Medical Imaging System with Transparent Magnet Region for Simultaneous MR and Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems face challenges in simultaneously performing MR imaging and radiation exposure due to the need for separate devices, which can lead to anatomical changes during procedures, complicating the combination of MR imaging with irradiation.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging system is designed with a magnet unit that includes a main magnet and a housing, where the radiation unit is positioned outside the magnet unit, allowing it to rotate and emit radiation through a transparent region, enabling simultaneous MR imaging and radiation exposure without interfering with the magnetic field, and incorporating features like windows and a funnel for efficient radiation transmission and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the radiation unit is positioned inside the examination opening of the MR device, then simultaneous MR imaging and radiation exposure can be performed, but the radiation unit is influenced by the strong magnetic field requiring special design
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation unit is extracted from the examination opening and positioned outside the magnet unit. This allows the radiation unit to operate independently from the strong magnetic field environment, eliminating the need for special magnetic field-resistant design while enabling simultaneous MR imaging and radiation exposure through the transparent first region
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple magnet units are used to accommodate the radiation unit, then the radiation unit is not influenced by the magnetic field, but achieving homogeneous magnetic field becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet unit is designed with a localized transparent first region that allows radiation to pass through while maintaining the strong magnetic field in the examination opening. This local modification enables the radiation unit to operate outside the magnetic field without requiring multiple magnet units, thus preserving magnetic field homogeneity in the examination region
3Ease of manufacture
If separate MR device and radiation device are used, then each device can be optimized independently, but the patient must be transported between devices causing anatomical changes
Solution Approach 1:
The MR device and radiation unit are merged into a single integrated system where the radiation unit is positioned outside the magnet unit but can simultaneously irradiate the patient during MR imaging. This integration eliminates the need for patient transport between separate devices, ensuring anatomical position stability while allowing independent optimization of each component
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 allows for more accurate and homogeneous MR imaging, efficient use of radiation units, and easier maintenance, while minimizing radiation dose and anatomical changes during procedures, facilitating the combination of MR and radiation imaging.
Implementation Method 1
the magnet unit comprises a main magnet and a first housing, wherein the main magnet is arranged inside the first housing
Implementation Method 2
The first radiation unit is furthermore arranged on the side of the magnet unit facing away from the examination opening and embodied to emit radiation through the first region of the magnet unit in the direction of the examination opening
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a medical imaging system comprising a magnet unit (20) embodied for magnetic resonance imaging of an examination object and a first radiation unit (30) embodied to irradiate the examination object, wherein the magnet unit comprises a main magnet and a first housing, wherein the main magnet is arranged inside the first housing and wherein the main magnet comprises coil elements and at least one coil carrier. The magnet unit furthermore defines an examination opening (90) along an examination axis such that the magnet unit surrounds the examination opening. The magnet unit furthermore comprises a first region that is transparent to radiation from the first radiation unit emitted radially to the examination axis. The first radiation unit is furthermore arranged on the side of the magnet unit facing away from the examination opening and embodied to emit radiation through the first region of the magnet unit in the direction of the examination opening. The first radiation unit is furthermore embodied to rotate about the examination opening.