RF Receive Coil with Magnetic Field Detection for MRI Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face safety concerns and performance issues due to unconnected radio frequency (RF) receive coils being placed within the bore of the MRI system, as they can generate hazardous high currents and reduce system performance by introducing error signals.
Innovation Solution
A RF receive coil device equipped with sensing means to detect the presence of a magnetic field, detecting means to determine if the plug is connected to the MRI system, and warning means to alert operators when the coil is unconnected, eliminating the need for active or passive detuning and preventing hazardous situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an RF receive coil is placed within the bore of the MRI system but not connected via plug and socket, then the coil may be in a tuned state by default, but this creates hazardous high field strengths and high currents that can damage the coil or endanger the subject
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a warning system that detects and alerts operators about unconnected coils before they can cause harm. The system proactively identifies the unsafe condition (unconnected coil in tuned state) and provides advance warning through visual or audible signals, allowing operators to correct the situation before hazardous field strengths develop or subjects are endangered.
2Reliability
If an unconnected RF receive coil is present in the bore, then it may generate high currents during transmit phases, but this also reduces system performance by introducing error signals that can be picked up by other connected coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by creating a closed-loop monitoring system that continuously checks the connection status of RF receive coils. The detection means sense whether a coil is properly connected, and this information feeds back to the warning means, which provides real-time feedback to operators. This feedback mechanism ensures that unsafe conditions are immediately identified and corrected, maintaining both safety and system performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If active detuning is implemented to prevent high currents in unconnected coils, then safety is improved, but this requires signal and power control from the MR imaging system via the socket and plug connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing a detection and warning system that operates autonomously on the coil itself, without requiring external control signals or power from the MRI system. The detection means are integrated into the coil assembly, enabling it to independently sense its own connection status and trigger local warning indicators, making the safety function self-sufficient and independent of system connectivity.
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
The solution enhances safety for subjects and improves MRI system workflow by warning operators of unconnected coils, reducing the risk of damage to both patients and equipment, and minimizing valuable system time lost due to undetected errors.
Implementation Method 1
sensing means for sensing the presence of a magnetic field of the MR imaging system
Implementation Method 2
very high field strengths during MR-transmit phases of other coils can be created locally. This is a safety concern, since the applied RF fields can generate high currents in the RF receive coil
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a radio frequency (RF) receive coil device for use in a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system, comprising a RF receive coil, a plug for connecting the RF receive coil to the MR imaging system, sensing means for sensing the presence of a magnetic field of the MR imaging system, detecting means for detecting if the plug is connected to the MR imaging system, and a warning means for generating a warning when the sensing means sense the presence of a magnetic field of the MR imaging system and the detecting means detect that the plug is not connected to the MR imaging system.