JP5032247B2 - Magnetic fine particle imaging apparatus and coil arrangement method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a magnetic particle imaging apparatus for imaging a distribution of magnetic fine particles in a subject based on a harmonic signal emitted from the magnetic fine particles in the zero magnetic field region by applying an alternating magnetic field to the zero magnetic field region. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique for reducing the size of a magnetic particle imaging apparatus.

  In recent years, when magnetic nanoparticles (magnetic fine particles) whose surface is chemically modified are administered to a subject, the magnetic nanoparticles are taken into the tumor of the subject and its vicinity by the EPR (Enhanced Permeability and Retention) effect. A magnetic fine particle imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “MPI (Magnetic Particle Imaging) apparatus”) that images the three-dimensional distribution of a tumor by using it has been devised (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).

  13 and 14 are views (1) and (2) for explaining a conventional MPI apparatus. As shown in FIG. 13, the MPI apparatus first generates a zero magnetic field region using a repulsive magnetic field generated by a static magnetic field generating coil composed of a pair of coils, and then uses a high frequency coil to generate a zero magnetic field region. An alternating magnetic field is applied to.

  When magnetic nanoparticles exist in the zero magnetic field region, when a sufficiently strong alternating magnetic field is applied, the state of the magnetic nanoparticles changes between a magnetic unsaturated state and a saturated state. Therefore, an odd-order harmonic signal is observed from the zero magnetic field region. On the other hand, when magnetic nanoparticles exist outside the zero magnetic field region, since the magnetic nanoparticles themselves are already magnetically saturated, almost no harmonic signal is observed. By utilizing this phenomenon, the three-dimensional distribution of magnetic nanoparticles can be imaged by scanning the zero magnetic field region three-dimensionally.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the MPI apparatus scans a zero magnetic field region three-dimensionally using three pairs of coils called zero magnetic field region moving coils, detects a harmonic signal generated thereby, and generates a magnetic signal. The three-dimensional distribution of nanoparticles is imaged. Here, in the MPI apparatus, when the zero magnetic field region is moved in the three-dimensional direction using the zero magnetic field region moving coil, a “uniform magnetic field is generated in order to make the control of the shift amount of the zero magnetic field region as simple as possible. It is premised on.

  Therefore, a “helmholtz coil” is selected as the zero magnetic field region moving coil, which can generate a magnetic field with good uniformity despite its simple structure. The Helmholtz coil is a coil composed of two concentric loop coils. When this Helmholtz coil is selected, the relationship between the current flowing through the zero magnetic field region moving coil and the zero magnetic field shift distance is almost linear, which is advantageous from the viewpoint of drive control.

Gleich B, Weizenecker J, “Tomographic Imaging using the Nonlinear Response of Magnetic Particles.”, Nature 2005; 435 (Letters): 1214-1217

  However, the Helmholtz coil has an arrangement condition that “the radius of the loop coil is equal to the distance between the loop coils”. Therefore, if this condition is followed, three pairs of zero magnetic field region moving coils must be nested and there is a problem that the entire apparatus becomes large as a result.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a problem in the conventional MPI apparatus. For example, as shown in the figure, a zero magnetic field region moving coil that generates an offset magnetic field in the Y-axis direction is disposed outside a zero magnetic field region moving coil that generates an offset magnetic field in the X-axis direction, and a Z-axis is further disposed outside the zero magnetic field region moving coil. Consider a case where a zero-field moving coil that generates an offset magnetic field in the direction is arranged.

  In this case, assuming that the subject is a human body and the distance between the loop coils in the zero magnetic field region moving coil for the X-axis direction is 80 cm, the diameter of each loop coil is 160 cm, which is twice that of the loop coil. Then, for the zero magnetic field region moving coil for the Y-axis direction, the distance between the loop coils is 160 cm or more, and the diameter of each loop coil is 320 cm or more.

  Furthermore, for the zero magnetic field region moving coil that generates the offset magnetic field in the Z-axis direction, the distance between the loop coils is 320 cm or more, and the diameter of each loop coil is 640 cm or more. Thus, when the Helmholtz coil is used, the size of the entire apparatus including three pairs of zero magnetic field region moving coils becomes very large.

