JP2014147608A - Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, network system using the apparatus, and operator calling method using the network - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible for a subject to call an operator appropriately even if no operator is near an MRI apparatus.SOLUTION: An MRI apparatus comprises: moving means for placing a subject in an imaging space by moving a top board; static magnetic field generation means for generating a static magnetic field in the imaging space; gradient magnetic field generation means for generating a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space; high-frequency magnetic field generation means for generating a high-frequency magnetic field in the imaging space; and calling means for calling an operator who issues a command for capturing an image, the calling means calling the operator in at least two separate phases.

Description

  The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging (hereinafter referred to as MRI) apparatus, a network system using the same, and an operator calling method using the same, and particularly suitable for a subject undergoing an examination. It is related with the technique of calling an operator.

  The MRI apparatus measures and computes the signal obtained from the nuclear magnetic resonance (hereinafter referred to as “NMR”) phenomenon of a subject placed in a static magnetic field, thereby calculating the density distribution of nuclear spins in the subject, The relaxation time distribution or the like is displayed as a tomographic image, and is used for various diagnoses or the like with the human body as the subject. To obtain a signal from an NMR phenomenon, place the subject in a spatially and temporally uniform static magnetic field, irradiate the subject with electromagnetic waves in a pulsed manner by a high-frequency coil, and generate an NMR signal. Is received by the high frequency coil. Further, a gradient magnetic field is superimposed on the static magnetic field in order to give position information to the NMR signal.

  As a conventional technique related to such a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an MRI apparatus, there is a conventional technique described in Patent Document 1. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses an emergency call device that calls an operator when the subject under examination feels bad.

JP 2010-94292 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, it is good if an operator (operator) who gives an instruction to take an image of the MRI apparatus is in a location close to the MRI apparatus, but may not be in a close place. For example, since the MRI apparatus has a long imaging time, the operator may set another apparatus (such as an X-ray CT apparatus) during imaging. In addition, when the operator cannot return immediately, the subject may want to evacuate from the MRI apparatus by himself.

  According to the present invention, the operator can be suitably called even if the operator is not near the MRI apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, according to the present invention, a moving means for placing a subject in an imaging space by moving a top plate, a static magnetic field generating means for generating a static magnetic field in the imaging space, A gradient magnetic field generating means for generating a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space; a high-frequency magnetic field generating means for generating a high-frequency magnetic field in the imaging space; and a calling means for calling an operator who issues an imaging command. An MRI apparatus characterized by calling an operator in two stages is provided.

  According to the present invention, there are provided an MRI apparatus that can be suitably called even when the operator is not near the MRI apparatus, a network system using the MRI apparatus, and an operator calling method using the MRI apparatus.

The figure which shows the whole outline | summary of an example of the MRI apparatus which concerns on this invention The figure which shows the layout of the hospital by which the MRI apparatus which concerns on the Example of this invention is arrange | positioned The figure which shows the flowchart showing the operation | movement of an Example.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

  Moving means (27) for placing the subject (1) in the imaging space by moving the top plate of the present invention according to the attached drawings, and generation of a static magnetic field for generating a static magnetic field in the imaging space where the subject is placed A preferred embodiment of the MRI apparatus comprising means (2), gradient magnetic field generating means (3) for generating a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space, and high frequency magnetic field generating means (5) for generating a high frequency magnetic field in the imaging space will be described in detail. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiments of the invention, and the repetitive description thereof is omitted.

First, an overall outline of an example of an MRI apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an embodiment of an MRI apparatus according to the present invention. This MRI apparatus uses an NMR phenomenon to obtain a tomographic image of a subject.As shown in FIG. 1, the MRI apparatus includes a static magnetic field generation system 2, a gradient magnetic field generation system 3, a transmission system 5, The receiving system 6, the signal processing system 7, the sequencer 4, and the central processing unit (CPU) 8 are configured.
The static magnetic field generation system 2 generates a uniform static magnetic field in the direction perpendicular to the body axis in the space around the subject 1 if the vertical magnetic field method is used, and in the direction of the body axis if the horizontal magnetic field method is used. Therefore, a permanent magnet type, normal conducting type or superconducting type static magnetic field generating source is arranged around the subject 1.
The gradient magnetic field generation system 3 includes a gradient magnetic field coil 9 that applies a gradient magnetic field in the three-axis directions of X, Y, and Z, which is a coordinate system (stationary coordinate system) of the MRI apparatus, and a gradient magnetic field that drives each gradient magnetic field coil. Gradient magnetic fields Gx, Gy, and Gz are applied in the X, Y, and Z axis directions by driving the gradient magnetic field power supply 10 of each coil according to a command from the sequencer 4 described later. . During imaging, a slice direction gradient magnetic field pulse (Gs) is applied in a direction orthogonal to the slice plane (imaging cross section) to set a slice plane for the subject 1, and the remaining planes orthogonal to the slice plane and orthogonal to each other are set. A phase encoding direction gradient magnetic field pulse (Gp) and a frequency encoding direction gradient magnetic field pulse (Gf) are applied in two directions, and position information in each direction is encoded into an echo signal.

