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Biomedical subjects

D I Hoult

Publications and source records attributed to D I Hoult.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

A 'Hi-Fi' Cartesian feedback spectrometer for precise quantitation and superior performance.

The use of Cartesian electronic feedback for effecting a major improvement in the functioning of magnetic resonance instrumentation is reported. The dependences of both flip angle and signal strength upon probe loading, matching, and tuning are virtually eliminated. Thus, for a chosen probe, sample geometry and flip angle, the free induction decay signal strength is rendered solely dependent upon the number of nuclei. The instrument therefore becomes capable of absolute calibration. In addition, phase and amplitude distortion of selective pulses, introduced by crossed diodes, power amplifier heating, etc., is virtually eliminated, as are radiation damping and phase modulation caused by probe vibration. The use of multiple probes at the same frequency, for example quadrature probes and phased arrays, is also simplified as the effects of interactions between such probes are typically reduced by two orders of magnitude.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed2004

The NMR multi-transmit phased array: a Cartesian feedback approach.

The use of Cartesian feedback is proposed to solve the problem of using an array of coils for the purposes of transmission in magnetic resonance imaging. The difficulties caused by direct and sample-mediated coil interactions are briefly examined, and the known solutions of using power-mismatched pre-amplifiers and transmitters noted. It is then shown that, without loss of transmitter efficiency, a high effective impedance may be created in series with each coil in the array by the use of Cartesian negative feedback. A bench experiment is described that confirms the theory. The solution is also viable for signal reception and is more efficacious than pre-amplifier damping, albeit over a smaller bandwidth.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed2001

The engineering of an interventional MRI with a movable 1.5 Tesla magnet.

The engineering of a novel intra-operative MRI system is described. A movable, 1.5 Tesla MRI magnet was placed in a neurosurgical operating room without affecting established neurosurgical procedure. The system allows fast, high-quality MR intra-operative imaging of the brain and spine without the necessity of patient transportation. A neuro-navigational device capable of displaying and updating spatially referenced MR images in the operating room was integrated with the MRI system. Over 100 procedures have been carried out with this system without limiting surgical access and without compromising traditional neurosurgical, nursing or anesthetic techniques. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:78-86.

Brain↗
PubMed2001

The quantum origins of the free induction decay signal and spin noise.

Experiments are described that elucidate the quantum mechanical origins of the free induction decay voltage and of spin noise. It is shown that the experimentally measured FID voltage induced in a Hertzian loop receiving coil following a 90 degrees pulse is typically two orders of magnitude too large to be accounted for by the current quantum theory of signal reception-coherent spontaneous emission. An experiment is then presented in which spin noise is easily observed in a circuit with a Q-factor of order unity, thereby undermining a popular hypothesis that such noise is due to spontaneous emission and is only observable because of the enhancement in the density of the radiation field in a high Q-factor tuned circuit, the NMR probe. Both the free induction decay and the spin noise are shown to be accurately predicted by near-field Faraday induction, which is described in the theory of quantum electrodynamics by an exchange of virtual photons. A heuristic approach to understanding the nature and role of virtual photons in the signal reception process is then given. Thus current popular statements that observation of the magnetic resonance phenomenon relies on the absorption and emission of radio waves are shown to be wrong.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Sensitivity and power deposition in a high-field imaging experiment.

Image signal-to-noise ratio and power dissipation are investigated theoretically up to 400 MHz. While the text is mathematical, the figures give insights into predictions. Hertz potential is introduced for probe modeling where charge separation cannot be ignored. Using a spherical geometry, the potential from current loops that would produce a homogeneous static B1 field is calculated; at high frequency it is shown to create an unnecessarily inhomogeneous field. However, a totally homogeneous field is shown to be unattainable. Boundary conditions are solved for circularly polarized fields, and strategies for limited shimming of the sample B1 field are then presented. A distinction is drawn between dielectric resonance and spatial field focusing. At high frequency, the region of maximum specific absorption is shown to move inside the sample and decrease. From the fields in both rotating frames, the signal-to-noise ratio is derived and compared with the traditional, low-frequency formulation. On average, it is mostly found to be slightly larger at high frequency. Nevertheless, the free induction decay is sometimes found to be annulled.

