Hyperpolarized media transport vessel
Inventors
Skloss, Timothy William • Murray, Jonathan Alan • Ardenkjaer-Larsen, Jan Henrik • Cherukuri, Murali K. • Bernardo, Marcelino • Devasahayam, Nallathamby
Assignees
General Electric Co • US Department of Health and Human Services
Publication Number
US-9874622-B2
Publication Date
2018-01-23
Expiration Date
2033-09-27
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Abstract
A system and method for transporting a hyperpolarized substance is disclosed. A transport vessel for transporting such a hyperpolarized substance includes a vessel housing, a chamber formed within the vessel housing that is configured to receive a container holding a hyperpolarized substance, and an electromagnet configured to generate a magnetic containment field about the chamber when a current is supplied thereto, the magnetic containment field comprising a homogeneous magnetic field. The transport vessel also includes a non-magnetic power source to supply the current to the electromagnet and a control circuit configured to selectively interrupt the supply of current to the electromagnet so as to control generation of the magnetic containment field, with the transport vessel being magnetically inert when the supply of current to the electromagnet is interrupted by the control circuit.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a transport vessel for transporting hyperpolarized substances, such as media used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The vessel includes a vessel housing with a chamber to receive a container holding a hyperpolarized substance, and an electromagnet configured to generate a homogeneous magnetic containment field about the chamber when supplied with current. The vessel incorporates a non-magnetic power source to supply current and a control circuit that can selectively interrupt current supply to control the magnetic field generation, making the vessel magnetically inert when current is interrupted.
The problem addressed by the invention is the short lifetime of the hyperpolarized media's magnetic polarization, which relaxes within seconds to minutes after polarization, necessitating rapid use in MRI. Transporting such media from the hyperpolarizing apparatus to the MRI system risks further shortening the hyperpolarization due to exposure to low or zero ambient magnetic fields. Prior solutions using permanent magnets inside transport vessels created drawbacks such as uncontrollable and inhomogeneous magnetic fields and persistent magnetic interaction with MRI magnets, causing safety risks and handling difficulties.
The invention solves these problems by providing a transport vessel made of non-magnetic materials equipped with an electromagnet to generate a controllable, homogeneous magnetic field to maintain hyperpolarization during transport. The electromagnet's magnetic field can be selectively turned off, preventing interaction with MRI magnets and enhancing safe use. The power source and control circuit allow dynamic magnetic field strength adjustment and automated shutdown based on safety conditions, including ambient magnetic field detection and operator pressure, ensuring safe and effective transport of hyperpolarized substances.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes several independent claims covering the transport vessel, transport device, and method of transporting hyperpolarized substances, emphasizing features related to magnetic containment field generation, control circuits, and safety mechanisms.
Magnetic containment field with automatic interruption based on ambient field strength
A transport vessel comprising a chamber for a hyperpolarized substance and an electromagnet that generates a homogeneous magnetic containment field controlled by a non-magnetic battery. A control circuit includes a magnetic field sensor and processor that detect ambient magnetic field strength and automatically interrupt current supply to the electromagnet if the ambient field exceeds a threshold, rendering the vessel magnetically inert.
Pressure activated safety switch for current interruption
Inclusion of a pressure activated switch in the control circuit that automatically interrupts the supply of current to the electromagnet when the pressure applied to the switch falls below a threshold, ensuring magnetic field termination if the operator releases the vessel.
Manually activated power switch for electromagnet control
Provision of a manually operated power switch allowing an operator to selectively interrupt current supply to the electromagnet to control magnetic containment field generation.
Power control for adjustable magnetic field strength
A power control unit that adjusts the magnitude of current supplied from the non-magnetic battery to the electromagnet, enabling control of the strength of the homogeneous magnetic containment field within a range (e.g., 0 to 100 Gauss).
Electromagnet coil configuration for multidimensional field control
The electromagnet is configured as a solenoid comprising multiple coil portions. Individual current control circuits manage current to each coil portion to generate magnetic containment fields of varying qualities across multiple dimensions, including configurations forming a 3-axis electromagnet with perpendicular field axes.
Method for transporting hyperpolarized substances with controlled magnetic containment and safety termination
A method involving securing a hyperpolarized substance container within the vessel chamber, generating a homogeneous magnetic containment field of controlled polarity to prolong hyperpolarization, and selectively terminating this field automatically based on sensed parameters exceeding thresholds via a safety circuit. The method includes supplying current via a non-magnetic battery and interruption based on ambient magnetic field strength detection or pressure applied to a safety switch.
The claims collectively cover a transport vessel, device, and method that employ an electromagnet with a controllable, homogeneous magnetic containment field powered by a non-magnetic source and controlled by circuits that enable selective and automatic interruption of the magnetic field based on ambient magnetic conditions and operator interaction to ensure safety and preservation of hyperpolarization during transport.
Stated Advantages
Provides a stable and homogeneous magnetic containment field to preserve the magnetic polarization of hyperpolarized media during transport.
Allows selective and dynamic control of magnetic field strength to account for variations and enhance preservation of hyperpolarization.
Ensures magnetic field generation can be safely turned off to prevent dangerous interactions and mechanical forces near MRI magnets.
Incorporates automated safety features such as pressure activated and ambient magnetic field-based switches to prevent unintended magnetic field generation, enhancing operational safety.
Utilizes non-magnetic materials and power sources to avoid interaction with ambient magnetic fields, facilitating safe and ergonomic transport by hand.
Documented Applications
Transporting hyperpolarized substances, such as 13C Pyruvate or other polarized metabolic imaging agents, from a hyperpolarizer device to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system.
Use of hyperpolarized media in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy where such media is required to maintain polarization during transport.
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