KR101100844B1 - Pet detector array imbeded in the gradient coil for pet-mri system - Google Patents

Abstract

In the PET-MRI imaging device, the PET detector tray is included inside the gradient magnetic coil to simultaneously perform whole-body PET-MRI imaging, and the inside and outside diameters of the electromagnet and the gradient magnetic coil to make a separate PET detector installation space are available. Disclosed is a gradient magnetic coil including a PET detector, and a PET-MRI imaging device including the same, which does not need to be enlarged and the PET detector tray can be attached and detached, thereby facilitating maintenance, repair, or fine adjustment of the PET detector. do. According to the present invention, an electromagnet disposed coaxially aligned, a gradient coil, and a high frequency transmission / reception coil, an electromagnet generating a static magnetic field in a space accommodating a subject, and disposed in the electromagnet to be inclined PET- including a gradient magnetic coil for generating a magnetic field, and a high frequency transmission / reception coil formed between the gradient magnetic coil and a space accommodating the subject and transmitting a radio frequency pulse and receiving an MR signal derived from the subject. MRI imaging device, characterized in that the gradient magnetic coil is installed in the radially cylindrical shape of one or more PET detector tray therein and to make one or more gratings in each tray to mount the PET detector in the respective gratings, PET -MRI imaging device.

 PET, MRI, PET-MRI, PET-detectors, gradient magnetic coils, trays

Description

Gradient magnetic coil including PET detector and PET-MRI image device including the same {PET DETECTOR ARRAY IMBEDED IN THE GRADIENT COIL FOR PET-MRI SYSTEM}

The present invention relates to a gradient magnetic coil comprising a PET detector and a PET-MRI imaging apparatus including the same. More specifically, the PET detector tray is included in the gradient magnetic coil to simultaneously perform PET-MRI imaging. In addition, it is not necessary to enlarge the inner and outer diameters of the electromagnet to secure the space for installing the PET detector, and the attachment or detachment of the tray on which the PET detector is mounted becomes easy, thereby maintaining, repairing, or fine-tuning the PET detector. The present invention relates to a gradient magnetic coil including a PET detector, and a PET-MRI imaging apparatus including the same.

In general, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to non-invasively obtain anatomical and functional image information in human tissue.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of such a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a magnetic field correction tray in a shielded gradient magnetic coil included in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 is formed inside the cylindrical electromagnet 110 and the electromagnet 110 to form a uniform magnetic field in the axial direction in the space 140 in which the subject is accommodated. A high frequency transmission / reception coil 130 formed between the gradient magnetic coil 120 generating the gradient magnetic field, the gradient magnetic coil 120 and the space 140 to transmit radio frequency pulses, and to receive MR signals derived from a subject under test; ). Here, the electromagnet 110, the gradient magnetic coil 120, the high-frequency transmission and reception coil 130 is cylindrical, it may be arranged coaxially aligned (Coaxially aligned).

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 2, the gradient magnetic coil 210 includes a magnetic correction grid 220 that forms concentric circles in a radial direction along an axis, and the magnetic correction tray 220 includes a magnetic correction tray 230. Is detachably mounted. The magnetic calibration tray 230 includes storage grids 250 in which a plurality of iron pieces 240 are accommodated.

Positron emission tomography (PET) measuring devices have been used to obtain molecular image information independently from magnetic resonance imaging devices. The PET detector is a device for detecting gamma rays, and is composed of one or more scintillators, an optoelectronic device, and a signal processor arranged in a cylindrical or polygonal shape to detect gamma rays.

In particular, the scintillation crystal is a material that emits light when it collides with the emitted radiation, and the scintillator signal is converted into an electrical signal through a photoelectric device such as a photomultiplier tube or a photodiode, and then a desired image is processed by a signal processor and an image processor. You will get

However, since the PET detector has a problem that the resolution is not high, it is necessary to develop a positron emission magnetic resonance imaging device (PET-MRI imaging device) to simultaneously obtain high resolution anatomical and functional image information and molecular image information. It became.

