Systems and methods for magnetic resonance imaging of infants
Inventors
Coumans, Jacobus • McNulty, Christopher Thomas
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12053270-B2
Publication Date
2024-08-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
According to some aspects, a system configured to facilitate imaging an infant using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device is provided herein. The system comprises an infant-carrying apparatus comprising an infant support configured to support the infant and an isolette for positioning the infant relative to the MRI device, the isolette comprising: a base for supporting the infant-carrying apparatus; and a bottom surface configured to be coupled to the MRI device. In some embodiments, the infant-carrying apparatus further comprises at least one radio frequency (RF) coil coupled to the infant support and configured to be coupled to the MRI device to detect MR signals during imaging performed by the MRI device. A method for positioning an infant relative to an MRI device using an infant-carrying apparatus and isolette is further provided herein.
Core Innovation
The disclosure describes an MR isolette system and an infant-carrying apparatus for point-of-care MRI of infants. The system includes an isolette with a base and an MRI-coupling bottom surface to position the infant within an open imaging region of a low-field, portable MRI device.
The infant-carrying apparatus supports the infant during imaging using a jacket and padding, including an inner swaddle disposed on an interior of the jacket, and at least one radio frequency (RF) coil integrated with the infant support and configured to detect MR signals during MR imaging. Embodiments include RF head coil and RF body coil configurations, as well as an open-configuration loop or flexible loop RF coil integrated with the support.
The disclosure emphasizes reduced handling and maintenance of a controlled environment during imaging, enabling at-will serial scanning. Detailed embodiments also describe structural features to prevent isolette movement during imaging, climate control elements such as walls, inlets, and vents, and coupling and routing features for integration with the MRI device, including cable/lead routing and acoustic dampening head pads to mitigate noise from MR pulse sequences.
Claims Coverage
The disclosure provides three independent claims that cover infant-carrying apparatus structures and RF coil integration for facilitating MRI imaging, including a jacket with interior swaddle padding and integrated RF coils, detachably coupled padding with integrated RF coils, and a jacket with handholds and integrated RF coils. Dependent refinements constrain coil types and placement, and RF pulse behavior using pulse sequences and open-configuration loop or flexible loop implementations.
Infant support with inner swaddle padding and integrated RF coil detecting MR signals
An infant-carrying apparatus includes an infant support with a jacket and padding coupled to the jacket, where the padding comprises an inner swaddle disposed on an interior of the jacket, and at least one radio frequency (RF) coil integrated with the infant support, the at least one RF coil configured to detect MR signals during MR imaging.
Detachably coupled padding with integrated RF coil detecting MR signals
An infant-carrying apparatus includes an infant support with a jacket and padding detachably coupled to the jacket, and at least one radio frequency (RF) coil integrated with the infant support, the at least one RF coil configured to detect MR signals during MR imaging.
Jacket with handholds and integrated RF coil detecting MR signals
An infant-carrying apparatus includes an infant support with a jacket, wherein the jacket comprises handholds, and padding coupled to the jacket, and at least one radio frequency (RF) coil integrated with the infant support, the at least one RF coil configured to detect MR signals during MR imaging.
Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on an infant support comprising a jacket and padding, including inner swaddle and/or detachably coupled padding, and a jacket with handholds, with at least one RF coil integrated into the infant support and configured to detect MR signals during MR imaging. Dependent claims further refine RF coil types and placement, and constrain RF pulse transmission using pulse sequences, including open-configuration loop and flexible loop implementations.
Stated Advantages
Reduced handling and maintenance of a controlled environment during imaging.
Enables at-will serial scanning.
Documented Applications
Point-of-care MRI of infants with at-will serial scanning.
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