preventing damage while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio.
3Strength
If a rigid structure is used to support the RF coil elements, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to varying anatomies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the RF surface coil array have different structural properties. Specifically, the coil elements and their immediate support structures are rigid to maintain structural integrity, while the positioning mechanisms and spacing between elements allow for local adjustments to conform to varying anatomies. This creates a hybrid structure where rigidity and flexibility coexist in appropriate locations.
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
Enhances image quality by increasing signal-to-noise ratio and reduces damage from flexing, ensuring consistent and reliable performance across different patient anatomies.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) involves the transmission and receipt of radio frequency (RF) energy. RF energy may be transmitted by an RF coil to create a B1 field that rotates a net magnetization. Further, resulting magnetic resonance (MR) signals may be received by an RF coil to detect precessing transverse magnetization.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a radio frequency (RF) surface coil for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The RF surface coil includes a rigid lower member, at least one flexible upper member mechanically coupled to the rigid lower member, and one or more RF coil elements housed by the rigid lower member and the at least one flexible upper member. The at least one flexible upper member is dimensioned and manipulable to substantially conform the one or more RF coil elements to a portion of a patient anatomy to be imaged by the MRI system.