Electromagnetic Fields↗
PubMed2000

Probe with chest shielding for improved breast MRI.

The design and construction of an RF coil system for use in MR breast imaging is described. The two-ring, tuned Helmholtz coil, with its axis perpendicular to the chest, surrounds a single pendant breast and is coupled both internally and to the MRI transmitter/receiver by mutual induction. The addition of two symmetrical RF shields minimizes losses in the chest and significantly improves performance. Images obtained from eight healthy volunteers showed that the coil permitted imaging of breasts of diverse size with an in-plane resolution of 0.27 x 0.27 mm and a slice thickness of less than 2 mm at a field strength of 3 T as well as 1.5 T. The use of shields with surface coils in general is advocated as a method for improving signal-to-noise ratio. Magn Reson Med 43:917-920, 2000.

Breast Diseases↗
PubMed1999

A mobile high-field magnetic resonance system for neurosurgery.

OBJECT: The authors' goal was to place a mobile, 1.5-tesla magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system into a neurosurgical operating room without adversely affecting established neurosurgical management. The system would help to plan accurate surgical corridors, confirm the accomplishment of operative objectives, and detect acute complications such as hemorrhage or ischemia. METHODS: The authors used an actively shielded 1.5-tesla magnet, together with 15 mtesla/m gradients, MR console computers, gradient amplifiers, a titanium, hydraulic-controlled operating table, and a radiofrequency coil that can be disassembled. The magnet is moved to and from the surgical field by using overhead crane technology. To date, the system has provided unfettered access in 46 neurosurgical patients. In all patients, high-definition T1- and/or T2-weighted images were rapidly and reproducibly acquired at various stages of the surgical procedures. Eleven patients underwent craniotomy that was optimized after preincision imaging. In four patients who harbored subtotally resected tumor, intraoperative MR imaging aided the surgeon in removing the remaining tumor. Interestingly, the intraoperative administration of gadolinium demonstrated a dynamic expansion of enhancement beyond the preoperative contrast contour in patients with malignant glioma. These zones of new enhancement proved, on examination of biopsy samples, to be tumor. CONCLUSIONS: The authors have demonstrated that high-quality MR images can be obtained in the operating room within reasonable time constraints. Procedures can be conducted without compromising or altering traditional neurosurgical, nursing, or anesthetic techniques. It is feasible that within the next decade intraoperative MR imaging may become the standard of care in neurosurgery.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Automatic probe tuning and matching.

The problem of automatically tuning and matching a probe is considered, and attention is drawn to the main cause of difficulty: the interaction of tuning and matching mechanisms. The use of a doubly resonant, inductively coupled probe is therefore advocated, for to first order, tuning, and matching are then orthogonal for small perturbations. It is shown that when such a probe is equipped with negative feedback control of tuning and matching elements, driven by error signals derived from a bridge and the NMR spectrometer, stable and rapid automatic tuning and matching are achieved. The importance of approximately correct phasing of the error signals is emphasized, but the restriction of having to have specific cable lengths to achieve this task is removed. The effects of small errors of phasing are then considered and shown to be unimportant for the chosen probe, in contrast to the situation for other, nonorthogonal probe types. Suggestions for orthogonalization of two common capacitively coupled probe designs are made, and a practical instrument design is then given that, with the addition of external components, can also be used if the NMR receiver cannot be pressed into service.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed1997

Dual surface coil with high-B1 homogeneity for deep organ MR imaging.

The theory and construction of a dual surface coil which provides good B1 homogeneity and sensitivity in a defined volume of interest is described. The probe comprises two coaxial rings, of different diameters and in different planes, which carry opposing currents of different values. Current in the second ring compensates for the roll-off of the B1 field associated with a single surface coil. Coupling between the rings and a third matching ring is by mutual inductance only. A comparison to a traditional surface coil with practical application to pig brain imaging at a field strength of 7 Tesla is shown.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

The visualization of RF probe electric fields.

An assembly of resistive paper and liquid crystal sheet, conveniently and cheaply constructed for visual detection of the electric fields associated with an rf probe, is presented. Electrical asymmetries, and "hot-spots" usually associated with conservative electric fields, are easily visualized by the color patterns displayed. The device is of considerable assistance in probe design and the minimization of dielectric loss.