  The sequencer 4 is a control means that repeatedly applies a high-frequency magnetic field pulse (hereinafter referred to as an “RF pulse”) and a gradient magnetic field pulse in a predetermined pulse sequence, and operates under the control of the CPU 8 to obtain tomographic image data of the subject 1. Various commands necessary for collection are sent to the transmission system 5, the gradient magnetic field generation system 3, and the reception system 6.

  The transmission system 5 irradiates the subject 1 with an RF pulse in order to cause nuclear magnetic resonance to occur in the nuclear spins of the atoms constituting the living tissue of the subject 1, and includes a high-frequency oscillator 11, a modulator 12, It comprises a high frequency amplifier 13 and a high frequency coil (transmission coil) 14a on the transmission side. The RF pulse output from the high-frequency oscillator 11 is amplitude-modulated by the modulator 12 at a timing according to a command from the sequencer 4, and the amplitude-modulated RF pulse is amplified by the high-frequency amplifier 13 and then placed close to the subject 1. By supplying the high frequency coil 14a, the RF pulse is irradiated to the subject 1.

The receiving system 6 detects an echo signal (NMR signal) emitted by nuclear magnetic resonance of nuclear spins constituting the biological tissue of the subject 1, and includes a receiving side high frequency coil (receiving coil) 14b and a signal amplifier. 15, a quadrature detector 16, and an A / D converter 17. The NMR signal of the response of the subject 1 induced by the electromagnetic wave irradiated from the high-frequency coil 14a on the transmitting side was detected by the high-frequency coil 14b arranged close to the subject 1 and amplified by the signal amplifier 15. Thereafter, the signals are divided into two orthogonal signals by the quadrature phase detector 16 at a timing according to a command from the sequencer 4, converted into digital quantities by the A / D converter 17, and sent to the signal processing system 7.
The signal processing system 7 performs various data processing and display and storage of processing results, and includes an external storage device 18 such as an optical disk or a magnetic disk, and a display unit 19 including a CRT or the like. When data from the receiving system 6 is input to the CPU 8, the CPU 8 executes processing such as signal processing and image reconstruction, and displays the tomographic image of the subject 1 as a result on the display unit 19, and also externally Recording is performed on a magnetic disk or the like of the storage device 18.

  The operation unit 20 inputs various control information of the MRI apparatus and control information of processing performed by the signal processing system 7, and includes a trackball or a mouse and a keyboard. The operation unit 20 is arranged close to the display, and an operator controls various processes of the MRI apparatus interactively through the operation unit 20 while looking at the display.

  In FIG. 1, the high-frequency coil 14a and the gradient magnetic field coil 9 on the transmission side are within the static magnetic field space of the static magnetic field generation system 2 into which the subject 1 is inserted. Oppositely, if it is a horizontal magnetic field system, it is installed so as to surround the subject 1. The high-frequency coil 14b on the receiving side is installed so as to face or surround the subject 1.

  At present, the radionuclide to be imaged by the MRI apparatus is a hydrogen nucleus (proton) which is a main constituent material of the subject as being widely used clinically. By imaging information on the spatial distribution of proton density and the spatial distribution of relaxation time in the excited state, the form or function of the human head, abdomen, limbs, etc. is imaged two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally.

  Subsequently, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The MRI apparatus shown in FIG. 1 further includes a call switch 21, a subject call speaker 22, an operator call speaker 23, an emergency call warning light 24, an emergency call confirmation switch 25, and a bed 26. The bed control device 27 is provided.

  The call switch 21 is a switch for the subject to call the operator. Specifically, the subject pushes a rubber ball containing air, thereby notifying the operator that a problem has occurred in the subject.

The subject call speaker 22 is a speaker for the subject to speak with the operator.
The operator call speaker 23 is a speaker for the examinee to call the operator.
The emergency call warning light 24 is a warning light for the subject to call the operator urgently.
The emergency call confirmation switch 25 is a combination of an LED lamp and a switch. When a problem occurs in the subject and the call switch 21 is pressed, the LED lights up, and the operator confirms the emergency call. When the switch 25 is pressed, the LED is turned off.

The bed 26 is for placing the subject 1 in the imaging space and includes a top plate (not shown).
The bed control device 27 is for controlling the bed 26 and moving the subject 1 to the imaging space.

