Portable MRI Coil Positioning for Point-of-Care Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI systems are large, expensive, and require specialized facilities, limiting their availability and accessibility due to high costs, space requirements, and the need for dedicated power sources, making them impractical for widespread deployment outside hospitals and research centers.
Innovation Solution
Development of low-field, low-power MRI systems that can be transported and operated using standard hospital beds or wheelchairs, incorporating portable radio frequency coils and permanent magnets, and utilizing low-power electronics to facilitate point-of-care imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional high-field MRI systems are used, then image resolution and contrast are improved, but system cost and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field strength parameter from conventional high-field (1.5T-3T) to low-field (0.06T-0.2T), which fundamentally alters the system architecture. This parameter change enables the use of permanent magnets instead of superconducting magnets, eliminating the need for cryogenic cooling systems and reducing overall system size and complexity while maintaining diagnostic imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs temporary, removable patient support apparatus that can be easily attached and detached from the MRI system. This includes positioning aids and support structures that are not permanently integrated into the system, allowing for flexible patient positioning without adding permanent complexity to the base system
2Reliability
If conventional MRI systems are deployed, then imaging capability is provided, but facility requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The low-field MRI system is designed to be universally applicable in various settings including hospitals, clinics, and potentially mobile applications. The system can operate with standard hospital beds and does not require specialized facility infrastructure, making it adaptable to multiple environments and use cases beyond traditional fixed-site MRI centers
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic positioning features and user-friendly interfaces that reduce the need for specialized operational expertise. The patient support apparatus includes self-aligning mechanisms and automated adjustment capabilities that simplify operation and reduce dependency on highly trained technical staff
3Measurement precision
If patient positioning apparatus is added to MRI system, then patient positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient positioning system is divided into separate, modular components including positioning aids, support structures, and securing mechanisms that can be independently attached and adjusted. This segmentation allows for precise positioning without requiring a complex integrated system, as each component performs a specific function and can be easily configured for different patient needs
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 MRI to be performed in various environments, including emergency rooms and clinics, without the need for dedicated facilities, reducing costs and increasing accessibility by allowing imaging to be brought to the patient.
Implementation Method 1
a securing portion configured to be secured to a member attached to the magnetic resonance imaging system
Data Source
AI summary
According to some aspects, a magnetic resonance imaging system capable of imaging a patient is provided. The magnetic resonance imaging system comprising at least one B0 magnet to produce a magnetic field to contribute to a B0 magnetic field for the magnetic resonance imaging system and a member configured to engage with a releasable securing mechanism of a radio frequency coil apparatus, the member attached to the magnetic resonance imaging system at a location so that, when the member is engaged with the releasable securing mechanism of the radio frequency coil apparatus, the radio frequency coil apparatus is secured to the magnetic resonance imaging system substantially within an imaging region of the magnetic resonance imaging system.