JPH08289878A - Magnetic resonance imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a magnetic resonance imaging device provided with a means for relaxing a testee body without affecting a magnetic field. CONSTITUTION: This device is provided with a cervical vertebra coil 1 for transmitting and receiving magnetic resonance signals so as to diagnose a cervical vertebra, an air transmission type speaker 2 incorporated in the cervical vertebra coil 1 and provided to be near an ear part when the testee body is fixed, a cable 3 for a speaker for transmitting music or the like from an audio equipment to the air transmission type speaker 2 for transmitting transmission/ reception signals to the cervical vertebra coil 1 and a connector 4 for the speaker, and further a cable 5 for transmitting transmission/reception signals to the cervical vertebra coil 1 and a connector 6 for the coil and a head part fixing belt 7 for fixing the head part of the testee body.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

The present invention relates to magnetic resonance (MR: magneti).
The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that obtains an MR image of a subject by using the (c resonance) phenomenon.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as MRI
(Hereinafter referred to as a device) applies a uniform static magnetic field to a desired portion of a subject, and a transmitting RF probe that forms an RF magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the static magnetic field causes a magnetic field to be generated only in a specific slice portion from which a tomographic image is obtained. A magnetic resonance signal (hereinafter referred to as MR) generated from an atomic nucleus after the resonance phenomenon is generated and the RF magnetic field is released.
(Referred to as a signal) is detected by a receiving RF probe.

This MRI apparatus is installed in a shield room that shields magnetism in order to shield external RF noise and remove the influence of an external magnetic field such as geomagnetism. FIG. 7 shows the MRI apparatus installed in the shield room. In order to apply a uniform static magnetic field to a desired portion of the subject, the subject fixed on the table 19 of the bed is placed in a static magnetic field generator called a gantry 10 having a long and thin cylindrical hole. The top plate 19 is inserted by the horizontal movement, and the diagnosis is performed.
Since the elongated cylindrical hole of the gantry 10 has a size necessary and sufficient for inserting the subject, the subject feels a sense of pressure. Generally, the MRI apparatus uses X-ray CT.
Since the diagnosis time is extremely long as compared with an apparatus or the like, the subject is restrained in the gantry for a long time. For the above reasons, the subject suffers mental distress. In order to alleviate the emotional distress of the subject, a method of making the subject listen to music has come to be used.

As described above, the MRI apparatus is installed in the shield room, but a speaker is required to let the subject hear music. However, magnets are used in ordinary speakers. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
It is placed in a corner of a shielded room which is considered to have the least influence on the MRI apparatus, and music is played from here to the subject inside the gantry 10.

[0005]

As described above, since the speaker can be placed only in the corner of the shielded room where the influence of the magnetic field is considered to be small, it is far away from the subject in the gantry. For this reason, the volume must be increased, music may not be heard well, ambient noise may be heard, and sound quality may be poor. Moreover, even if the speaker is placed in the corner of the shielded room, it cannot be said that it has no effect on the magnetic field. It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems and provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus including means for relaxing a subject.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 1 is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus for obtaining magnetic resonance information of a desired slice plane, comprising means for relaxing a subject.

The present invention according to claim 2 uses an acoustic device as a means for relaxing the subject. According to a third aspect of the present invention, an air transmission type is used for the speaker of the acoustic equipment for relaxing the subject.

The present invention according to claim 4 uses, as a means for relaxing the subject, means for appealing to the olfactory sense of the subject in conjunction with the acoustic equipment. The present invention according to claim 5 provides an RF probe for applying a resonance signal to a subject and detecting a resonance signal from the subject, for relaxing the subject, for use in head diagnosis. Built-in speaker of audio equipment.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a speaker, which is an acoustic device for relaxing the subject, is mounted on a headrest provided for placing the head of the subject on a bed on which the subject is placed. Built in.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a loudspeaker, which is an acoustic device for relaxing the subject, is provided on a pillow for placing the head of the subject on a bed on which the subject is placed. Built in.

According to the present invention of claim 8, a gantry provided for applying a uniform static magnetic field to the subject has a speaker as an acoustic device for relaxing the subject.

