Automatic configuration of a low field magnetic resonance imaging system
AssigneeHyperfine Research, Inc.
InventorsJonathan M. Rothberg, Jeremy Christopher Jordan, Michael Stephen Poole, Laura Sacolick, Todd Rearick, Gregory L. Charvat
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Abstract
In some aspects, a method of operating a magnetic resonance imaging system comprising a B0 magnet and at least one thermal management component configured to transfer heat away from the B0 magnet during operation is provided. The method comprises providing operating power to the B0 magnet, monitoring a temperature of the B0 magnet to determine a current temperature of the B0 magnet, and operating the at least one thermal management component at less than operational capacity in response to an occurrence of at least one event.
Claims17
A method of operating a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system comprising a B0 magnet and at least one thermal management component configured to transfer heat away from the B0 magnet during operation using fluid coolant, the method comprising:
- providing, using a power supply, operating power to the B0 magnet;
- powering up the MRI system, the powering up comprising:
- monitoring, using a temperature sensor and/or a voltage sensor, a temperature of the B0 magnet to determine a current temperature of the B0 magnet;
- and
- when the current temperature of the B0 magnet is below a first threshold temperature value, operating the at least one thermal management component at less than operational capacity in response to an occurrence of at least one event to reduce a time needed for the B0 magnet to be ready for imaging, wherein the at least one event comprises powering up the MRI system;
- wherein the at least one thermal management component comprises at least one conduit configured to circulate fluid coolant to transfer heat away from the B0 magnet during operation;
- wherein operating the at least one thermal management component at less than operational capacity comprises operating the B0 magnet using a reduced amount of current to reduce power consumption in a low power mode;
- and
- after powering up the MRI system, acquiring at least one image using the MRI system.
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, comprising:
- a B0 magnet configured to provide at least a portion of a B0 field;
- at least one thermal management component configured to transfer heat away from the B0 magnet during operation using fluid coolant;
- a temperature sensor and/or a voltage sensor configured to monitor a temperature of the B0 magnet;
- and
- at least one processor programmed to:
- during powering up of the MRI system:
- obtain a current temperature of the B0 magnet using the temperature sensor and/or the voltage sensor;
- when the current temperature of the B0 magnet is below a first threshold temperature value,
- operate the at least one thermal management component at less than operational capacity in response to an occurrence of at least one event to reduce a time needed for the B0 magnet to be ready for imaging, and wherein the at least one thermal management component comprises at least one conduit configured to circulate fluid coolant to transfer heat away from the B0 magnet during operation, wherein the at least one event comprises powering up the MRI system, and wherein operating the at least one thermal management component at less than operational capacity comprises operating the B0 magnet using a reduced amount of current to reduce power consumption in a low power mode;
- and
- after powering up the MRI system, cause the MRI system to acquire at least one image.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.