Method and device for increasing the efficiency of a gradient system in a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus
AssigneeSiemens Aktiengesellschaft
InventorMartin Brand
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In a method and device for increasing the efficiency of a gradient coil system in a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus to optimally use the efficiency of the gradient system, the individually different sensitivity of each patient regarding peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is determined prior to the MR examination by applying a variable electrical field, and the corresponding maximum magnetic field is determined by scaling, and the MR apparatus is correspondingly adjusted.
Claims13
A method for optimally utilizing the efficiency of a gradient system of a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus, comprising the steps of:
- for each patient, individually determining a sensitivity of the patient with respect to peripheral nerve stimulation, prior to subject the patient to a magnetic resonance examination, by applying a variable electrical field to the patient;
- identifying a response of the patient to the variable electrical field and determining a corresponding maximum magnetic field, usable in the magnetic resonance examination by scaling from the electric field;
- and
- adjusting said magnetic resonance apparatus to operate said gradient system no higher than said maximum magnetic field.
In a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus having a gradient system, a device for optimally utilizing the efficiency of the gradient system, comprising:
- a measuring amplifier which emits a variable electrical field to a test electrode, said test electrode being adapted for interaction with a patient prior to subjecting said patient to a magnetic resonance examination employing said gradient system, said variable electrical field producing a peripheral nerve stimulation in said patient;
- a test coil connected to said measuring amplifier adapted for measuring a characteristic of said electric field associated with said peripheral nerve stimulation;
- a conversion unit for scaling said electric field associated with said peripheral nerve stimulation to a maximum gradient magnetic field producible by said gradient system;
- and
- a control unit in communication with said conversion unit for operating said gradient system during said magnetic resonance examination to produce gradient magnetic fields which do not exceed said maximum gradient magnetic field.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.