Direct Resistance Heating Characteristics of Rectangular Sheet Blanks

The results of an investigation of the characteristics of heating rectangular sheet blanks by the direct passage of current are presented. An analysis of the thermal characteristics based on the heat-transfer equation of a material with internal heat generation produces data for temperature distribution and heat balance at any instant of the heating process. The instantaneous temperatures detennined by experiments are in good agreement with those obtained from the theoretical analysis. The results indicate that a uniform temperature rise over the bulk of the strip can be obtained with larger currents per unit width. The overall efficiency is expressed as a product of indicated thermal efficiency which relates to the heat transfer characteristics of the strip, and electrical transmission efficiency which relates to the electrical characteristics of the heating system. Results are given for the dependence of indicated thermal efficiency on the speed of heating and the length of the strip, as well as for the variation of electrical transmission efficiency with the length of the strip.     

RF-induced heating of interventional devices at 23.66 MHz

Objective

Low-field MRI systems are expected to cause less RF heating in conventional interventional devices due to lower Larmor frequency. We systematically evaluate RF-induced heating of commonly used intravascular devices at the Larmor frequency of a 0.55 T system (23.66 MHz) with a focus on the effect of patient size, target organ, and device position on maximum temperature rise.

Materials and methods

To assess RF-induced heating, high-resolution measurements of the electric field, temperature, and transfer function were combined. Realistic device trajectories were derived from vascular models to evaluate the variation of the temperature increase as a function of the device trajectory. At a low-field RF test bench, the effects of patient size and positioning, target organ (liver and heart) and body coil type were measured for six commonly used interventional devices (two guidewires, two catheters, an applicator and a biopsy needle).

Results

Electric field mapping shows that the hotspots are not necessarily localized at the device tip. Of all procedures, the liver catheterizations showed the lowest heating, and a modification of the transmit body coil could further reduce the temperature increase. For common commercial needles no significant heating was measured at the needle tip. Comparable local SAR values were found in the temperature measurements and the TF-based calculations.

Conclusion

At low fields, interventions with shorter insertion lengths such as hepatic catheterizations result in less RF-induced heating than coronary interventions. The maximum temperature increase depends on body coil design.

     

Quiet MRI with novel acoustic noise reduction

Fast scan techniques, which are used to reduce scanning times, have raised scanning noise levels in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, resulting in greater patient discomfort and stress. It is well known that this noise is caused by vibration of the gradient coil due to the Lorentz forces generated by the current in the gradient coil, which is placed in a static magnetic field. We have confirmed that MRI noise can be substantially reduced by sealing the gradient coil in a vacuum chamber to block airborne vibration propagation, by supporting the gradient coil independently to block solid vibration propagation and by decreasing the eddy currents induced in RF coils, the RF shield and the static-field-magnet cryostat. Based on these findings, we have developed a silent MRI system in which scanning noise is markedly reduced under a wide range of scanning conditions.     

Quiet MRI with novel acoustic noise reduction.

Fast scan techniques, which are used to reduce scanning times, have raised scanning noise levels in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, resulting in greater patient discomfort and stress. It is well known that this noise is caused by vibration of the gradient coil due to the Lorentz forces generated by the current in the gradient coil, which is placed in a static magnetic field. We have confirmed that MRI noise can be substantially reduced by sealing the gradient coil in a vacuum chamber to block airborne vibration propagation, by supporting the gradient coil independently to block solid vibration propagation and by decreasing the eddy currents induced in RF coils, the RF shield and the static-field-magnet cryostat. Based on these findings, we have developed a silent MRI system in which scanning noise is markedly reduced under a wide range of scanning conditions.     

Interaction between grounding pads used for RF ablation therapy and magnetic resonance imaging

Objectives: To characterize artifacts and imaging problems in the presence of conductive grounding pads for RF ablation therapy as well as potential heating problems due to induction of eddy currents in the pads. Strategies for avoidance of those problems are developed. Materials and methods: Underlying principles of interactions between grounding pads and MR imaging are reported. Influential parameters, e.g., orientation in relation to the magnetic field, shape of the grounding pad, sequence type (spin-echo versus gradient echo) and magnetic field strength (0.2 T, 1.5 T, 3 T) were varied in systematic phantom studies. Heating effects due to induced eddy currents were estimated theoretically and measured by infrared imaging in an adapted set-up. Results: MR imaging artifacts are markedly dependent on the orientation and geometrical shape of the grounding pads. Visible signal extinction artifacts were more pronounced using spin-echo techniques than in gradient echo images and increased for higher field strengths. Suitable incisions in the grounding pad reduced eddy currents markedly and minimized image artifacts. Heating problems due to induced eddy currents by the RF transmitted for MR imaging were excluded by phantom measurements. Conclusions: Suitable positioning of the grounding pads and adaptation of their geometry provide clearly reduced artifacts in MR imaging.     

