Variable-Tuning Pseudo-Birdcage Coil for Patient-Accessible MRI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging systems impose significant physical restrictions and discomfort on patients due to the enclosed form factor of RF-TX and RF-RX coils, limiting patient movement and access.
Innovation Solution
A pseudo-birdcage coil design with variable tuning is employed in a single-sided magnetic resonance imaging system, utilizing rings of different sizes and orientations to generate a uniform electromagnetic field outwardly, allowing patient access on one side and accommodating a wide range of radio frequencies for proton excitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RF-TX and RF-RX coils are placed to surround the patient, then imaging coverage is improved, but patient movement is restricted and comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging function into separate RF-TX and RF-RX coil assemblies that can be independently positioned. The RF-TX coil is placed on one side of the patient while RF-RX coils are positioned at different locations, eliminating the need for complete surrounding coverage and thereby improving patient movement freedom while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional surrounding coil configuration to a two-dimensional planar arrangement where coils are positioned on specific surfaces of the patient. This dimensional change allows the patient to move freely in three-dimensional space while still achieving effective imaging through the distributed coil arrangement.
2Reliability
If coils are placed on many sides of the patient, then electromagnetic field coverage is improved, but device complexity and patient burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coil system is segmented into distinct functional units (RF-TX and RF-RX assemblies) that can be independently positioned on different sides of the patient. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity compared to a fully surrounding configuration while maintaining adequate electromagnetic field coverage for imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal coil design where the same basic coil structure can be positioned at different locations and orientations to serve multiple imaging needs. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of different coil types required and simplifies the overall system configuration.
3Ease of operation
If a single-sided imaging system is used, then patient access is improved, but electromagnetic field uniformity becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning RF-TX and RF-RX coils at specific optimized locations on the patient's body to create a uniform electromagnetic field in the region of interest. The coils are arranged and sized to compensate for the single-sided configuration, ensuring adequate field uniformity in the imaging volume while maintaining patient access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and repositionable coils that can be dynamically configured to optimize field distribution. The ability to adjust coil positions and orientations allows the system to adapt to different patient anatomies and imaging requirements, maintaining field uniformity despite the single-sided configuration.
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 enhances patient comfort by reducing encroachment and movement restrictions while maintaining effective imaging capabilities, supporting single-sided imaging with improved patient access and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The power source is configured to flow current through the first ring, the second ring, and the one or more rungs to generate an electromagnetic field projected outward and away from the coil
Data Source
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AI summary
A coil for single-sided magnetic resonance imaging system is disclosed. The coil is configured to generate a magnetic field outwards away from the coil. The coil includes a first ring and a second ring having different diameters and the current flows through the coil to generate the magnetic field in a region of interest. A method of imaging via a magnetic imaging apparatus is also disclosed. The method includes providing a power source and providing a coil that includes a first ring and a second ring having different diameters. The method includes turning on the power source so as to flow a current through the coil to generate a magnetic field in a region of interest. The method also includes selectively turning on a particular set of electronic components so as to pulse the magnetic field in a narrower frequency range.