Wearable Phase-Change Material for MRI RF Heating Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting Radio Frequency (RF) induced heating during MRI examinations, such as MRI temperature mapping, SAR simulation, and B1-shimming, are inadequate for accurately monitoring superficial RF heating in patients, especially in autonomous settings, leading to potential burns or skin damage due to insufficient detection and large safety margins.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a form with temperature-sensitive materials like Chitosan or Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide, integrated into wearable patient suits or coils, that undergo a phase transition at specific temperatures, allowing real-time detection of RF heating through MRI data analysis or fiber-optic sensors, triggering actions to mitigate heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI temperature mapping is used to monitor superficial RF heating, then temperature measurement is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to motion susceptibility and gross motion errors
Solution Approach 1:
A wearable form with temperature-sensitive material is introduced as an intermediary between the patient's skin and the MRI system. This material undergoes phase transition at specific temperatures and can be interrogated by MRI to provide temperature information, serving as a mediator that enables accurate temperature monitoring without directly measuring the patient's tissue temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature-sensitive material undergoes phase transition at specific temperatures, changing its physical properties (such as MRI signal characteristics) in response to temperature changes. This parameter change enables detection of superficial heating through MRI signal variations rather than direct temperature measurement
2Measurement precision
If repeated MRI temperature mapping is performed to monitor heating, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but examination time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature-sensitive material in the wearable form acts as an intermediary that can be interrogated using the existing MRI sequence, allowing temperature monitoring to be integrated into the diagnostic scan time without requiring separate dedicated temperature mapping sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable form with temperature-sensitive material serves multiple functions: it provides temperature monitoring while being compatible with standard MRI imaging sequences, allowing the same MRI system and sequences to perform both diagnostic imaging and temperature monitoring without additional specialized equipment or time
3Reliability
If large safety margins are applied for SAR management, then patient safety is improved, but examination time increases due to reduced scanning flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback on actual temperature at the patient's skin through the temperature-sensitive material. This feedback allows dynamic adjustment of scanning parameters during the examination, enabling the scanner to operate closer to SAR limits when temperatures are low and reduce power when temperatures approach thresholds, thereby optimizing both safety and examination time
Solution Approach 2:
The safety margins for SAR management are made dynamic rather than static. Based on real-time temperature measurements from the wearable form, the system can adaptively adjust scanning parameters and power levels, allowing examination time to be optimized while maintaining safety based on actual temperature conditions rather than conservative fixed margins
4Ease of operation
If staff supervision is used to detect RF heating through patient response, then detection capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates for sedated or impaired patients who cannot report
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-monitoring of temperature at the patient's skin through the wearable form with temperature-sensitive material. This eliminates the need for patient feedback or staff supervision, as the system automatically detects and reports temperature changes directly to the operator console, providing reliable detection regardless of the patient's ability to communicate
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature-sensitive material in the wearable form serves as an intermediary that objectively measures temperature at the patient's skin and communicates this information to the operator. This intermediary measurement system provides reliable detection independent of the patient's consciousness, sedation state, or ability to report symptoms
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
Provides accurate, real-time detection of RF-induced heating, minimizing patient discomfort and reducing examination time by adjusting scan sequences or alerting staff, while maintaining patient comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the material is configured to undergo a temperature dependent phase transition
Implementation Method 2
at least one property of the material changes with temperature, and the interrogation data comprises MRI data of the material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (10) for detection of Radio Frequency (RF) induced heating of a patient undergoing a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination. The system comprises a form (20); and a processing unit (30). The form is configured to be placed around at least a part of a patient undergoing a Magnetic Resonance Imaging “MRI” examination in an MRI scanner. The form comprises a material (40), and the form is configured such that the material is in thermal contact with the patient when the form is placed around the at least part of the patient undergoing the MRI examination. The processing unit is configured to receive interrogation data of the material. The processing unit is configured to determine that RF induced heating of the patient has occurred. The determination comprises utilization of the interrogation data.