磁共振成像系统中射频线圈的优化设计

射频线圈是磁共振成像系统中拾取信号的核心元件。在线圈设计过程中，可以以优化信噪比为目标求解源电流的分布。文中利用磁偶极子的概念，将分布在有限的平面或圆柱面上的电流进行分解，构造基线圈，并引入一个环路基线圈处理圆柱面上的环形电流情况；然后通过源电流分布和基线圈电流分布之间的映射关系，求解使得来自空间某点信号的信噪比最优时的源电流分布。应用这一原理计算了一个源电流分布在圆柱表面上的实例以及工程实际中射频线圈信噪比的物理上限，并讨论如何利用这一结果对线圈的信噪比性能进行评估。     

The EMF to BBB connection

The author considers the effects of electromagnetic energy on the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The integrity of the BBB is necessary for proper function of the brain in mammals. Minor leakage of the BBB can lead to neural dysfunction and major leakage is associated with brain swelling, which can lead to death. Thus, any change in the BBB of humans by EM fields could cause significant adverse effects. It is well established that RF heating of the brain by several degrees will cause gross and easily detectable disruption of the BBB. Such exposure is far above recommended safety limits and would be clearly hazardous to a person for other reasons as well. This level of exposure is unlikely to occur from environmental or occupational exposures to microwaves, low frequency fields, or from MRI scanners. It may be a factor in hyperthermia treatment of brain cancer. It is far less clear that EM fields have any effect on the BBB, apart from those resulting from gross brain heating. Roughly an equal number of studies using low-level (nonheating) exposures to either RF or low frequency fields have reported effects as have found no effects. In retrospect, it is clear that any effect from such exposure is small. To measure reliably a small breakdown of the BBB in the face of biological and experimental variability requires quantitative techniques tailored for measurement of small changes in transcapillary transport. Such a study has never been carried out     

Controlled<Emphasis Type="Bold"> E</Emphasis>-field gradient coils

Peripheral neural stimulation is a major problem in current gradient coil designs. Induced current problems in patients relate directly to gradient strength and modulation frequency. Current designs of gradient coil tend to limit ultra-high-speed imaging methods such as echo-planar imaging through the effect of induced currents which produce tingling sensations and involuntary muscle twitch. Neural stimulation could also trigger epileptic fits and/or cardiac fibrillation. For reduction of induced currents, an important aspect is the coil geometry. It is desirable to design the gradient coil in such a way as to prevent closed loop circulating currents within the body. Preliminary results using a four-sector gradient coil with rectangular geometry, operating in a low mutual coupling mode, indicate significant reduction in the E-field within the subject volume of the coil. Reduction in induced currents in the patient allows safer operation at higher magnetic field strengths together with faster scans currently prohibited through neural stimulation effects in standard coil geometries.     

Position adjustment method and distance estimation method of magnetic field supply and detection unit for magnetic hyperthermia

In magnetic hyperthermia, the temperature and localization of a ferromagnetic implant in a tumor region is vital in determining the effectiveness of therapeutic heating. We have developed a noninvasive wireless temperature measurement method by utilizing the magnetic permeability property of a ferromagnetic implant with low Curie temperature (FILCT) that varies with the temperature. In clinical settings, when the FILCT is injected into a tumor region, the position of the FILCT is expected to deviate from the central axis of the heating coil (drive coil). When it deviates, the magnetic flux density applied to the FILCT decreases, thus causing difficulty in detecting the temperature of FILCT via a pickup coil and heating of the FILCT at a constant treatment temperature. Therefore, to adjust the magnetic field supply and detection (MFSD) unit to be directly above the FILCT, we propose a position adjustment method by referring to three voltages induced in three pickup coils symmetrically installed inside the drive coil. By using the average value of the three voltages, we also propose a method to estimate the distance between the MFSD unit and the FILCT, which is required for wireless thermometry and determination of the optimal energy applied. The proposed methods are experimentally examined by a verification system.     

A method for the design of MRI radiofrequency coils based on triangular and pulse basis functions

This paper presents a numerical technique for the design of an RF coil for asymmetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. The formulation is based on an inverse approach where the cylindrical surface currents are expressed in terms of a combination of sub-domain basis functions: triangular and pulse functions. With the homogeneous transverse magnetic field specified in a spherical region, a functional method is applied to obtain the unknown current coefficients. The current distribution is then transformed to a conductor pattern by use of a stream function technique. Preliminary MR images acquired using a prototype RF coil are presented and validate the design method.     

