Vertical MRI Shoulder Coil Segmented Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF receive coils for vertical field MRI systems inadequately cover and image the human shoulder region, with linear loop coils providing poor signal uniformity and penetration, and multi-purpose coils not optimized for shoulder imaging.
Innovation Solution
A RF receive coil design featuring a combination of solenoid, loop, and saddle elements positioned to encompass the superior, anterior, and posterior sections of the shoulder, with optional additional elements for enhanced signal and coverage, allowing for improved signal-to-noise ratio and imaging field-of-view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If linear loop coils are used for shoulder imaging, then the coil structure is simple, but the signal uniformity and penetration are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is divided into multiple independent elements (solenoid, loop, and saddle elements) that can be individually positioned and configured. Each element contributes to covering different regions of the shoulder, with the solenoid providing central coverage, loop elements enhancing superior section coverage, and saddle elements improving anterior and posterior section coverage. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving uniform signal distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different elements of the coil are designed with specific geometries and positions tailored to their local functions. The solenoid element is positioned for central shoulder coverage, loop elements are configured for superior section enhancement, and saddle elements are oriented for anterior and posterior section optimization. This local optimization ensures that each region of the shoulder receives appropriate signal characteristics for its specific imaging needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-purpose coils are used for shoulder imaging, then the coil can be used for various anatomies, but the imaging is not optimized for shoulder region
Solution Approach 1:
The coil elements are specifically configured for shoulder anatomy with the solenoid element wrapping around the shoulder to provide central coverage, loop elements positioned for superior section enhancement, and saddle elements oriented for anterior and posterior section optimization. This specialized local configuration optimizes the coil for shoulder imaging while maintaining the versatility to adapt to different patient sizes and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil elements are designed to be flexible and adaptable to different patient anatomies. The solenoid, loop, and saddle elements can be positioned and configured dynamically to match the specific contours and size of each patient's shoulder, allowing the same coil design to optimize imaging across a range of patient types while maintaining superior shoulder-specific imaging characteristics.
3Device complexity
If fewer coil elements are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coverage and signal-to-noise ratio are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is segmented into functionally distinct elements (solenoid, loop, saddle) that work together to provide comprehensive coverage. The solenoid element provides central coverage, loop elements enhance superior section signal, and saddle elements improve anterior and posterior section coverage. This functional segmentation allows each element to contribute specifically to the overall signal-to-noise ratio in its designated region, achieving high imaging quality without unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coil elements are combined to create a synergistic system that provides comprehensive shoulder coverage. The solenoid, loop, and saddle elements are electrically and spatially combined to work together, with each element's signal contributing to the overall image quality. This merging of specialized elements achieves superior signal-to-noise ratio and coverage while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
4Measurement precision
If the coil is designed for specific shoulder region, then the imaging quality is optimized, but the adaptability to different patient sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coil elements are designed with flexible positioning capabilities that allow adaptation to different patient sizes and anatomical variations. The solenoid, loop, and saddle elements can be configured dynamically to match the specific contours and size of each patient's shoulder, enabling the same coil design to optimize imaging across a range of patient types while maintaining superior shoulder-specific imaging characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil employs local optimization with elements positioned and configured for specific shoulder regions (superior, anterior, posterior sections). Each element can be adjusted to accommodate varying patient anatomies while maintaining its optimized function for that specific region. This local adaptability allows the coil to provide high imaging quality across different patient sizes without compromising the specialized characteristics needed for optimal shoulder imaging.
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 designed coil provides optimal imaging capabilities for the shoulder region with enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and coverage, supporting parallel imaging in multiple directions and accommodating various patient sizes.
Implementation Method 1
Upon termination of the application of the RF pulse, the magnetization relaxes to its initial state. During relaxation the time varying magnetic moment induces a detectable time varying voltage in the receive coil.
Implementation Method 2
The imaging coil is typically comprised of a series of inductive and capacitive elements and operates by resonating and efficiently storing energy at what is known as the Larmor frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a design of a radiofrequency (RF) receive coil (also commonly referred to as an imaging coil) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a vertical field MRI system of a patient's shoulder region. The design described herein generally includes a solenoid element that wraps around the patient's shoulder, at least two loop elements that encompass the superior section of the patient's shoulder, and at least two saddle elements, wherein one saddle element encompasses the posterior section of the patient's shoulder and one saddle element encompasses the anterior section of the patient's shoulder. It is foreseen that further embodiments of the shoulder coil design may include additional elements.