[0012]

According to the present invention, the subject can relax and relieve mental distress even if the subject is kept in the gantry of the MRI apparatus for a long time. If acoustic equipment is used as the relaxation means, if the speaker is of the air transmission type, it will not hinder MR diagnosis.
It can be installed near the ear of the subject, and the sound quality is improved.
Further, if it is configured so as to be integrated and incorporated in the members of the MRI apparatus, such as the RF probe, headrest, pillow, and gantry, it does not interfere with the diagnosis and does not cause discomfort to the subject. There is no need for any special operation. Further, if it is built in a removable member such as a cervical spine RF probe, a headrest, a pillow, etc., it can be used in a conventional MRI apparatus.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment in which an air-transmitting speaker is incorporated in a cervical spine coil for diagnosing the cervical spine of an RF probe for transmitting and receiving magnetic resonance signals to and from a subject. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of this cervical spine coil,
(B) is the figure which looked at the state which fixed the subject to the cervical spine coil from the side. The cervical spine coil 1 is provided with an air transmission type speaker 2 provided near the ear when the subject is fixed as shown in FIG. 1 (b), and the air transmission type speaker 2 is provided outside the shield room. A speaker cable 3 and a speaker connector 4 for transmitting music or the like from the placed audio equipment, a coil cable 5 and a coil connector 6 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the coil, and the head of the subject is fixed. And a head fixing belt 7 for

The operation of the first embodiment of the MRI apparatus having the above configuration will be described below. First, the cervical spine coil 1 is attached to the top of the top of the bed, and the speaker connector 4 and the coil connector 6 are connected to sockets (not shown) provided on the top. A cable for connecting to the acoustic equipment outside the shielded room is output from this socket on the back of the top plate. Next, the subject is placed on a bed, the subject's head is inserted into the cervical spine coil 1, and the subject's head is fixed by a head fixing belt 7 so as not to move. The top plate is moved horizontally and the subject is inserted into the gantry. MR diagnosis is started by playing music or the like from the air transmission type speaker 2.

The subject insertion portion of the gantry into which the subject is inserted is elongated and narrow and has a feeling of pressure, but music of good sound quality and the like is played from the air transmission type speaker 2 provided near the ear. As a result, the subject can relieve the mental distress even after a long-term diagnosis. Further, since the air-transmitting speaker 2 is integrally incorporated in the cervical spine coil 1, it does not give an uncomfortable feeling to the subject and does not require any extra operation, which is convenient for the operator.
There is also a method of using headphones, but it may interfere with the head fixing belt 7, the subject may feel uncomfortable, it takes a lot of time to wear the headphones on the subject, and the subject is closely attached to the subject so that it is in a hygienic state. There is a problem such as deterioration. These problems do not occur if the configuration of this embodiment is adopted.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment in which an air-transmitting speaker is built in a headrest provided above the top of the bed to support the head of the subject when the subject is laid on the bed. The headrest 8 is an air-transmitting speaker 2 provided near the ear of the subject, a speaker cable 3 and a speaker connector for transmitting music or the like from sound equipment to the air-transmitting speaker 2. 4 and. The operation of the second embodiment of the MRI apparatus having the above-mentioned configuration will be described below. First, the headrest 8 is attached to the top of the top of the bed, and the speaker connector 4 is connected to the socket provided on the top. Next, the subject is placed on the bed and the headrest 8 is placed on the subject's head. When diagnosing the head, the subject's head is further fixed with a head fixing belt (not shown). The top plate is moved horizontally and the subject is inserted into the gantry. The music is played from the air transmission type speaker 2 and MR
The diagnosis is started. Similar to the first embodiment, the air-transmitting speaker 2 provided near the ear allows music of high quality to be played, so that the subject can alleviate his / her mental distress even during long-term diagnosis. In addition, since the air transmission type speaker 2 is integrally built in the headrest 8, it does not give an uncomfortable feeling to the subject and does not require any extra operation, which is convenient for the operator. The headrest is usually used for diagnosis other than the cervical spine, which is a very effective means.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which an air-transmitting speaker is built in a pillow used to protect the head of the subject when the subject is laid on a bed. The pillow 9 includes an air-transmitting speaker 2 provided near the ear of the subject, a speaker cable 3 and a speaker connector for transmitting music and the like from the audio equipment to the air-transmitting speaker 2. 4 and.