  In general, when the coil is enlarged k times and the same drive current is passed, the intensity of the central magnetic field generated by the coil is 1 / k times. Therefore, when the coil is enlarged, there is a problem that the generation efficiency of the magnetic field is lowered.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an MPI apparatus and a coil arrangement method capable of reducing the size of the entire apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention according to claim 1 is directed to a harmonic signal emitted from magnetic fine particles in the zero magnetic field region by applying an alternating magnetic field to the zero magnetic field region. A magnetic fine particle imaging apparatus for imaging a distribution of magnetic fine particles in a subject based on a static magnetic field generating coil for generating the zero magnetic field region and an imaging region formed in a cylindrical shape, respectively. And a zero magnetic field region moving coil that moves in a three-dimensional direction in the zero magnetic field region within the imaging region.

  Further, according to the present invention, the distribution of the magnetic fine particles in the subject is determined based on the harmonic signal emitted from the magnetic fine particles in the zero magnetic field region by applying an alternating magnetic field to the zero magnetic field region. A coil arrangement method used in a magnetic particle imaging apparatus for imaging, wherein a zero magnetic field region moving coil that moves a zero magnetic field region in a three-dimensional direction within a cylindrical imaging region is wound around the imaging region. It is characterized by including a step of arranging each to be worn.

  According to the first or eighth aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that the size of the entire apparatus can be reduced.

  Exemplary embodiments of an MPI apparatus and a coil arrangement method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiment described below, it is assumed that the subject is imaged in the supine state, and the case where the imaging region is formed in a cylindrical shape will be described as in the case of the horizontal MRI apparatus.

  First, the configuration of the MPI apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of the MPI apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the MPI apparatus 10 includes a static magnetic field generating coil 12 that generates a zero magnetic field region 11, a zero magnetic field region moving coil 13x that moves the zero magnetic field region 11 in the X-axis direction, and a Y-axis direction. A zero magnetic field region moving coil 13y that moves the zero magnetic field region 11 and a zero magnetic field region moving coil 13z that moves the zero magnetic field region 11 in the Z-axis direction are provided.

  Although not shown here, the MPI device 10 applies an alternating magnetic field to the zero magnetic field region and detects a high-frequency signal emitted from the magnetic nanoparticles and various coils. Is provided, and a gantry unit having an imaging region formed in a cylindrical shape, a bed unit that moves the top plate on which the subject is placed in and out of the imaging region, and driving of various coils are controlled. An image processing unit that images the distribution of magnetic fine particles in the subject based on the high-frequency signal detected by the high-frequency coil is also included.

  Further, as shown in the figure, here, the directions of the left, right, up, down, and front and back are defined as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, respectively, based on the moving direction of the subject relative to the imaging region.

  The static magnetic field generating coil 12 is a large Helmholtz coil using a high-temperature superconducting cable, and is disposed so as to wind an imaging region formed in a cylindrical shape. The two loop coils constituting the static magnetic field generating coil 12 (Helmholtz coil) are supplied with currents in opposite directions. As a result, repulsive magnetic fields are generated from the loop coils, and a zero magnetic field region is generated between the loop coils.

  In the figure, the static magnetic field generating coil 12 is shown with a loop coil arranged above and below the imaging region, but these loop coils are arranged at target positions with the imaging region interposed therebetween. As long as it is provided, it may be arranged at any position (for example, left and right or front and rear).

  The zero magnetic field region moving coils 13x, 13y and 13z are loop coils each having a predetermined number of turns. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a zero magnetic field region moving coil 13x for the X-axis direction according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 illustrates a zero magnetic field region moving coil 13y for the Y-axis direction according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the Z-axis direction zero magnetic field region moving coil 13z according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, these zero magnetic field region moving coils 13 x, 13 y and 13 z are arranged so as to wind an imaging region formed in a cylindrical shape. In addition, each zero magnetic field region moving coil is the center of the zero magnetic field region 11 generated by the static magnetic field generating coil 12 in a state where no current flows through all the zero magnetic field region moving coils (hereinafter referred to as “the origin of the zero magnetic field region 11”). Are arranged so that the geometric centers of the coils coincide with each other.

