Self-Expanding RF Coil for Intra-Cardiac MRI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface-mounted RF coils for MR imaging are limited by their distance from the heart, leading to low Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) and image resolution, while intra-vascular coils face challenges with blood flow occlusion and motion artifacts during cardiac imaging.
Innovation Solution
An RF coil assembly with a self-expanding housing that allows fluid flow and integrates a tracking coil to actively track movement, enabling high-resolution imaging by gating data acquisition with the known motion of the coil within a beating heart or pulsating blood stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If intra-vascular RF coils are used to improve SNR by placing the receiving coil in proximity to the target tissue, then Signal-to-Noise ratio is improved, but blood flow occlusion occurs and coil motion affects image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple segments or struts that can expand independently, allowing the RF coil to be positioned close to the heart for high SNR while maintaining gaps between segments that permit blood flow through the implant structure
Solution Approach 2:
The housing transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded functional state, allowing the RF coil to be positioned optimally for imaging while the dynamic expansion creates flow channels that reduce blood flow occlusion during the imaging procedure
2Measurement precision
If the RF coil is positioned in proximity to the heart to improve image resolution, then image resolution is improved, but coil motion and tissue motion cause image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
Motion sensors detect coil and tissue movement in real-time, providing feedback signals that are used to gate the image acquisition process, allowing data to be collected only during stable periods when motion is minimal, thereby reducing motion artifacts while maintaining high resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary motion tracking and analysis before image acquisition, establishing a motion model that predicts when motion will occur, allowing the imaging system to preemptively gate acquisition during predicted high-motion periods
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 minimizes blood flow occlusion and reduces image artifacts, providing improved SNR and resolution for cardiac imaging, particularly useful in interventional procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The expandable housing is constructed to automatically expand from a compressed position to an expanded position when a sheath is retracted therefrom
Implementation Method 2
A signal is emitted by the excited spins after the excitation signal B1 is terminated and this signal may be received by a radio-frequency (RF) coil
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of use for a probe is disclosed that includes a self-expanding housing constructed to permit fluid flow therethrough and constructed for insertion into a subject to be imaged. A plurality of RF coils is attached to the housing to acquire MR data.