The operation of the third embodiment of the MRI apparatus having the above configuration will be described below. The cervical spine coil and headrest are rigid because they are made of a material that does not affect the magnetic field such as FRP. Therefore, in order to protect the head of the subject, the pillow 9 is usually used by placing it on the cervical spine coil or headrest. A cervical spine coil or a headrest is attached to the upper part of the top of the bed, and the pillow 9 is placed on the part in contact with the head. The speaker connector 4 is connected to the socket provided on the top plate. Next, the subject is placed on the bed, and the head of the subject is placed on the cervical spine coil or the pillow 9 on the headrest.
In the case of diagnosis of the head or cervical spine, the head of the subject is fixed so as not to move with a head fixing belt. The top plate is moved horizontally and the subject is inserted into the gantry. MR diagnosis is started by playing music or the like from the air transmission type speaker 2.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the air-transmitting speaker 2 provided near the ear allows the subject to alleviate his / her mental distress even after a long-term diagnosis. it can. Further, since the air-transmitting speaker 2 is integrally built in the pillow 9, the subject is not made uncomfortable and no special extra operation is required, which is convenient for the operator. Since pillows are usually used for diagnosis of any part, it is highly versatile and can be easily applied to conventional devices that do not have a speaker in the cervical spine coil or headrest as described above, which is very effective. It is a means.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which an air transmission type speaker is built in the gantry. (A) is a perspective view of the gantry, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the gantry facing the subject insertion port. Note that, for convenience of explanation, a part of the coil incorporated in the gantry is omitted in (a). The gantry 10 has an elongated cylindrical hole so that the top plate of the bed can be inserted, and the outside of this cylindrical hole is covered with several types of coils in a concentric cylindrical shape. The outside is a static magnetic field coil 11 and a gradient magnetic field coil 12, which are shielded by a Cu shield 13. Inside is a hole body coil (hereinafter referred to as WB coil) 14 for transmitting and receiving RF signals. At the center of the WB coil 14, as shown in FIG.
The air transmission type speaker 2 is provided as shown in FIG.
The distance between the WB coil 14 and the Cu shield 13 is about 5 to 10 mm, and it is sufficiently possible to provide the air transmission type speaker 2 in this portion. At this time, the speaker cable 3 is routed between the WB coil 14 and the Cu shield 13, is taken out of the gantry 10, and is connected to the acoustic equipment outside the shield room. As shown in (a), since the coil cable 5 is also exposed to the outside of the gantry 10, it is understood that the above-mentioned wiring can be easily performed in the conventional device.

The operation of the fourth embodiment of the MRI apparatus having the above construction will be described below. After placing the subject on the bed and fixing the diagnostic part, move the top plate horizontally,
The subject is inserted into the gantry 10. MR diagnosis is started by playing music or the like from the air transmission type speaker 2.

As in the first embodiment, the air-transmitting speaker 2 provided in the gantry 10 allows music with good sound quality to be played, so that the subject can alleviate his / her mental distress even during long-term diagnosis. . Further, since the air-transmitting speaker 2 is integrally incorporated in the gantry 10, it does not give an uncomfortable feeling to the subject and does not require any extra operation, which is convenient for the operator. In particular, the labor of connecting the speaker connector 4 required in the first to second embodiments can be saved. Further, it can be used for diagnosis of any part, and the RF probe or pillow that has been conventionally owned can be used as it is.

The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which an air transmission type speaker is built in the upper part of the top plate. A mat 11 for protecting the body and legs of the subject is laid on the top 10, and a headrest 8 for the head of the subject is attached to the top of the top 10 and a pillow 9 is placed on the headrest 8. Is laid. Air transmission type speakers 2 are built in on the left and right of the top plate 10 so as not to interfere with the headrest 8.