  Thus, by providing the zero magnetic field region moving coils 13x, 13y, and 13z, each zero magnetic field region moving coil is efficiently nested and arranged around the cylindrical imaging region without being nested, The entire apparatus including the area moving coil becomes compact.

  Then, by passing a current through these zero magnetic field region moving coils 13x, 13y, and 13z, a magnetic field in the direction indicated by a thick arrow is generated as shown in FIGS. Considering the flow of magnetic field lines near the origin of the zero magnetic field region 11 by these magnetic fields, it can be seen that the zero magnetic field can be shifted in a three-dimensional direction by each zero magnetic field region moving coil.

  The arc portions of the zero magnetic field region moving coil 13x and the zero magnetic field region moving coil 13y shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 each provide an opening for introducing the subject into the imaging region formed in a cylindrical shape. It is. The coils in these arc portions generate almost no unnecessary magnetic field in the vicinity of the origin of the zero magnetic field region because of the direction of current flow and the arrangement thereof.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the zero magnetic field region moving coil 13z has a simple loop coil shape. Furthermore, due to geometric symmetry, the magnetic field coupling coil 13x, 13y and 13z and the static magnetic field generating coil 12 have a structure in which no magnetic coupling occurs.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, three pairs of zero magnetic field region moving coils 13x, 13y, and 13z that move the zero magnetic field region in a three-dimensional direction within the photographing region are formed into a cylindrical shape. Since it is arranged so as to be wound, each zero magnetic field region moving coil can be arranged efficiently around the cylindrical imaging region without being nested, and the entire apparatus Can be reduced in size.

  In the first embodiment, the static magnetic field generating coil 12 is also disposed so as to wind the imaging region, so that the static magnetic field generating coils 13x, 13y, and 13z are included so as to include the static magnetic field generating coils 13x, 13y, and 13z. The magnetic field generating coil 12 can be disposed, and the size of the entire apparatus can be further reduced.

  In the first embodiment, the zero magnetic field region moving coils 13x, 13y, and 13z have a geometric center that coincides with the center of the zero magnetic field region 11 when no current flows through all the zero magnetic field region moving coils. Therefore, the zero magnetic field region 11 can be accurately moved in the positive and negative directions about the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis with the origin at the center.

  Incidentally, in the first embodiment, the case where the loop coil is used as the zero magnetic field region moving coil has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a saddle coil may be used. In general, a saddle coil is a coil having a shape well known as an element shape of an RF (Radio Frequency) coil in an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus. Can be generated.

  Thus, hereinafter, a case where a saddle coil is used as the zero magnetic field region moving coil will be described as a second embodiment. Note that the MPI apparatus according to the second embodiment basically has the same configuration as the MPI apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 and differs only in the type of the zero magnetic field region moving coil. Only three pairs of zero magnetic field region moving coils will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a zero magnetic field region moving coil 23x for the X-axis direction according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 shows a zero magnetic field region moving coil 23y for the Y-axis direction according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the Z-axis direction zero magnetic field region moving coil 23z according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the zero magnetic field region moving coil 23x and the zero magnetic field region moving coil 23y are saddle coils formed so as to be curved along the side surface of the imaging region formed in a cylindrical shape. As in the first embodiment, the geometric centers of the coils are arranged so as to coincide with the origin of the zero magnetic field region 11.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a Helmholtz coil having a radius of the loop coil and a distance between the loop coils of r is used as the zero magnetic field region moving coil 23z for the Z-axis direction. .

