WO2014134424A2

WO2014134424A2 - Magnetic resonance triggering system wiring for dynamic imaging

Info

Publication number: WO2014134424A2
Application number: PCT/US2014/019368
Authority: WO
Inventors: Emi MURANO; Harsh Agarwal; Jiachen ZHOU
Original assignee: The Johns Hopkins University; University Of Maryland, Baltimore
Priority date: 2013-02-28
Filing date: 2014-02-28
Publication date: 2014-09-04
Also published as: WO2014134424A3; WO2014134424A8

Abstract

An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a system for connecting imaging machinery and audio equipment for synchronizing movement with image capture for dynamic magnetic resonance imaging. The system includes a splitter having a male coupler and a first and second female coupler. The splitter is configured for connection to an audio output, such that audio transmitted from the audio output is split between the first and second female connector. The first and second female couplers are further configured to transmit the audio. A first connector includes a first male coupler disposed at the first end of the first connector and second and third male couplers disposed at the second end of the first connector. A second connector includes a first male coupler disposed at the first end and a second male coupler disposed at the second end.

Description

Magnetic Resonance Triggering System Wiring for Dynamic Imaging

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

61/770,554 filed on February 28, 2013, which is incorporated by reference, herein, in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to imaging. More particularly the present invention relates to a system for connecting components for dynamic magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Assessment of tissue motion is useful in the early diagnosis of certain diseases and surgical planning. This is especially true for most parts of the body where muscles, bones, cartilages, and soft tissue suffer deformation as result of movement. The heart, vocal tract structures, muscle-skeletal joints, and other organs relying on the underlying muscle for their function, are examples of movement based structures. While such visualization would be useful in diagnostic and surgical settings, medical imaging would be needed to give the necessary views. Medical imaging of tissue during motion is contingent on synchronizing the capture of the image with the subjects' voluntary or involuntary movements. Such synchronization is difficult and can include user error based on an event such as an improperly signaled subject or an improperly timed image capture. Such synchronization would also require communication between and therefore a connection between several complicated pieces of equipment, which is not available. [0004] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a system for connecting imaging machinery for synchronizing movement with image capture for dynamic magnetic resonance imaging.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, wherein in one aspect a system for coupling components for dynamic imaging includes a splitter having a male coupler and a first female coupler and a second female coupler. The splitter is configured for connection to an audio output, such that audio transmitted from the audio output is transmitted through both the first and second female couplers. The first and second female couplers are also configured to further transmit the audio. The system also includes a first connector having a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between. The first connector includes a first male coupler disposed at the first end of the first connector and second and third male couplers disposed at the second end of the first connector. The elongate length of audio transmission wire has a bifurcation at its distal end, such that a first length of bifurcated wire is coupled to the second male coupler and a second length of bifurcated wire is coupled to the third male connector. The system also includes a second connector having a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between. The second connector includes a first male coupler disposed at the first end and a second male coupler disposed at the second end.

[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the male coupler of the splitter includes an audio-type coupler. The male coupler of the splitter can take the form of a 1/8" stereo male coupler. The first and second female couplers of the splitter take the form of 1/8" mono female couplers. The splitter further includes a Y-adapter plug. The first female coupler of the splitter is labeled with a first color, and the second female coupler of the splitter is labeled with a second color. The second and third male couplers at the second end of the first connector are labeled with a third color and a fourth color. The second and third male couplers at the second end of the first connector comprise an audio-type coupler. The second and third male couplers at the second end of the first connector comprise jacks for coupling to a clamp-type coupler. The first length of bifurcated wire includes the LL and RA wires of the audio transmission wire and the second length of bifurcated wire includes the RL wire of the audio transmission wire.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a system for dynamic resonance imaging includes a device for audio output, an echocardiograph machine, and a magnetic resonance imaging machine. The system also includes a splitter having a male coupler and a first female coupler and a second female coupler. The splitter is configured for connection to an audio output, such that audio transmitted from the audio output is transmitted through both the first and second female couplers. The first and second female couplers are also configured to further transmit the audio. The system also includes a first connector having a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between. The first connector includes a first male coupler disposed at the first end of the first connector and second and third male couplers disposed at the second end of the first connector. The elongate length of audio transmission wire has a bifurcation at its distal end, such that a first length of bifurcated wire is coupled to the second male coupler and a second length of bifurcated wire is coupled to the third male connector. The system also includes a second connector having a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between. The second connector includes a first male coupler disposed at the first end and a second male coupler disposed at the second end.