Until now, the proposed body type composite device was a form in which a PET detector was mounted between the gradient magnetic coil 210 and the high frequency transmission / reception coil 260 of the magnetic resonance imaging composite device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, in order to mount the PET detector, the space between the inner diameter of the gradient magnetic coil 210 and the outer diameter of the transmit / receive high frequency coil 260 should be expanded, and thus the inner diameter and outer diameter of the gradient magnetic coil and the electromagnet 220 should be increased. There is a problem of an increase in overall volume and a rise in manufacturing price.

The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, in the whole body type PET-MRI imaging device, by including a PET detector tray inside the gradient magnetic coil, so that high-resolution PET-MRI imaging can be performed at the same time For that purpose.

In addition, another object of the present invention, in the PET-MRI imaging apparatus, the PET detector is mounted inside the gradient magnetic coil in the form of a tray, so that the PET detector easily without expanding the inner diameter and outer diameter of the magnetic field coil and the gradient magnetic coil To be mounted on the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

On the other hand, another object of the present invention, in the PET-MRI imaging device, by mounting the PET detector in the form of a tray inside the gradient magnetic coil, the conventional magnetic resonance imaging device is also equipped with only the gradient magnetic coil PET detector By replacing it, it can be easily transformed into a PET-MRI composite imaging device.

Another object of the present invention, in the PET-MRI imaging device, the PET detector is mounted in the form of a tray inside the gradient magnetic coil, thereby facilitating the attachment and detachment of the PET detector and the associated electronic circuit, accordingly, PET It facilitates replacement for maintenance and maintenance of the detector and associated electronics.

PET-MRI imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, an electromagnet, a gradient coil and a high frequency transmission and reception coil disposed coaxially aligned (coaxially aligned), the gradient magnetic coil on the inner wall of the electromagnet Is disposed and provided with at least one PET detector therein, the high frequency transmission and reception coil is disposed on the inner wall of the gradient magnetic coil.
Here, the gradient magnetic coil may have a PET detector tray for accommodating the PET detector, and the PET detector tray may be inserted into the gradient magnetic coil.
Here, the PET detector tray may have at least one storage grid, and the PET detector may be accommodated in the storage grid.
Here, the PET detector tray may be plural, and the plurality of PET detector trays may be disposed radially from an axial center of the gradient magnetic coil.
Here, the gradient magnetic coil has a magnetic field adjustment tray for adjusting the magnetic field therein, the PET detector tray may be disposed inside the magnetic field adjustment tray.
Here, the PET detector tray is an electronic circuit for the operation of the PET detector; A connection terminal for connecting the PET detector tray with a signal processing device; And fixing means for fixing to the gradient magnetic coil.
On the other hand, the gradient magnetic coil according to an embodiment of the present invention, a gradient magnetic coil for generating a gradient magnetic field, includes a PET detector tray and a PET detector mounted on the PET detector tray, the PET detector tray, Electronic circuitry for operation of the PET detector; A connection terminal for connecting the PET detector tray with a signal processing device; And fixing means for fixing to the gradient magnetic coil.
Here, the PET detector tray may have at least one storage grid, and the PET detector may be accommodated in the storage grid.
Here, the PET detector tray may be plural, and the plurality of PET detector trays may be disposed radially from an axial center of the gradient magnetic coil.
Here, the gradient magnetic coil has a magnetic field adjustment tray for adjusting the magnetic field therein, the PET detector tray may be disposed inside the magnetic field adjustment tray.
Here, the PET detector tray is an electronic circuit for the operation of the PET detector; A connection terminal for connecting the PET detector tray with a signal processing device; And fixing means for fixing to the gradient magnetic coil.

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According to the present invention, in the PET-MRI imaging apparatus, the PET detector tray is included in the gradient magnetic coil, so that high-resolution PET-MRI imaging can be simultaneously performed.

In addition, according to the present invention, in the PET-MRI imaging apparatus, since the PET detector is mounted inside the gradient magnetic coil in the form of a tray, the magnetic resonance image of the PET detector can be easily obtained without expanding the inner diameter of the electromagnet and the outer diameter of the gradient magnetic coil. Can be mounted on the device.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, in the PET-MRI imaging device, since the PET detector is mounted in a tray form inside the gradient magnetic coil, by replacing the existing magnetic resonance imaging device with only the gradient magnetic coil mounted PET detector, It can be easily transformed into a PET-MRI composite imaging device.