  Then, by passing a current through these zero magnetic field region moving coils 23x, 23y, and 23z, a magnetic field in the direction indicated by the thick arrow is generated as shown in FIGS. Considering the flow of lines of magnetic force in the vicinity of the origin of the zero magnetic field region 11 by these magnetic fields, it can be seen that the zero magnetic field can be shifted in a three-dimensional direction by each zero magnetic field region moving coil as in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the magnetic coupling between the three pairs of zero magnetic field region moving coils 23x, 23y and 23z and the static magnetic field generating coil 12 is caused by geometric symmetry. It has a structure that does not occur.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the three pairs of zero magnetic field region moving coils 23x, 23y, and 23z are each photographed with a pair of Helmholtz coils that move in the zero magnetic field region 11 in the body axis direction of the subject. The apparatus can be reduced in size because it is formed of two saddle coils that are formed to bend along the side surface of the region and move in the other two-dimensional direction through the zero magnetic field region. The uniformity of the offset magnetic field can be further improved.

  In the first and second embodiments, the MPI apparatus including three pairs of zero magnetic field region moving coils has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the zero magnetic field in the body axis direction of the subject is used. Regarding the movement of the region, the zero magnetic field region moving coil for the Z axis direction is not used, but the zero magnetic field region is moved relatively by moving the top plate on which the subject is placed in the body axis direction. It may be.

  Therefore, in the following, in the MPI apparatus described in the first embodiment, the movement of the zero magnetic field region in the Z-axis direction is performed using a top plate instead of the zero magnetic field region moving coil for the Z-axis direction. Will be described as Example 3. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of the MPI apparatus according to the third embodiment. Here, for convenience of explanation, functional units that play the same functions as the respective units shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in the figure, the MPI apparatus 30 according to the third embodiment includes a static magnetic field generating coil 12 that generates a zero magnetic field region 11, and a zero magnetic field region moving coil 13x that moves the zero magnetic field region 11 in the X-axis direction. , A zero magnetic field region moving coil 13y that moves the zero magnetic field region 11 in the Y-axis direction, and a top plate 34z that moves the subject P in the Z-axis direction.

  The top plate 34z is electrically driven by a bed portion (not shown). The top plate z moves the subject P in the Z-axis direction, so that the zero magnetic field region can be moved relatively in the Z-axis direction when the subject P is used as a reference. Since the movement of the couchtop 34z is as slow as possible, there is a merit for the subject P who is a patient. Therefore, the movement of moving the couchtop 34z in the Z-axis direction is repeated after all the scans are completed on the XY plane. Is desirable.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, among the three pairs of zero magnetic field region moving coils 13x, 13y, and 13z, instead of the zero magnetic field region moving coil 13z that moves the zero magnetic field region in the body axis direction of the subject P, The top plate 34z moves the subject P relative to the zero magnetic field region in the body axis direction, thereby moving the zero magnetic field region relatively. Therefore, the zero magnetic field region moving coil 13z for the Z axis direction and the zero It becomes possible to omit a drive amplifier for passing a current through the magnetic field region moving coil 13z, and the device can be further miniaturized.

  In the first, second, and third embodiments, the case where the three or two zero magnetic field region moving coils are provided has been described. However, the static magnetic field generating coil also serves as one of the zero magnetic field region moving coils. It may be. In this case, the current supply is controlled so that a current obtained by superimposing a direct current for generating a static magnetic field and an alternating current for moving in the zero magnetic field region flows through the static magnetic field generating coil. As a result, any one of the three or two zero magnetic field region moving coils can be omitted, and the apparatus can be further downsized.

  Further, in the embodiments described so far, the method of lowering the priority of the uniformity of the magnetic field generated by the zero magnetic field region moving coil and increasing the current use efficiency is adopted. Here, the non-uniformity of the magnetic field whose priority is lowered can be covered by a method of calculating a control input value by performing a reverse operation from calibration data measured (or calculated) in advance.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the magnetic field generated by the zero magnetic field region moving coil and the shift amount of the zero magnetic field region. For example, as shown in the figure, as the calibration data, the relation of the shift amount of the zero magnetic field region to the magnetic field generated by the zero magnetic field region moving coil is defined in advance, and when shifting the zero magnetic field region, the shift A drive current value is specified by inverse calculation from the position of an arbitrary zero magnetic field region according to the amount, and the specified drive current value is supplied to the zero magnetic field region moving coil.