[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the male coupler of the splitter includes an audio-type coupler. The male coupler of the splitter can take the form of a 1/8" stereo male coupler. The first and second female couplers of the splitter take the form of 1/8" mono female couplers. The splitter further includes a Y-adapter plug. The first female coupler of the splitter is labeled with a first color, and the second female coupler of the splitter is labeled with a second color. The second and third male couplers at the second end of the first connector are labeled with a third color and a fourth color. The second and third male couplers at the second end of the first connector comprise an audio-type coupler. The second and third male couplers at the second end of the first connector comprise jacks for coupling to a clamp-type coupler. The first length of bifurcated wire includes the LL and RA wires of the audio transmission wire and the second length of bifurcated wire includes the RL wire of the audio transmission wire.

[0009] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for coupling components for dynamic imaging includes coupling a splitter to an audio output device. The splitter has a male coupler and a first female coupler and second female coupler. The splitter male coupler is configured for connection to an audio output of the device for audio output, such that audio transmitted from the audio output is transmitted through both the first and second female couplers. The first and second female couplers are also configured to further transmit the audio. The method includes coupling the splitter to an echocardiograph machine using a first connector having a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between. The splitter further includes a first male coupler disposed at the first end of the first connector and second and third male couplers disposed at the second end of the first connector and wherein the elongate length of audio transmission wire has a bifurcation at its distal end. A first length of bifurcated wire is coupled to the second male coupler and a second length of bifurcated wire is coupled to the third male connector. The first male coupler of the first connector is coupled to the second female coupler of the splitter, and the second and third male couplers are configured for connection to the echocardiograph machine. The method also includes coupling the audio output device to audio of a magnetic resonance imaging machine using a second connector having a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between. The second connector further includes a first male coupler disposed at the first end and a second male coupler disposed at the second end, wherein the first male coupler of the second connector is coupled to the first female coupler of the splitter and the second male coupler of the second connector is coupled to audio of the magnetic resonance imaging machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings provide visual representations, which will be used to more fully describe the representative embodiments disclosed herein and can be used by those skilled in the art to better understand them and their inherent advantages. In these drawings, like reference numerals identify corresponding elements and:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for connecting imaging machinery and audio equipment for synchronizing movement with image capture for dynamic magnetic resonance imaging, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIGS. 2A illustrates connections between the components of the system, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIGS 2B and 2C illustrate connection system between the audio system, and the electrocardiogram connectors used to trigger the dynamic magnetic resonance imaging apparatus for cardiac dynamic imaging and to alert the subject to initiate voluntary movement to be imaged.

[0014] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate the wiring components before taping, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0015] The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated Drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0016] An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a system and method for connecting imaging machinery and audio equipment for synchronizing subject's voluntary movement with image capture for dynamic magnetic resonance imaging. The system includes a splitter having a male coupler and a first and second female couplers. The splitter is configured for connection to an audio output, such that audio transmitted from the audio output is split between the first and second female connector systems. The first and second female couplers are further configured to transmit the split distinct audio content to the following connectors. A first connector has a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between. The first connector includes a first male coupler disposed at the first end of the first connector and second and third male couplers disposed at the second end of the first connector. A second connector has a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between. The second connector further includes a first male coupler disposed at the first end and a second male coupler disposed at the second end. The method according to the present invention includes connecting an audio output device, ECG, and MRI machine with the wiring system described above.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for connecting imaging machinery and audio equipment for synchronizing movement with image capture for dynamic magnetic resonance imaging, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 includes a splitter 12, and two connection wire systems 24 and 38. The splitter 12 has a male coupler 14 and a first female coupler 16 and a second female coupler 18. The splitter 12 is configured to connect the audio output, such as CD player 20 to the headphone to subject inside the imaging system 47 and trigger the imaging acquisition system 37. Audio transmitted from the audio output 12 of the CD player 20 is transmitted through both the first and second female couplers 16, 18. The first and second female couplers 16, 18 are further configured to transmit the distinct audio information. More particularly, the male coupler 14 of the splitter 12 can take the form of an audio-type coupler, such as a 1/8" stereo male coupler or any other suitable coupler known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art. The first and second female couplers 16, 18 of the splitter 12 can take the form of 1/8" mono female couplers, or any other suitable coupler know to or conceivable by one of skill in the art. Generally, the splitter 12 can take the form of a Y-adapter plug. The first female coupler 16 of the splitter 12 is labeled with a first color, such as silver, and the second female coupler 18 of the splitter 12 is labeled with a second color, such as gold.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a first connector 38 having a first and a second end 40, 42 and an elongate length of audio transmission wire 43 extending there between. The first connector system 38 further includes a first male coupler 44 disposed at the first end 40 and a second male coupler 46 disposed at the second end 42. The second connector 38 can be used to transmit audio information from the CD player to another component of the imaging system 47, such as the headphones used by the subject inside imaging system.

