PHIP Hyperpolarized Propane Contrast Agents for Conventional MRI
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production and transportation of hyperpolarized noble gas contrast agents, such as 129Xe, are challenging due to the need for on-site infrastructure, high costs, and the non-replenishable nature of the hyperpolarized state, making it difficult to use in conventional MRI scanners without costly upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A non-magnetic system using Parahydrogen-Induced Polarization (PHIP) to create hyperpolarized propane gas, which can be used as a contrast agent in conventional MRI scanners, allowing for inhalation or injection, and is designed for ultra-low-cost, disposable, and handheld use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Spin Exchanged Optical Pumping (SEOP) is used to hyperpolarize 129Xe on-site, then hyperpolarized contrast agent can be produced, but the equipment becomes expensive ($0.3M-0.6M) and requires complex on-site infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hyperpolarization function from complex on-site SEOP infrastructure and relocates it to a portable PHIP device that can be positioned at the point of use (MRI scanner vicinity), eliminating the need for expensive and complex dedicated hyperpolarization facilities while maintaining the ability to produce hyperpolarized propane gas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable catalytic converters and pre-filled gas cartridges containing parahydrogen and propylene mixtures, replacing expensive, complex, and reusable SEOP equipment with inexpensive, single-use components that simplify the overall system while maintaining hyperpolarized contrast agent production capability
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional MRI scanners are used without modifications, then scanning cost is reduced, but they cannot image HP 129Xe effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the contrast agent from HP 129Xe (which requires specialized scanner capabilities) to HP propane gas (which is compatible with conventional proton-based MRI scanners), thereby maintaining compatibility with existing scanner hardware while achieving effective imaging of pulmonary structures
3Loss of time
If HP noble gases are produced on-site, then transportation distance is reduced, but production expertise and cost requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary hyperpolarization action by pre-loading gas cartridges with parahydrogen and propylene mixtures before they reach the point of use, eliminating the need for on-site hyperpolarization expertise and infrastructure while ensuring the contrast agent is ready for immediate use in the MRI scan
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 high-resolution MRI scans using conventional scanners without modifications, with hyperpolarized propane gas providing effective contrast for pulmonary imaging and extending the hyperpolarized state for multiple uses, reducing production and transportation complexities.
Implementation Method 1
A non-magnetic system using Parahydrogen-Induced Polarization (PHIP) to create hyperpolarized propane gas
Implementation Method 2
magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents... magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)... nuclear spin polarization
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent system configured to be usable within a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system as the MRI system is scanning. The MR contrast agent system includes a non-magnetic container having a propylene-parahydrogen gas mixture therein, a non-magnetic gas valve, a non-magnetic reactor, and a non-magnetic mouthpiece. The non-magnetic container is coupled to the non-magnetic gas valve and the non-magnetic gas valve is coupled to the non-magnetic reactor. The non-magnetic reactor is configured to convert the propylene-parahydrogen gas mixture to a hyperpolarized gas as the propylene-parahydrogen gas mixture passes through the non-magnetic reactor. The non-magnetic mouthpiece is configured to allow passage of the hyperpolarized gas into a subject.