  In the above, the embodiments of the MPI apparatus and the coil arranging method according to the present invention have been described. Hereinafter, the embodiments described so far have a practical size and a desired spatial resolution while satisfying a practical spatial resolution. Specifically consider whether the area can be imaged.

First, the size of the region of interest in the MPI apparatus is a cubic region of 256 (W) × 256 (D) × 256 (H) [mm ³ ], and the spatial resolution is 1 (W) × 1 (D) × 1 (H). Assume that [mm ³ ]. Furthermore, for easy understanding, it is assumed that the magnetic field gradient X _S [A / m ² ] generated by the static magnetic field generating coil is constant, and the magnetic field generated by the zero magnetic field region moving coil is also uniform (constant). Assume that there is.

According to the aforementioned Non-Patent Document 1, the saturation external magnetic field of magnetic nanoparticles having a diameter of 30 [nm] is H _K = 0.5 × 10 ⁻³ · μ ₀ ⁻¹ [A / m] (μ ₀ Represents the magnetic permeability of vacuum, and its value is 4π × 10 ⁻⁷ [H / m]. From this, the spatial resolution is expressed as R = 2H _K / X _S. Here, since one side of the spatial resolution is assumed to be 1 [mm], when this is substituted into the previous equation and solved, the magnetic field gradient generated by the static magnetic field generating coil is X _S = 1 · μ _0. It can be seen that ⁻¹ [A / m ² ] is necessary.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing a relationship between the offset magnetic field and zero field region the zero magnetic field region moving coil when the static magnetic field generating coil is constant magnetic field gradients X _S generated is generated. As shown in the figure, to one side is a region of interest covering an area of 256 [mm], in the range (figure of zero field, zero field to the magnetic field gradients X _S of the static magnetic field generating coil generates It can be seen that the range around the point where the straight line M representing the magnetic field superimposed with the offset magnetic field generated by the region moving coil intersects the X axis must be ± 0.128 · μ ₀ ⁻¹ [A / m]. That is, when the static magnetic field generating coil is constant magnetic field gradients _{X S} that occurs, the zero field region moving coil relative to the magnetic field gradients _{X S} offset magnetic field of only ^{_{± 0.128 · μ 0 -1 [A}} / m] Need to be superimposed.

  By the way, the magnetic field density of the magnetic field applied to the subject is continuous when the application time of the magnetic field is continuous due to the restriction of the time variation rate (dB / dt) of the magnetic flux density defined in the international safety standard IEC 60601-2-33. It must be 20 [T / s] or less. That is, the application time of the magnetic field is 0.128 × 2/20 = 0.128 [s]. For this reason, for example, when scanning the zero magnetic field region by one line in the X-axis (or Y-axis) direction, it is necessary to spend 0.0128 [s] or more.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating scanning of the zero magnetic field region in the region of interest. Actually, as shown in the figure, the MPI apparatus repeats scanning of the zero magnetic field region in the X-axis direction (or Y-axis direction) by controlling the zero magnetic field region moving coil (total number = 256). The scanning is also performed in the Y-axis direction (or the X-axis direction) orthogonal to this.

  Therefore, the time required to finish scanning one surface is 0.0128 × 256 = 3.2768 [s]. Further, since the entire region of interest is scanned by scanning in the Z-axis direction while repeating the scanning for each surface 256 times, the total scanning time is 3.2768 × 256 = 838.8608 [s] ≈14 [ min].

  Even when considering clinical application, it can be said that this time is sufficiently practical. Since it suffices to perform scanning in the Z-axis direction in about 14 minutes, it can be understood that the scanning in the Z-axis direction by the bed movement described in the third embodiment can be realized without imposing a burden on the subject.

  Further, the time available for measurement of one point for imaging is calculated as 0.0128 × 2/256 = 1 × 10 −4 [s] = 100 [μs]. Furthermore, when a high-frequency magnetic field is applied to the human body, the frequency is often set to around 100 [kHz] (period 10 [μs]) in consideration of the influence of the human body conductivity and eddy current. For these reasons, if the influence of “blur” due to the movement of the zero magnetic field can be ignored, it is possible to collect data for up to 10 cycles per point, and it is understood that the distribution of magnetic nanoparticles can be measured with sufficient accuracy. .