[0019] Also as illustrated in FIG. 1, a second connector 24 has a first and a second end 26, 28 and an elongate length of audio transmission wire 30 extending there between. The first connector 24 includes a first male coupler 32 disposed at the first end 26 of the first connector 24 and second and third male couplers 34, 36 disposed at the second end 28 of the first connector 24. The first connector 24 can take the form of one lead wire surrounded with a ground. The second and third male couplers 34, 36 disposed at the second end 28 of the first connector 24 are labeled with a third color and a fourth color, such as red and green. The second and third male couplers 34, 36 can take the form of an audio-type coupler, such as a 1/8" jack, a jack for coupling to a clamp-type coupler, or any other suitable form of coupler known to one of skill in the art. The second and third male couplers 34, 36 are used to transmit single pulse information from the CD player to another component of an imaging system 37, such as an ECG machine for imaging triggering.

[0020] FIG. 2A illustrates connections between the components of the system according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first male coupler 32 of the second connector system is inserted into the second female coupler 18 of the splitter 12. As illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the second and third male couplers 34, 36 of the second connector system are coupled to clamp connectors for the component of the imaging system, such as an ECG machine, which is used for dynamic imaging of the heart.

[0021] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate the wiring components before taping, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the first male coupler 32 of the second connection system, before taping. The audio lead and the ground are welded to the rear portion of the coupler. FIG. 3C illustrates the second and third male couplers 34, 36, before taping. As illustrated in FIG. 3C the transmission wire 30 is stripped and split. The audio lead 48 of the wire 30 is coupled to the second male coupler 34 and the ground stripped 50 of the wire 30 is coupled to the third male coupler 36.

[0022] The present invention, described above can be used for a number of different applications, including, dynamic MRI imaging of subject movement, such as a heartbeat or swallowing or any other movement for which MRI image capture would be beneficial for analysis and diagnosis. These examples are not to be considered limiting and this wiring system can be used for any application know to or conceivable by one of skill in the art.

[0023] A method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes connecting an audio output device, and ECG machine and an MRI machine with the wiring system described above. The method allows for audio transmission through the MRI machine or headphones within the MRI machine. The method includes coupling a splitter to an audio output device. The splitter includes a male coupler and a first female coupler and second female coupler. The male coupler is configured for connection to an audio output of the device for audio output, such that audio transmitted from the audio output is transmitted through both the first and second female couplers, wherein said first and second female couplers are also configured to further transmit the audio. The method includes coupling the splitter to an echocardiograph machine using a first connector having a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between. The first connector further includes a first male coupler disposed at the first end of the first connector and second and third male couplers disposed at the second end of the first connector. The elongate length of audio transmission wire has a bifurcation at its distal end, such that a first length of bifurcated wire is coupled to the second male coupler and a second length of bifurcated wire is coupled to the third male connector, The first male coupler of the first connector is coupled to the second female coupler of the splitter, and wherein the second and third male couplers are configured for connection to the echocardiograph machine. Additionally, the method includes coupling the audio output device to audio of a magnetic resonance imaging machine using a second connector having a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between. The second connector includes a first male coupler disposed at the first end and a second male coupler disposed at the second end. The first male coupler of the second connector is coupled to the first female coupler of the splitter and the second male coupler of the second connector is coupled to audio of the magnetic resonance imaging machine.