Eddy current magnetic levitation. Models and experiments

We present a simple demonstration of eddy-current magnetic levitation using a small copper coil, energized with 60 Hz AC and levitated over an aluminum plate. The processes that generate magnetic forces are identified using Maxwell's equations. Through this experiment, a method for determining lift-off power, levitation height and suspension resonant frequency is shown. The principles outlined in this article have numerous applications to magnetic levitation, induction heating and other electrodynamic processes involving induced eddy currents. Scaling laws show how to size a suspension conductor and power supply for a given levitated load     

A method for the design of MRI radiofrequency coils based on triangular and pulse basis functions.

This paper presents a numerical technique for the design of an RF coil for asymmetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. The formulation is based on an inverse approach where the cylindrical surface currents are expressed in terms of a combination of sub-domain basis functions: triangular and pulse functions. With the homogeneous transverse magnetic field specified in a spherical region, a functional method is applied to obtain the unknown current coefficients. The current distribution is then transformed to a conductor pattern by use of a stream function technique. Preliminary MR images acquired using a prototype RF coil are presented and validate the design method.     

Measurement of electric intensity distribution inside human cadaver cochlea for multichannel cochlear implants

We have proposed a Tripolar Electrode Stimulation Method (TESM) which may succeed in narrowing the stimulation region and continuously moving the stimulation site for cochlear implants. The TESM stimulates the auditory nerve array through lymphatic fluid by means of three adjacent electrodes selected from among an electrode array. Currents are emitted from the electrodes on each side and the central electrode receives them. The current received by the latter electrode is equal to the sum of the currents emitted from the electrodes on the two sides. In this paper, the electric intensity profiles produced by the TESM and by monopolar stimulation were measured in a human cadaver cochlea and in a saline solution. We found that in the TESM, the electric intensity profile produced in the human cadaver cochlea was about the same as that in the saline solution. In addition, in the TESM, the electric intensity profile was much sharper than that of monopolar stimulation in the human cadaver cochlea. Furthermore, the nervous excitation region could be localized in a certain range by means of TESM. © 1999 Scripta Technica, Electr Eng Jpn, 129(1): 1–9, 1999     

基于磁场-流场-温度场耦合计算的母线槽热性能分析

作为大电流输配电设备，母线槽的发热温升和散热问题是影响其工作稳定性的重要因素之一，为此本文建立了母线槽的磁场－流场－温度场耦合分析模型，首先计算了三相四线空间绝缘型母线槽的工频磁场、涡流场和焦耳热，然后将焦耳热作为体积热源，通过间接接耦合方法分析了母线槽内部气流场和温度场，母排间距对母线温升影响显著，存在一个使母排温升最小的最优母排间距，增大外壳高度或宽度能够降低母排温升。     

Electromagnetic characterisation of MR RF coils using the transmission-line modelling method

The Transmission-Line Modelling (TLM) method is applied to the electromagnetic characterisation of RF coils and samples for magnetic resonance imaging ()MRI. Theoretical verification was performed using a simple surface coil. Experimental verification was performed using Alderman-Grant and birdcage coils constructed for use on a 7 T micro-imaging system. The modelling method enabled electromagnetic characteristics of frequency response, electromagnetic field generation, energy stored and power loss to be determined. From these parameters, coil resonant modes.B ₁ field profiles, voltages, currents, quality factor (Q),π/2 pulse length, and the equivalent lumped-element circuit components of resistance, inductance and capacitance were calculated. Equations are presented that enable a comprehensive electromagnetic characterisation of the RF coil and sample to be achieved based on the results of the TLM simulations. The use of the TLM method is extended to include the design of safe arbitrary multi-nuclear pulse sequences such that the specific absorption rate (SAR) of tissue, and RF coil component safety limits are not exceeded.     

Chronic intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) of cat sensory cortex using the Utah Intracortical Electrode Array.