  Next, using FIG. 4 shown in the first embodiment as an example, it will be examined whether the zero magnetic field can be electrically moved within a practical range. 2 and 3 are designed to have approximately the same opening area, the generated magnetic field and the self-inductance with respect to the applied current will be approximately the same. It is enough.

Here, the coil shown in FIG. 4 can be regarded as a simple “circular coil”. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a magnetic field generated by a circular coil. As shown in the figure, when the current flowing through the coil is I [A] and the radius of the coil is a [m], the magnetic field H [A / at a position z [m] away from the center on the central axis of the coil. m] is represented by the following formula.

From this equation, in order to satisfy H = 0.128 · μ ₀ ⁻¹ [A / m] when a = 0.5 [m] and z = 0 [m], I = 2a × 0. It can be seen that 128 · μ ₀ ⁻¹ = 1.02 × 105 [A] needs to flow.

Further, when the number of turns N of the coil, length l [m], radius a [m], and vacuum permeability μ ₀ [H / m], the self-inductance L is expressed by the following equation.

Furthermore, when it can be assumed that the length l is sufficiently shorter than the radius (corresponding to l << a), the self-inductance L can be approximated by the following equation.
L = (μ ₀ · N ² · π · a) / 2 [H]

  From these equations, if the number of turns of the coil is N = 200 [turn], for example, I = 510 [A] and self-inductance L = 0.0789 [H]. The power voltage E [V] can be obtained as E = L · (dI / dt) = 0.0789 × 510 / 0.0128 = 3,145 [V].

  This applies a maximum voltage of 3,145 [V] and a maximum current of 510 [A] at a frequency of 39.1 [Hz] (corresponding to a cycle T = 0.0128 × 2 = 0.0256 [s]). If possible, this indicates that the coil can be driven sufficiently. Then, it can be seen that the performance of these coils can be sufficiently realized when compared with the performance of the gradient magnetic field power supply for the MRI apparatus currently mounted on the product.

  By the way, as described above, in order to obtain a practical MPI apparatus, it is necessary to continuously flow an alternating current of 510 [A] and 39.1 [HZ] for about 14 minutes. If the resistance value of the region moving coil can be made close to zero, heat generation due to resistance loss can be almost ignored, which is very advantageous in practice.

  According to the announcement of the International Superconducting Industrial Technology Center (ISTEC) dated November 1, 2006, AC loss was reduced to 0 when using yttrium-based high-temperature superconducting cable (conductor diameter 20 mm) 600 [Arms] (commercial frequency). .004 [W / m] or less ("Superconducting coil energy loss 1/3 Expected applications such as ISTEC transformer", Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun, November 1, 2006, "Solution 21" , Nikko Forum, September 2006, page 34).

  This means that if the coil radius a = 0.5 [m] and the number of turns N = 200 [turn], the total AC loss is 2.51 [W] or less, which is sufficiently practical. Suggests that it has reached a certain level.

  Further, as described above, in order to expand the three-dimensional scanning range while maintaining the size of the zero magnetic field region (related to the image resolution), the magnetic field generated by the zero magnetic field region moving coil must be sufficiently strong. For this purpose, it is necessary to pass a large current through the zero magnetic field region moving coils. However, if a normal copper wire is used for each zero magnetic field region moving coil, the energy loss due to resistance loss becomes very large. There are problems such as the need for a cooling device.

  The yttrium-based superconducting cable does not have so much energy loss even when an alternating current is applied, and enters a high-temperature superconducting state at the liquid nitrogen temperature. Running costs (= power loss and cooling loss) can be reduced while maintaining the resolution and field of view.