[0024] The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for coupling components for dynamic imaging comprising: a splitter having a male coupler and a first female coupler and a second female coupler and the splitter being configured for connection to an audio output, such that audio transmitted from the audio output is transmitted through both the first and second female couplers, wherein said first and second female couplers are also configured to further transmit the audio; a first connector having a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between, further comprising a first male coupler disposed at the first end of the first connector and second and third male couplers disposed at the second end of the first connector and wherein the elongate length of audio transmission wire has a bifurcation at its distal end, such that a first length of bifurcated wire is coupled to the second male coupler and a second length of bifurcated wire is coupled to the third male connector; and a second connector having a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between, further comprising a first male coupler disposed at the first end and a second male coupler disposed at the second end.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the male coupler of the splitter comprises of an audio- type coupler.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the male coupler of the splitter comprises a 1/8" stereo male coupler.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second female couplers of the splitter comprise 1/8" mono female couplers.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the splitter further comprises a Y-adapter plug.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first female coupler of the splitter is labeled with a first color.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the second female coupler of the splitter is labeled with a second color.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the second and third male couplers at the second end of the first connector are labeled with a third color and a fourth color.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the second and third male couplers at the second end of the first connector comprise an audio-type coupler.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the second and third male couplers at the second end of the first connector comprise jacks for coupling to a clamp-type coupler.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the first length of bifurcated wire comprises the LL and RA wires of the audio transmission wire and the second length of bifurcated wire comprises the RL wire of the audio transmission wire.

12. A system for dynamic resonance imaging comprising: a device for audio output; an echocardiograph machine; a magnetic resonance imaging machine; a splitter having a male coupler and a first female coupler and second female coupler and the splitter male coupler being configured for connection to an audio output of the device for audio output, such that audio transmitted from the audio output is transmitted through both the first and second female couplers, wherein said first and second female couplers are also configured to further transmit the audio; a first connector having a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between, further comprising a first male coupler disposed at the first end of the first connector and second and third male couplers disposed at the second end of the first connector and wherein the elongate length of audio transmission wire has a bifurcation at its distal end, such that a first length of bifurcated wire is coupled to the second male coupler and a second length of bifurcated wire is coupled to the third male connector, and wherein the first male coupler of the first connector is coupled to the second female coupler of the splitter, and wherein the second and third male couplers are configured for connection to the echocardiograph machine; and a second connector having a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between, further comprising a first male coupler disposed at the first end and a second male coupler disposed at the second end, wherein the first male coupler of the second connector is coupled to the first female coupler of the splitter and the second male coupler of the second connector is coupled to audio of the magnetic resonance imaging machine.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the male coupler of the splitter comprises of an audio-type coupler.

14. The system of claim 12 wherein the male coupler of the splitter comprises a 1/8" stereo male coupler.

15. The system of claim 12 wherein the first and second female couplers of the splitter comprise 1/8" mono female couplers.

16. The system of claim 12 wherein the splitter further comprises a Y-adapter plug.

17. The system of claim 12 wherein the second and third male couplers at the second end of the first connector comprise an audio-type coupler.

18. The system of claim 12 wherein the second and third male couplers at the second end of the first connector comprise jacks for coupling to a clamp-type coupler.

19. The system of claim 12 wherein the first length of bifurcated wire comprises the LL and RA wires of the audio transmission wire and the second length of bifurcated wire comprises the RL wire of the audio transmission wire.

20. A method for coupling components for dynamic imaging comprising: coupling a splitter to an audio output device, wherein the splitter having a male coupler and a first female coupler and second female coupler and the splitter male coupler being configured for connection to an audio output of the device for audio output, such that audio transmitted from the audio output is transmitted through both the first and second female couplers, wherein said first and second female couplers are also configured to further transmit the audio; coupling the splitter to an echocardiograph machine using a first connector having a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between, further comprising a first male coupler disposed at the first end of the first connector and second and third male couplers disposed at the second end of the first connector and wherein the elongate length of audio transmission wire has a bifurcation at its distal end, such that a first length of bifurcated wire is coupled to the second male coupler and a second length of bifurcated wire is coupled to the third male connector, and wherein the first male coupler of the first connector is coupled to the second female coupler of the splitter, and wherein the second and third male couplers are configured for connection to the echocardiograph machine; and coupling the audio output device to audio of a magnetic resonance imaging machine using a second connector having a first and a second end and an elongate length of audio transmission wire extending there between, further comprising a first male coupler disposed at the first end and a second male coupler disposed at the second end, wherein the first male coupler of the second connector is coupled to the first female coupler of the splitter and the second male coupler of the second connector is coupled to audio of the magnetic resonance imaging machine.