Shoulder Coil Segmentation for MRI SAR Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges with bulky and costly transmitting/receiving coils for shoulder joint imaging, which are inflexible and require special transmission cables, leading to image distortion and increased specific absorption ratio (SAR) due to the need for high transmit power.
Innovation Solution
A shoulder coil design incorporating a detachable transmitting part, such as a quasi-Helmholtz coil, and a receiving phased array coil that couples the radio-frequency magnetic field from a body coil, eliminating the need for a special transmission cable and allowing for flexible use and reduced SAR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a dedicated transmission cable and high-power capacity switch circuit are used in transmitting/receiving coils, then high-power transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and cost are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The coil system is divided into a transmitting coil and a receiving coil as separate functional modules. The transmitting coil couples with the body coil to receive RF magnetic fields, while the receiving coil independently receives magnetic resonance signals. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex high-power transmission circuits in the imaging coil, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitting coil serves multiple functions: it couples with the body coil to receive RF magnetic fields for signal transmission, and also functions as part of the receiving system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated transmission cables and high-power switch circuits, simplifying the overall coil structure.
2Power
If a dedicated transmission cable is used to connect transmitting/receiving coils to the magnetic resonance system, then high-power transmission is supported, but the cable occupies larger space and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coil system is divided into a transmitting coil and a receiving coil as separate functional modules. The transmitting coil couples with the body coil to receive RF magnetic fields, while the receiving coil independently receives magnetic resonance signals. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex high-power transmission circuits in the imaging coil, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil adopts a flexible design with thin conductor structures and minimal cabling requirements. The transmitting and receiving coils can be positioned and shaped to conform to the examination area without requiring bulky rigid cables, improving flexibility and ease of positioning during clinical use.
3Power
If high transmit power is provided by the body coil, then transmission capability is improved, but the signal to noise ratio of the resulting image is lower and SAR increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil system is divided into a transmitting coil and a receiving coil as separate functional modules. The transmitting coil couples with the body coil to receive RF magnetic fields, while the receiving coil independently receives magnetic resonance signals. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex high-power transmission circuits in the imaging coil, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitting coil acts as an intermediary between the body coil and the receiving coil. It receives RF magnetic fields from the body coil and transmits them to the receiving coil, which then captures the magnetic resonance signals. This intermediary function allows the system to use lower body coil transmit power while maintaining effective signal transmission and reception, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio and reducing SAR.
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 design reduces the volume and cost of the coils, enhances image quality by producing a uniform high-intensity radio-frequency magnetic field, and lowers the SAR, while allowing for independent combination of the transmitting and receiving parts for improved application flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting part, for coupling a radio-frequency magnetic field of a body coil of the magnetic resonance system
Implementation Method 2
Each coil unit receives signals via a low-noise preamplifier and an independent receiving channel
Data Source
AI summary
A shoulder coil for a magnetic resonance system includes a receiving part. The shoulder coil also includes a transmitting part used for coupling a radio-frequency magnetic field of a body coil of the magnetic resonance system.