Shielded RF Detector Coil for MRI-Guided Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a linear accelerator with an MRI device in radiation therapy is hindered by pulsed power issues, leading to radiofrequency emissions that interfere with MRI signals and radiation-induced currents in the detector coils, compromising image quality.
Innovation Solution
A radiation therapy system with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus featuring a radiofrequency detector coil shielded by an electrically grounded dielectric material to reduce radiation-induced currents and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a linear accelerator is integrated with an MRI device for real-time image guidance during radiation therapy, then imaging capability and treatment guidance are improved, but radiofrequency emissions from the pulsed power system interfere with MRI signals and induce currents in detector coils, degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
An electrically grounded dielectric material is introduced as an intermediary component between the radiation source and the MRI detector coil. This intermediary shields the detector coil from radiation-induced currents while maintaining electrical grounding to dissipate accumulated charges, thereby reducing RF interference without compromising the real-time imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful radiation-induced currents and RF interference are extracted or removed from the detector coil system by using the grounded dielectric shield. The shield captures and grounds the induced currents, preventing them from entering the detector coil and degrading the MRI signal quality
2Reliability
If the detector coil is shielded with dielectric material to reduce radiation-induced currents, then image quality is improved, but the device complexity and structural design become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric shielding is implemented as a thin film or shell material that can be conformally applied to or integrated with the detector coil structure. This approach provides effective radiation shielding and grounding capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity and maintaining a compact form factor
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
Significant reduction in radiation-induced currents and improved MRI image quality by shielding the detector coils with dielectric materials, allowing for more accurate and reliable real-time image guidance during radiation therapy.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically grounded dielectric material between the radiation source and the radiofrequency detector coil for shielding the at least one radiofrequency detector coil from the beam of radiation
Implementation Method 2
an electrically grounded dielectric material between the radiation source and the radiofrequency detector coil
Data Source
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AI summary
A radiation therapy system includes a radiation source capable of generating a beam of radiation; a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus comprising at least one radiofrequency detector coil; and an electrically grounded dielectric material between the radiation source and the radiofrequency detector coil for shielding the at least one radiofrequency detector coil from the beam of radiation. Also disclosed is a radiofrequency detector coil for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRl) apparatus sheathed at least in part by a dielectric material that is adapted to be electrically grounded.