Innovative Modular Coil System for MRI and Spectroscopy

TO-172 • PT 1.2883 • As of 4/2024
Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine
Medical Imaging Physics (INM-4)

Technology

The invention pertains to a novel coil system, particularly a high-frequency coil, for application in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Spectroscopy systems. It introduces a modular coil design facilitating easy adjustment of resonance frequencies through interchangeable tuning units. These coils serve as both transmission and reception apparatus, generating high-frequency RF pulses and detecting resulting magnetic resonance signals. The coil system allows personalized adaptation to various body parts, subjects (e.g., children or adults), magnetic field strengths, and systems from different brands.

Problem addressed

Traditional MRI coils are optimized for fixed parameters, necessitating bespoke coil designs for each application scenario, leading to a proliferation of coils and increased costs. Achieving high signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) necessitates close proximity of coils to the target area, further complicating coil design and increasing manufacturing costs.

Solution

The proposed coil system offers modularity, allowing effortless adjustment of coil resonance frequencies by swapping tuning units, termed as "plug-and-play" coils. Each tuning unit contains defined capacitance and/or inductance, influencing the resonance frequency.

The system enables adaptation to varying magnetic field strengths and anatomical regions, ensuring optimal performance for different imaging requirements. Additionally, an impedance-matching unit enhances signal efficiency and reception quality.

Benefits and Potential Use

The adaptable coil system finds utility across diverse MRI and spectroscopy applications, catering to different body parts, subjects, nuclei, field strengths, and system brands. Its flexibility enables enhanced imaging quality, reduced scan times, and cost-effectiveness through standardized coil designs.

Applications span from routine diagnostic imaging to specialized research studies, facilitating a wide array of clinical and scientific investigations. This innovative coil system promises to revolutionize MRI and spectroscopy imaging by streamlining coil design, optimizing performance, and reducing operational costs, thereby benefiting healthcare providers, researchers, and ultimately, patients.

Development Status and Next Steps

The technology was validated in the lab. We are open to collaborations with and licensing to research institutions, medical facilities, and technology developers interested in further validating and implementing this innovative imaging technology. Collaborators can explore applications in specific areas and help refine and expand the capabilities of the technology.

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