  Next, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a layout of a hospital in which the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is arranged. According to FIG. 2, in this hospital, there are an MRI apparatus 28, an X-ray CT apparatus 29, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 30, an MRI apparatus console 31, an X-ray CT apparatus console 32, and an X-ray CT apparatus. And an operation console 33 for a line diagnosis apparatus. That is, in FIG. 2, a network system using an MRI apparatus, and in the network system, an operator call speaker (23) disposed on the console of the MRI apparatus and a hospital site where the MRI apparatus is disposed. The wireless transmitter (42) arranged in the inside is included, and the call by the calling means is the first step (45, 46) using the operator call speaker and the second step using the wireless transmitter. Is shown including a call (52). As a result, a network system suitable for operator call is provided.

  Further, a bed 26 is provided beside the MRI apparatus 28, a call switch 21 is provided on the bed 26, and a subject call speaker 22 is provided on the MRI apparatus 28.

  Further, an X-ray CT apparatus bed 35 is provided beside the X-ray CT apparatus 29, and the X-ray CT apparatus 29 is provided with an X-ray CT apparatus gantry monitor 36. A first operator 37 stands beside the X-ray CT apparatus 29. Further, the first operator 37 has a first portable terminal 38.

  Further, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 30 is provided with an imaging room monitor 39. A second operator 40 stands next to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 30. The second operator 40 has a second portable terminal 41.

  In addition, a radio transmitter 42 is provided in the premises of this hospital so that radio waves for displaying images can be transmitted wirelessly to the first portable terminal 38 and the second portable terminal 41. It has become.

  Each component in the hospital is connected by a cable 43 so that various control signals and information can be communicated.

  The operator of the MRI apparatus first sets a receiving coil on the subject at the time of imaging. Then, the operator moves the bed or the top plate on which the subject is placed so that the desired region of the subject is near the center of the static magnetic field generation system (specifically, the static magnetic field generation circuit), Make the image ready. Thereafter, imaging is started in accordance with a preset sequence.

  The imaging time depends on the part to be imaged and imaging conditions (sequence type), but takes about 20 minutes to as long as 40 minutes. Meanwhile, the operator is required to monitor the subject for any abnormality.

  However, there are often lack of operators (specifically, laboratory technicians) in hospitals. For this reason, during imaging with the MRI apparatus, other subjects must be imaged with an X-ray CT apparatus, examined with an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, and busy work must be performed. Therefore, the operator is temporarily away from the MRI apparatus. During this time, if the subject being imaged in the MRI apparatus feels unwell or has a urge to urinate, no one responds even if the call switch 21 is pressed because there is no operator nearby.

  In order to solve such problems, the call switch 21 provided on the bed 26 of the MRI apparatus is connected to a CPU 8 (not shown in FIG. 2) built in the MRI apparatus console 31 of the MRI apparatus. However, the CPU 8 is connected to the cable 43 and is connected to the radio transmitter 42 via the cable 43. As a result, the MRI apparatus is provided with calling means (21, 8, 23) for calling an operator who issues an imaging command. The calling means includes at least two stages (for example, calling by the operator calling speaker 23 and gantry monitoring). 36, and the operator is called in two stages, ie, the shooting room monitor 39 and the portable terminals 38 and 41. Thereby, an operator's call becomes suitable. In addition, a retraction means (26, 27) for retreating the subject using a top plate is provided. Thereby, the subject can be withdrawn from the MRI apparatus according to the emergency mode.

  The evacuation means evacuates the subject between the first-stage call (45, 46) and the second-stage call (52). Thus, the subject can evacuate from the MRI apparatus before calling the operator who is remote. Here, since the wireless transmitter 42 functions to call the first operator 37 and the second operator 40 located away from the MRI apparatus, the first operator 37 and the second operator 40 Thus, it can be known that the subject 1 is in an emergency state. A flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

(Step 44)
First, it is determined whether the call switch 21 has been pressed. Specifically, when the subject 1 presses the call switch 21, a signal is sent from the call switch 21 to the CPU 8. The CPU 8 determines whether the subject 1 has pressed the call switch 21 based on the signal sent from the call switch 21.
If it is determined that the subject 1 has pressed the call switch 21, the process proceeds to step 45. If it is determined that the subject 1 has not been pressed, the process remains at step 44.

(Step 45)
The CPU 8 sends a signal to the operator call speaker 23 to generate an emergency call sound.

(Step 46)
The CPU 8 sends a signal to the emergency call warning light 24 and turns on the emergency call warning light.

(Step 47)
Using a counter (not shown) built in the CPU 8, the number of times the call switch 21 is pressed by the subject 1 is started.

