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International Journal on Magnetic Particle Imaging, (Vol.3), p. Article ID 1703016, 2017

DOI: 10.18416/ijmpi.2017.1703016

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Towards the Integration of an MPI Compatible Ultrasound Transducer

Journal article published in 2017 by Tim C. Kranemann ORCID, Thomas Ersepke, Georg Schmitz ORCID
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a tracer based modality and thus lacks anatomical information. Medical ultra- sound (US) imaging provides the desired morphological data in real-time that could complement functional MPI images. However, most customary US devices will certainly be damaged by the strong alternating magnetic fields inside the MPI bore. Moreover, US equipment might degrade MPI signal quality. In this work, US components that are prone to eddy current heating were pointed out by presenting the major components of a medical US trans- ducer. A theoretical model was utilized to derive maximum applicable sizes for conducting parts like electrode surfaces and cables. Heating experiments inside the MPI bore showed that heating can be managed by dispensing with extensive electric shields and keeping conducting structures reasonably small. Further, transducer dummies that were placed inside the MPI scanner bore and actively driven with US signals were used to assess the inter- ferences between both modalities. The MPI signals showed a minor increase in the noise level when transducer dummies were present, while serious interferences were recognized when a dummy comprising a tuning inductor was electrically driven. The US signals showed strong disturbances in the frequency range of the MPI drive fields during MPI acquisition, which was decades lower than the relevant US frequency range. It is concluded that the combination of an MPI scanner and adapted US hardware is feasible. Future work needs to address the suppres- sion of mutual interferences and their impact on image quality of both modalities.