Active acoustic driver for magnetic resonance elastography
US8281663B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/055
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A driver for applying an oscillating stress to a subject undergoing a medical imaging procedure, such as with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), includes a passive driver located in the bore of the magnet and in direct contact with the skin of the subject. A remotely located active driver includes a linear motor and a sealed diaphragm that produces acoustic pressure waves in response to an applied current. The pressure waves are directed through a tube and into a chamber formed within the passive driver. Vibrations produced in response to the pressure waves create shear waves that are directed into the subject to aid in the imaging procedure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.