In addition, according to the present invention, in the PET-MRI imaging apparatus, since the PET detector is mounted in the form of a tray inside the gradient magnetic coil, detachment and attachment of the PET detector and related electronic circuits are facilitated, and thus, the PET detector and Replacement for maintenance and maintenance of the relevant electronics can also be facilitated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are different but need not be mutually exclusive. For example, certain shapes, structures, and characteristics described herein may be embodied in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention with respect to one embodiment. It is also to be understood that the position or arrangement of the individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention, if properly described, is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Like reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same or similar functions throughout the several aspects.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention.

Configuration of the entire device

FIG. 3 shows the overall configuration and gradient magnetic field of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device (hereinafter referred to as a 'PET-MRI imaging device') according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows a structure of a coil.

As shown in FIG. 3, the PET-MRI imaging apparatus of the present invention surrounds a space 340 for receiving a subject to be diagnosed and generates a static magnetic field required while generating and capturing a magnetic resonance image in the space 340. Electromagnet 310 to be generated, a gradient coil disposed in the electromagnet 310 to generate a gradient magnetic field (Gradient Coil) 320, between the gradient magnetic coil 320 and the space 340 is a radio frequency It may be configured to include a high frequency transmission and reception coil 330 for transmitting a pulse and receiving the MR signal derived from the subject. Here, the electromagnet 310, the gradient magnetic coil 320, the high frequency transmission and reception coil 330 is cylindrical, the components may be arranged coaxially (Coaxially aligned).

Electromagnet 310 is a component for forming a static magnetic field in the space 340, it may be configured through a magnetic field generating magnet, such as a superconducting magnet, or a phase conductive magnet. The electromagnet 310 may be configured such that the direction of the static magnetic field is formed in the longitudinal direction of the inspected object accommodated in the space 340, that is, in a direction along the central axis of the cylindrical electromagnet 10.

The gradient magnetic coil 320 forms a gradient magnetic field that gives a slope to the strength of the static magnetic field formed by the electromagnet 310 to form three-dimensional positional information on the magnetic resonance signal received by the high frequency transmission / reception coil 330. . The gradient magnetic field formed by the gradient magnetic coil 320 is three types: a slice selection gradient magnetic field, a read gradient magnetic field, and a phase coded gradient magnetic field. In order to form these gradient magnetic fields, the gradient magnetic coil 320 may include three gradient magnetic coils for each type of magnetic field. On the other hand, the gradient magnetic coil 320 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a PET detector that forms a radial cylindrical shape at the center in the axial direction therein. This configuration will be described later in detail.

The high frequency transmitting / receiving coil 330 transmits an electromagnetic wave for generating a high frequency magnetic field that excites both spins in the photographing region of the subject in the static magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 310. Furthermore, electromagnetic waves generated by both excited in the imaging region of the subject are received as magnetic resonance signals.

Hereinafter, the internal configuration of the gradient magnetic coil 320, which is a characteristic configuration of the present invention, will be described in detail.

Structure of Gradient Coil

4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a space arrangement of at least one PET detector tray 412 and at least one magnetic field adjustment tray 411 included in the gradient magnetic coil 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a view showing the configuration of a positron emission (PET) detector tray and a storage lattice mounted in the gradient magnetic coil 400 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the gradient magnetic coil 400 includes one or more trays 410 formed radially from an axial center. The tray 410 is composed of a magnetic field adjustment tray 411 and a PET detector tray 412.

There are a plurality of storage gratings in the PET detector tray 412 to accommodate the PET detector for each grating.

Referring to FIG. 5, the PET detector tray 500 may include a PET detector 510 mounted on a plurality of storage grids and an associated electronic circuit 520 for operating the PET detector 510. In addition, formed at both ends of the PET detector tray 500, the connection terminal 530 is connected to the electronic circuit 520 and the signal line, power line and control lines to connect the PET detector tray 500 to the signal processing device. do

The PET detector tray 500 is fixed to the main body of the gradient magnetic coil 400 shown in FIG. 4 by fixing means 540 formed at the front, rear or both ends.

