Segmented ECG Sensor Mat with Switchable Leads for MRI Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electro-cardiograph (ECG) sensor mats are not MR-compatible due to long conducting leads that can cause heating and RF coupling issues during MRI, leading to potential skin burns and image artifacts.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a switchable segmentation system using mechanical switches with removable conducting elements that can be easily switched between a closed and open state, minimizing local currents and heating, and ensuring MR safety by marking the MR-safe state visually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long conducting leads are used to connect electrodes to the multi-connector plug, then the electrodes can be positioned on the patient's body for ECG signal acquisition, but the leads cause heating and RF coupling issues during MRI, leading to potential skin burns and image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The conducting leads are divided into multiple segments with switches positioned between them. During MRI, these switches open to break the continuous conductive path, preventing RF current flow and heating. During ECG operation, the switches close to restore electrical connectivity for signal acquisition. This segmentation allows the system to safely transition between MRI and ECG modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes its electrical configuration based on operational mode. Mechanical switches are actuated to transition the leads from a closed conductive state during ECG to an open segmented state during MRI. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same lead structure to serve both ECG and MRI-compatible functions without requiring separate dedicated leads.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the ECG sensor mat is made MR-compatible by removing or isolating conducting leads, then heating and RF coupling issues are prevented, but the ability to acquire ECG signals is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes its electrical configuration based on operational mode. Mechanical switches are actuated to transition the leads from a closed conductive state during ECG to an open segmented state during MRI. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same lead structure to serve both ECG and MRI-compatible functions without requiring separate dedicated leads.
Solution Approach 2:
The conducting leads serve dual functions: they act as signal transmission pathways during ECG operation and are segmented into isolated sections during MRI to prevent RF coupling. The same physical infrastructure supports both diagnostic modalities, eliminating the need for separate ECG-specific and MRI-safe lead sets.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical switches with removable conducting elements are introduced to enable MR-compatibility, then the system can be switched between ECG and MRI modes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conducting leads are divided into multiple segments with switches positioned between them. During MRI, these switches open to break the continuous conductive path, preventing RF current flow and heating. During ECG operation, the switches close to restore electrical connectivity for signal acquisition. This segmentation allows the system to safely transition between MRI and ECG modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The conducting elements are made removable and separable from the main lead structure. During MRI, these conducting elements can be completely removed or disconnected, eliminating any potential source of RF coupling. This extraction approach simplifies the switching mechanism compared to complex active components, as it relies on simple mechanical connection/disconnection rather than active switching electronics.
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 solution allows for safe use of ECG sensor mats in MRI environments by preventing heating and image artifacts, ensuring patient safety and accurate MR imaging without the need for bulky RF traps.
Implementation Method 1
The individual electrodes 104 are connected to a plug 200 of the vest 100 via electric wires 102. The electric wires 102 are segmented by switches 202, wherein the switches are switchable between a closed state and an open state
Implementation Method 2
the exact location of the electrodes of the sensor mat in relation to the patient anatomy can be obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Implementation Method 3
The leads 102 may be subject to resonances around the resonant frequency of the MR scanner. This leads to potential heating at the ends of the wires, which means in particular at the electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrocardiograph sensor mat (100), the mat (100) comprising a multitude of electrodes (104) for acquiring cardiac signals and a plug (200), wherein the electrodes (104) are connected to the plug (200) by electric wires (102), wherein the wires (102) are segmented by switches (202), wherein the switches (202) are switchable between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state the electrodes (104) are electrically connected to the plug (200) and wherein in the open state the electrodes (104) are electrically isolated from the plug (200).