Rotating Tissue-Slice MRI Coil Array for SNR
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in MRI systems when imaging relatively thin tissue samples.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apparatus and method involving a substrate with RF coils affixed to its surface, a tissue enclosure for holding a tissue slice, and a rotator to rotate the tissue enclosure around a first rotation axis, with overlapping RF coils arranged in a plane parallel to the tissue sample, allowing for enhanced imaging and spectroscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional MRI coils are used for imaging thin tissue samples, then the imaging capability is limited, but the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The MRI coil system is divided into multiple independent RF coils arranged in an array, with each coil contributing to the overall signal reception. This segmentation allows for optimized positioning of multiple coils to capture signals from thin tissue samples effectively, thereby improving SNR without requiring a single complex coil design
Solution Approach 2:
The RF coils are arranged in a two-dimensional array configuration rather than a single linear or circular arrangement. This dimensional change enables better spatial coverage and signal collection from thin tissue samples, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized coil elements
2Area of stationary object
If the tissue sample is positioned away from the RF coils, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the signal reception quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coil array is segmented into multiple elements distributed across the imaging area, allowing each coil to serve a specific region while collectively providing broad coverage. This segmentation enables the tissue sample to be positioned within the extended coverage area without sacrificing signal reception quality, as multiple coils work together to maintain signal strength
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple RF coils are merged into a unified array system where their individual signal contributions are combined. This merging allows the system to achieve both large imaging coverage area and high signal reception quality simultaneously, as the combined output of multiple coils provides both spatial extent and signal strength
3Device complexity
If a single RF coil is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the imaging resolution and SNR for thin samples deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system uses multiple segmented RF coils arranged in an array, where each coil contributes to specific regions of the image. This segmentation improves imaging resolution and SNR for thin samples by distributing the measurement function across multiple simpler coil elements rather than requiring one complex high-performance coil
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple RF coils providing redundant signal coverage, where the combined action of multiple coils delivers superior measurement precision. This partial or excessive action approach uses more coils than the absolute minimum, but each coil remains relatively simple, balancing device complexity with improved imaging resolution
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
This configuration enhances the SNR and improves imaging capabilities by positioning the tissue sample optimally relative to the RF coils, allowing for better signal reception and transmission in MRI and MRS applications.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting (TX) and receiving (RX) radio-frequency (RF) signals suitable for MRI and/or MRS
Implementation Method 2
a rotator operatively coupled to rotate the tissue enclosure around at least a first rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving RF signals suitable for MRI and/or MRS from MR “coils” (antennae) that are arranged in an array next to a tissue-sample-slice holder that constrains the front, back, and edges of the tissue sample and is configured to rotate in a “roll” direction (about an axis parallel to the main DC magnetic field) and optionally also rotate in a pitch direction (at varying angles up and down, left-to-right, or both, relative to the roll axis and thus to the main DC magnetic field); the system optionally includes temperature control (heat and/or cooling), an optical grid that is marked or etched into a cover glass that holds the sample (in some embodiments, the grid is visible in the MRI images as well), an electrical and/or optical stimulation means for delivering stimulation Some embodiments combine optical image data with MR image data.