The operation of the fifth embodiment of the MRI apparatus having the above configuration will be described below. After placing the subject on the bed and fixing the diagnostic part, move the top plate horizontally,
Insert the subject into the gantry. MR diagnosis is started by playing music or the like from the air transmission type speaker 2.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the air-transmitting speaker 2 provided in the gantry allows music with good sound quality to be played, so that the subject can alleviate his / her psychological distress even during long-term diagnosis. Further, since the air transmission type speaker 2 is built in the top plate 10 integrally, it does not give an uncomfortable feeling to the subject and does not require any extra operation, which is convenient for the operator. In addition, it can be used for diagnosis of any part, has high versatility,
Since the speaker cable is provided inside the top plate, it has a neat structure.

Modifications of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 shows a modified example in which an air transmission type speaker and a scent generation port are provided on the top of the top plate. A mat 20 for protecting the body and legs of the subject is laid on the top plate 19, and a headrest 8 for the head of the subject is attached to the top of the top plate 19, and a pillow 9 is placed on the headrest 8. Is laid. On the top of the top plate 19, the air transmission type speaker 2 and the scent generation port 21 are provided on the left and right so as not to interfere with the headrest 8.
Built in. From the back surface of the top plate 19, a speaker cable and a scent generation port cable (not shown) are connected to the acoustic equipment and the scent generation equipment installed outside the shield room, respectively. The acoustic device and the scent generating device are connected to a control circuit so that the sound and the scent are interlocked with each other.

The operation of the modified example of the MRI apparatus having the above configuration will be described below. After placing the subject on the bed and fixing the diagnostic part, the top 19 is moved horizontally,
Insert the subject into the gantry. A music or the like is played from the air transmission type speaker 2, a scent matching the atmosphere or tempo of the music or the like is appropriately generated from the scent generating port 21, and the MR diagnosis is started.

The subject can relieve mental distress even during a long-term diagnosis by sniffing the music played from the air-transmitting speaker 2 and the scent generated from the scent generating port 21 that is linked to the music. it can. Further, since the air transmission type speaker 2 and the scent generating port 21 are integrally built in the top plate 19, they do not get in the way and no extra operation is required, which is convenient for the operator. Further, it can be used for diagnosis of any part, and is highly versatile. In the above modification, the case where the auditory relaxing means and the olfactory relaxing means are combined is described, but the invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to use only relaxing means by olfaction. The hearing means and the olfactory means have been described above, but if two means are provided, the invention can be applied to a person with a disability.

[0029]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, the subject can relax even if the subject has been inserted into the gantry for a long time for MR diagnosis.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cervical spine coil with a built-in speaker.

[Figure 2] Headrest with built-in speaker.

[Figure 3] Pillow with built-in speaker.

FIG. 4 is a top plate with a built-in speaker.

FIG. 5 is a gantry with a built-in speaker.

FIG. 6 is a top plate with a built-in speaker and scent generation port.

FIG. 7 is a conventional example in which a normal speaker is installed in a corner of a shielded room.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Cervical vertebra coil 2 Air transmission type speaker 3 Speaker cable 4 Speaker connector 5 Coil cable 6 Coil connector 7 Head fixing belt 8 Headrest 9 Pillow 10 Gantry 11 Static magnetic field coil 12 Gradient magnetic field coil 13 Cu shield 14 WB coil 15 Monitor 16 Monitor cable 17 Monitor connector 18 Subject 19 Top plate 20 Mat 21 Scent emission port 22 Normal speaker

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus for obtaining magnetic resonance information of a desired slice plane, comprising means for relaxing a subject. 2. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an acoustic device is used as a means for relaxing the subject. 3. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an air transmission type speaker is used for the speaker of acoustic equipment for relaxing the subject. 4. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein means for appealing to the olfactory sense of a subject in conjunction with the acoustic equipment is used as means for relaxing the subject. 5. An RF probe for applying a resonance signal to a subject and detecting a resonance signal from the subject, wherein a head diagnostic probe is provided with a means for relaxing the subject. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2, 3, or 4, which is characterized. 6. A headrest provided for placing a head of the subject on a bed for placing the subject on a bed, and means for relaxing the subject built in the headrest. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. 7. A pillow for mounting the head of the subject on a bed for placing the subject on a bed, and a means for relaxing the subject is built in the pillow. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. 8. A gantry provided for applying a uniform static magnetic field to a subject, wherein a means for relaxing the subject is built into the gantry.
Alternatively, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 4.