  For the above reasons, it is desirable that the zero magnetic field region moving coil of the present invention is configured with an yttrium-based superconducting cable that does not have a large energy loss even when an alternating current is passed and that shows a superconducting state with liquid nitrogen. . As a result, the running cost (= power loss and cooling loss) can be reduced while ensuring the desired image resolution and field of view.

  Further, it is advantageous from the viewpoint of cooling cost to realize not only the zero magnetic field region moving coil but also the static magnetic field generating coil, and there is an advantage that the current value and the current direction can be easily changed.

  As described above, the magnetic particle imaging apparatus and the coil arrangement method according to the present invention are useful when it is required to reduce the size of the apparatus, and are particularly suitable when the imaging region is formed in a cylindrical shape. ing.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an MPI apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the zero magnetic field area | region moving coil for X-axis directions which concerns on the present Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the zero magnetic field area | region moving coil for Y-axis directions which concerns on the present Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the zero magnetic field area | region moving coil for Z-axis directions which concerns on the present Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the zero magnetic field area | region moving coil for X-axis directions which concerns on the present Example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the zero magnetic field area | region moving coil for Y-axis directions which concerns on the present Example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the zero magnetic field area | region moving coil for Z-axis directions which concerns on the present Example 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an MPI apparatus according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the magnetic field which a zero magnetic field area | region moving coil generate | occur | produces, and the shift amount of a zero magnetic field area | region. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the offset magnetic field which a zero magnetic field area | region moving coil generate | occur | produces when the magnetic field gradient which a static magnetic field generation coil generates is constant, and a zero magnetic field area | region. It is a figure which shows the scan of the zero magnetic field area | region in a region of interest. It is a figure which shows the magnetic field generated by a circular coil. It is a figure (1) for demonstrating the conventional MPI apparatus. It is FIG. (2) for demonstrating the conventional MPI apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the problem in the conventional MPI apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

10, 30 MPI device 11 Zero magnetic field region 12 Static magnetic field generating coils 13x, 13y, 13z, 23x, 23y, 23z Zero magnetic field region moving coil 34z Top plate

Claims (8)

A magnetic fine particle imaging apparatus that images a distribution of magnetic fine particles in a subject based on a harmonic signal emitted from the magnetic fine particles in the zero magnetic field region by applying an alternating magnetic field to the zero magnetic field region,
A static magnetic field generating coil for generating the zero magnetic field region;
A zero magnetic field region moving coil that is arranged so as to wrap around the imaging region formed in a cylindrical shape and moves the zero magnetic field region in a three-dimensional direction within the imaging region;
A magnetic particle imaging apparatus comprising:   The zero magnetic field region moving coil is composed of three loop coils, and each zero magnetic field region moving coil is disposed so that the geometric center coincides with the center of the zero magnetic field region when no current flows through all the zero magnetic field region moving coils. The magnetic fine particle imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The zero magnetic field region moving coil is formed to have one Helmholtz coil that moves the zero magnetic field region in the body axis direction of the subject, and to be curved along the side surface of the imaging region. The magnetic particle imaging apparatus according to claim 1, comprising two saddle coils moving in the direction of the zero magnetic field region.   Instead of the zero magnetic field region moving coil that moves the zero magnetic field region in the body axis direction of the subject among the zero magnetic field region moving coils, the zero magnetic field is relatively moved by moving the subject in the body axis direction. 4. The magnetic fine particle imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a top plate that moves in the region.   5. The magnetic particle imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the zero magnetic field region moving coils is formed of an yttrium-based superconducting cable.   6. The magnetic particle imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the static magnetic field generating coil is formed of an yttrium superconducting cable.   The magnetic fine particle imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the static magnetic field generating coil is disposed so as to wind the imaging region. Coil used in a magnetic particle imaging apparatus that images a distribution of magnetic fine particles in a subject based on a harmonic signal emitted from the magnetic fine particles in the zero magnetic field region by applying an alternating magnetic field to the zero magnetic field region An arrangement method comprising:
A coil comprising a step of disposing a zero magnetic field region moving coil for moving a zero magnetic field region in a three-dimensional direction within a photographing region formed in a cylindrical shape so as to wind the photographing region. Arrangement method.

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