In an effort to assess the safety and efficacy of focal intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) of cerebral cortex with an array of penetrating electrodes as might be applied to a neuroprosthetic device to aid the deaf or blind, we have chronically implanted three trained cats in primary auditory cortex with the 100-electrode Utah Intracortical Electrode Array (UIEA). Eleven of the 100 electrodes were hard-wired to a percutaneous connector for chronic access. Prior to implant, cats were trained to "lever-press" in response to pure tone auditory stimulation. After implant, this behavior was transferred to "lever-presses" in response to current injections via single electrodes of the implanted arrays. Psychometric function curves relating injected charge level to the probability of response were obtained for stimulation of 22 separate electrodes in the three implanted cats. The average threshold charge/phase required for electrical stimulus detection in each cat was, 8.5, 8.6, and 11.6 nC/phase respectively, with a maximum charge/phase of 26 nC/phase and a minimum of 1.5 nC/phase thresholds were tracked for varying time intervals, and seven electrodes from two cats were tracked for up to 100 days. Electrodes were stimulated for no more than a few minutes each day. Neural recordings taken from the same electrodes before and after multiple electrical stimulation sessions were very similar in signal/noise ratio and in the number of recordable units, suggesting that the range of electrical stimulation levels used did not damage neurons in the vicinity of the electrodes. Although a few early implants failed, we conclude that ICMS of cerebral cortex to evoke a behavioral response can be achieved with the penetrating UIEA. Further experiments in support of a sensory cortical prosthesis based on ICMS are warranted.     

零机械能输出感应电机

传统电机是机-电能量转换,损耗与温升是电机设计时需要削弱和避免的问题。该文从传统电机损耗与温升出发,提出了用于加热的零机械能输出感应电机。利用绕组所产生的径向磁场在实心结构的定子和转子铁心中感应产生涡流,将输入的电能全部转化为热能,具有定子、转子双边加热的特点。其独特的双边加热效果可解决挤塑类设备旋转螺杆加热瓶颈问题。建立了系统等效模型,给出了电磁功率解析表达式,采用有限元法分析了系统涡流分布与铁心端部效应。对样机进行加热实验,结果证明该种电机与传统线圈缠绕式电磁加热相比,具有节能高效、预热时间短、径向温差小等优点。     

A novel MR-compatible sensor to assess active medical device safety: stimulation monitoring,rectified radio frequency pulses,and gradient-induced voltage measurements

Purpose

To evaluate the function of an active implantable medical device (AIMD) during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The induced voltages caused by the switching of magnetic field gradients and rectified radio frequency (RF) pulse were measured, along with the AIMD stimulations.

Materials and methods

An MRI-compatible voltage probe with a bandwidth of 0–40 kHz was designed. Measurements were carried out both on the bench with an overvoltage protection circuit commonly used for AIMD and with a pacemaker during MRI scans on a 1.5 T (64 MHz) MR scanner.

Results

The sensor exhibits a measurement range of?±?15 V with an amplitude resolution of 7 mV and a temporal resolution of 10 µs. Rectification was measured on the bench with the overvoltage protection circuit. Linear proportionality was confirmed between the induced voltage and the magnetic field gradient slew rate. The pacemaker pacing was recorded successfully during MRI scans.

Conclusion

The characteristics of this low-frequency voltage probe allow its use with extreme RF transmission power and magnetic field gradient positioning for MR safety test of AIMD during MRI scans.

     

功耗测试过程中功率铁氧体磁芯的温升及其影响因素

对软磁材料的设计和应用来说,磁性参数测试的精确性至关重要。软磁材料测试条件各异,加上材料磁特性的非线性、不可逆性及对温度的敏感性,使得磁参数测试存在一定的偏差。选取适用频率范围较宽的功率铁氧体PC50磁环样品,通过对不同频率f及磁感强度Bm下的损耗测试过程中样品的温升进行监测,考查了磁芯损耗测量过程中不同励磁条件对样品温升的影响。结果分析发现,温升与测试时间、励磁信号的强度和频率呈正相关;根据损耗分离公式通过最小二乘拟合得出其函数关系式。拟合结果与实测数据对比表明该拟合方法可行,由此可估测任意测试条件下的样品温升,在测试前对可能因此引起的误差作出初步判断。     

Implanted functional electrical stimulation system for mobility in paraplegia: a follow-up case report.

A 16-channel functional electrical stimulation (FES) system has been implanted in a person with T10 paraplegia for over a year. The system consists of two eight-channel radio frequency controlled receiver-stimulators delivering stimuli through a network of 14 epimysial and two intramuscular electrodes. Using this system and a walker for support, the subject was able to stand up for 8 min and walk regularly for 20 m. The standing duration was limited by arm fatigue since upper extremities supported an average of 25% of body weight. This was due to suboptimal hip extension and some undesired recruitment of rectus femoris and sartorius with stimulation of quadriceps electrodes. The left quadriceps exhibited rapid fatigue that limited walking distance and duration. The metabolic energy requirements were well within the aerobic limits of the sedentary paraplegic population. At one-year follow-up evaluation all electrodes are functional except one intramuscular electrode. The implant caused no adverse physiological effects and the individual reported health benefits such as increased energy and overall fitness as a result of the FES system use. With further improvements in muscle response through innovative surgical techniques, the 16-channel implanted FES system can be a viable addition to exercise and mobility function in persons with paraplegia.