(Step 48)
It is determined whether the emergency call confirmation switch 25 has been pressed. Specifically, when an operator (not shown) presses the emergency call confirmation switch 25, a signal is sent from the emergency call confirmation switch 25 to the CPU 8. Based on the signal sent from the emergency call confirmation switch 25, the CPU 8 determines whether the operator has pressed the emergency call confirmation switch 25. If it is determined that the operator has pressed the emergency call confirmation switch 25, the process proceeds to step 54. If it is determined that the operator has not pressed the emergency call confirmation switch 25, the process proceeds to step 49.

(Step 49)
The counter built in the CPU 8 determines whether or not it has counted more than a predetermined number of times. Thereby, it is determined whether the call switch 21 has been pressed by the subject 1 a predetermined number of times or more. If it is determined that the call switch 21 has been pressed a predetermined number of times or more, the process proceeds to step 50. If it is not determined that the call switch 21 has been pressed a predetermined number of times or more, the process stays at step 49.

(Step 50)
The CPU 8 stops imaging by the MRI apparatus.

(Step 51)
The CPU 8 moves the bed and retracts the subject 1 from the gantry of the MRI apparatus.

(Step 52)
The CPU 8 calls a remote operator. Call the operator (37 and 40 in Figure 2) wirelessly or by wire. Specifically, in FIG. 2, the CPU 8 sends a control signal for calling the operator to the wireless transmitter 42 via the cable 43 (chain line). The radio transmitter 42 transmits radio for calling the operator to the portable terminal (38 and 41 in FIG. 2) possessed by the operator. Alternatively, in FIG. 2, the CPU 8 sends a control signal to the gantry monitor 36 and the imaging room monitor 39 via the cable 43 to call the operator. That is, here, as the second stage call, the operator is called by displaying the call on the gantry monitor or radiographing room monitor of the apparatus of a modality other than the MRI apparatus or the portable terminal owned by the operator.

(Step 53)
It is determined whether the emergency call confirmation switch 25 has been pressed. Specifically, when an operator (not shown) presses the emergency call confirmation switch 25, a signal is sent from the emergency call confirmation switch 25 to the CPU 8. Based on the signal sent from the emergency call confirmation switch 25, the CPU 8 determines whether the operator has pressed the emergency call confirmation switch 25. If it is determined that the operator has pressed the emergency call confirmation switch 25, the process proceeds to step 54. If it is determined that the operator has not pressed the switch, the process stays at step 53.

(Step 54)
The CPU 8 stops sending a signal to the operator call speaker 23 and stops the emergency call sound.

(Step 55)
The CPU 8 stops sending a signal to the emergency call warning light 24 and turns off the emergency call warning light 24.

(Step 56)
The CPU 8 resets the built-in counter and ends.

  According to the above flowchart, the method for calling the operator, the step of evacuating the subject between the first-stage call (45, 46) and the second-stage call (52) is performed. Thus, the subject can evacuate from the MRI apparatus before calling the operator who is remote.

  According to the present embodiment, an MRI apparatus that can be called properly even when the operator is not near the MRI apparatus and can be evacuated by the subject himself, and a network using the MRI apparatus A system and an operator calling method using the system are provided.

  In the above embodiment, the operator's call by radio in step 52 was after the bed movement by step 51. However, even when the emergency ringing sound by step 45 and the emergency call warning light are turned on, It goes without saying that it is good.

  The present invention is applied to an MRI apparatus, a network system using the same, and an operator calling method using the same.

  40 Wireless transmitter

Claims (7)

Moving means for placing the subject in the imaging space by moving the top plate; static magnetic field generating means for generating a static magnetic field in the imaging space; and a gradient magnetic field generating means for generating a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space; A high-frequency magnetic field generating means for generating a high-frequency magnetic field in the imaging space, and a calling means for calling an operator,
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus characterized in that the calling means calls the operator in two stages including at least a first stage call and a second stage call.   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calling unit performs a first-stage calling by using an operator calling speaker.   2. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calling unit displays a display for calling on a gantry monitor or a radiographing room monitor of an apparatus of a modality other than the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus or a portable terminal owned by an operator. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus characterized in that the second stage call is performed.   4. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a retraction unit that uses the top plate to retreat the subject. 5.   5. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the retracting unit retracts the subject between a first-stage call and a second-stage call. In the network system using the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The network system includes an operator calling speaker disposed at a console of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and a radio transmitter disposed within a hospital site where the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is disposed, The network system using the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, wherein the calling by the calling means includes a first-stage calling using the operator calling speaker and a second-stage calling using the wireless transmitter .   An operator calling method using the network system according to claim 6, wherein the step of evacuating the subject is performed between the first stage call and the second stage call. A method for calling an operator as a feature.

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