3, 4, and 5, the magnetic field adjustment tray 411, the PET detector tray 500, and the PET detector storage lattice 510 are illustrated as having a specific shape, but are not limited thereto. It may be configured in the form or polygonal form.

The PET-MRI imaging apparatus of the present invention includes a tray 500 having a plurality of PET detectors in the gradient magnetic coil 400 so that PET-MRI imaging can be simultaneously performed.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the PET detector is mounted inside the gradient magnetic coil 400, it is necessary to enlarge the inner and outer diameters of the electromagnet 310 and the gradient magnetic coil 320, which are essential for mounting the PET detector. There will be no.

On the other hand, since the PET detector is mounted in the form of a tray inside the gradient magnetic coil (360), the existing magnetic resonance imaging diagnostic apparatus also replaces the conventional gradient magnetic coil with the gradient magnetic coil 320 in which the PET detector of the present invention is mounted. In this case, the PET-MRI composite imaging device can be easily transformed and used.

In addition, the detachment and attachment of PET detectors and related electronic circuits mounted in single or plural units becomes easy, and the maintenance and repair of the PET detector and related electronic circuits is simplified, and the fine adjustment and replacement thereof are also easy.

Although the present invention has been described by specific embodiments such as specific components and the like, but the embodiments and the drawings are provided to assist in a more general understanding of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations can be made from these descriptions.

Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiments, and all of the equivalents or equivalents of the claims, as well as the following claims, I will say.

1 and 2 are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view showing the configuration of a conventional magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

3 is a perspective view schematically showing the overall configuration of a PET-MRI imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a cross-sectional view showing in detail the configuration of the gradient magnetic coil mounted with the PET detector tray included in the PET-MRI imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a PET detector tray inner grid mounted in a gradient magnetic coil according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

200: electromagnet

210: gradient magnetic coil

260: high frequency transmission and reception coil

250: self-adjusting tray storing grid

361: PET detector tray storage grid

230: magnetic field adjustment tray

360: PET detector tray

520: electronic circuit

530: connection terminal

Claims (11)

In a PET-MRI imaging apparatus including an electromagnet, a gradient coil, and a high frequency transmission / reception coil disposed coaxially aligned, The gradient magnetic coil is disposed on the inner wall of the electromagnet and has at least one PET detector therein, The high frequency transmission and reception coil is a PET-MRI imaging device disposed on the inner wall of the gradient magnetic coil. The method of claim 1, The gradient magnetic coil has a PET detector tray for accommodating the PET detector, The PET detector tray is PET-MRI imaging apparatus, characterized in that inserted into the gradient magnetic coil. The method of claim 2, The PET detector tray has at least one storage grid, PET-MRI imaging apparatus, characterized in that the PET detector is accommodated in the storage grid. The method according to claim 2 or 3, The PET detector tray is plural, The plurality of PET detector trays, PET-MRI imaging device, characterized in that arranged radially from the axial center of the gradient magnetic coil. The method of claim 4, wherein The gradient magnetic coil has a magnetic field adjusting tray for adjusting the magnetic field therein, The PET detector tray is PET-MRI imaging device, characterized in that disposed on the inner side than the self-adjusting tray. The method of claim 2, The PET detector tray, An electronic circuit for operation of the PET detector; A connection terminal for connecting the PET detector tray with a signal processing device; And Fixing means for fixing to the gradient magnetic coil; PET-MRI imaging device comprising a. In a gradient magnetic coil for generating a gradient magnetic field, It includes a PET detector tray and a PET detector mounted on the PET detector tray therein, The PET detector tray, the electronic circuit for the operation of the PET detector; A connection terminal for connecting the PET detector tray with a signal processing device; And fixing means for being fixed to the gradient magnetic coil. The method of claim 7, wherein The PET detector tray has at least one storage grid, And the PET detector is accommodated in the storage grating. 9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, The PET detector tray is plural, And the plurality of PET detector trays are disposed radially at an axial center of the gradient magnetic coil. The method of claim 9, The gradient magnetic coil has a magnetic field adjusting tray for adjusting the magnetic field therein, The PET detector tray is inclined magnetic field coil, characterized in that disposed inside the magnetic field adjustment tray. delete

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