RF Coil Motion Detection via Tissue Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably detecting patient movements, especially internal motions, due to the difficulty in using optical detection methods through clothing and the need for manual protocol adjustments based on body size and anatomy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an additional RF sensor within the MRI system's RF coil arrangement to transmit and receive RF signals adapted for interacting with patient tissue, allowing for simultaneous motion signal sensing during imaging, along with a machine-learning module for processing these signals using deep learning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical detection methods are used to detect patient motions, then motion detection capability is improved, but the method becomes difficult to realize when patient is covered by clothes and RF coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection methods with RF-based motion detection. The RF coil arrangement transmits RF signals that interact with patient tissue, and motion-induced changes in the RF signal properties (phase, frequency, amplitude) are detected. This substitution eliminates the need for optical paths and makes detection possible through clothing and coil coverings.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF signal acts as an intermediary between the detection system and the patient's motion. Instead of directly observing motion optically, the system uses RF signals that penetrate through clothing and interact with tissue, with motion modulating these signals. The RF signal serves as a mediator that can pass through obstacles (clothes, coils) that block optical methods.
2Measurement precision
If manual protocol adjustments are made based on body size and anatomy, then imaging accuracy is improved, but the process requires additional time and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic protocol selection and parameter optimization based on the detected motion signals and patient characteristics. The motion detection data is used to automatically adjust imaging parameters, triggering sequences, and timing without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using its own detection capabilities to optimize its operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time motion detection feedback to automatically adjust imaging protocols. Motion signals are continuously monitored and fed back to the control system, which automatically modifies scan parameters, timing, and sequence selection based on the detected motion patterns, eliminating the need for manual protocol adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added for motion detection, then motion monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF coil arrangement performs dual functions: it serves as both the MRI imaging coil and the motion detection sensor. The same RF transmission and reception hardware used for imaging is utilized to detect motion-induced signal changes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate motion detection sensors and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the imaging function and motion detection function into a single integrated system. The RF coil arrangement is used for both transmitting/receiving imaging signals and detecting motion signals. By combining these functions, the system avoids the complexity of adding separate sensor systems while maintaining both capabilities.
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 continuous, contactless monitoring of patient motions, including breathing and cardiac signals, improving motion correction, real-time modeling, and specific absorption rate control, without disrupting the imaging process or requiring additional attachments.
Implementation Method 1
an RF sensor for transmitting an RF transmit signal which is adapted for interacting with the tissue of the patient allowing to sense motion signals
Implementation Method 2
By transmitting an RF excitation pulse (B1 field) which has an orthogonal polarization to the B0 field, generated by means of an RF transmitting antenna or coil, and matching the Larmor frequency of the nuclei of interest, the spins of the nuclei can be excited
Implementation Method 3
the Larmor frequency is dependent on the strength of the magnetic field which is imposed on the nuclei, so that by appropriately tuning the frequency of the transmitted RF excitation pulse, and by accordingly controlling the gradient magnetic fields, a selection of nuclei within a slice at a certain location can be obtained
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a magnetic resonance imaging system with motion detection for examination of a patient (53), the magnetic resonance imaging system comprising an RF coil arrangement with an RF coil (4) for transmitting and/or receiving an RF signal for generating a magnetic resonance image wherein the RF coil arrangement is provided with an additional RF sensor (5) for transmitting an RF transmit signal which is adapted for interacting with the tissue (23) of the patient (53) allowing to sense motion signals due to motions of the patient (53) simultaneously to transmitting and/or receiving the RF signal for generating the magnetic resonance image. In this way movements of a patient under examination in an MRI system may be detected in an efficient and reliable way.