Color↗
PubMed1990

A high-sensitivity, high-B1 homogeneity probe for quantitation of metabolites.

Accurate quantitation of metabolites in biological samples of irregular shape and inhomogeneous composition is generally acknowledged to be difficult. The difficulties are less pronounced with a probe having excellent B1 field homogeneity, high sensitivity, and a resonant frequency independent of sample size and composition. A prototype probe that aims to fulfill these requirements in wide-bore horizontal magnets is described. It comprises four separate tuned rings on a spherical surface which give a B1 field that is flat to +/- 1% over the design volume. Inter-ring coupling, and to a fifth ring used for matching, is by induction, and the mathematics of the tuning of the system are derived. It is shown that resonant frequency variation with sample size is negligible, and that the sensitivity closely approaches the theoretical limit.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Elimination of signal strength dependency upon coil loading--an aid to metabolite quantitation when the sample volume changes.

The phase, height, and width of NMR spectral lines from a constant number of nuclei are frequently dependent upon changes in probe Q factor and tuning, caused by motion of the sample and/or changes in its electrical conductivity and size. Thus quantitation of metabolites in biological samples can be difficult. When probe tuning and matching are rendered independent by the use of a tuned coupling coil for matching, use of a very low input impedance preamplifier can virtually eliminate such dependencies in the received signal. Likewise, by reciprocity, the use of a low output impedance transmitter greatly reduces the dependence of pulse flip angle upon sample characteristics. Experimental results verifying these statements are presented, and the time course of signals from a swelling, perfused pig heart and an external reference are plotted.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

The field dependence of NMR imaging. I. Laboratory assessment of signal-to-noise ratio and power deposition.

A method is proposed for measuring on the bench the NMR signal-to-noise ratio of rf probes, (over the range 1-100 MHz) and also the power deposited in patients during the imaging experiment. The technique is based on the principle of reciprocity, in that a direct relationship exists between the magnetic field generated (upon transmission) by a matched probe coil and the signal-to-noise ratio delivered by the same coil when used as a receiver. The construction and use of a calibrated sense coil for measuring the field is described, and the precautions and theory necessary for accurate measurement and understanding are outlined. Finally, the method is verified by comparison with a direct spectral measure of sensitivity obtained from a small doped water sample placed in NMR imaging equipment.

Calibration↗
PubMed1986

The field dependence of NMR imaging. II. Arguments concerning an optimal field strength.

Some of the factors involved in the choice of field strength for NMR imaging are examined. The influences of relaxation times and chemical shift upon image quality and signal-to-noise ratio are highlighted, and power deposition is introduced as a significant factor which may limit the flexibility and information available at higher fields as long as 180 degrees echo pulses continue to be necessary. Chemical-shift imaging is examined and found wanting as a means of coping with chemical-shift artifacts, and the use of multiple echoes (albeit with research) in conjunction with multiple-slice techniques is advocated as representing an efficient data-gathering scheme which can improve image signal-to-noise ratio. With such use, a medium field strength (0.5-1 T) is presented as representing, for general purpose imaging of head and torso, the best current compromise when imaging time is of major importance, with the important caveat that new techniques may always invalidate this conclusion.

Fourier Analysis↗
PubMed1984

Magnet field profiling: analysis and correcting coil design.

A full mathematical framework for the analysis and production of localized magnetic field profiles is presented. Of primary use in the production of highly homogeneous fields for nuclear magnetic resonance studies, the paper details the analysis of fields in terms of spherical harmonics, describes how field plotting in the appropriate manner may be used to obtain a direct measure of which harmonics are present, and shows how to combine basic "building blocks" to produce the various lower-order zonal and tesseral harmonics. "Building blocks" described include coils, arcs, and sinusoids of current as well as rings and arcs of steel. The use of shaped magnets is also briefly mentioned. Attention is drawn to the presence, in high-order designs, of possibly dominant lower orders of harmonics created by errors in fabrication. The goal of the paper is to present a design philosophy, backed by the appropriate mathematics, which is applicable to the variety of situations encountered in magnet design. Practical examples of correcting coils and "shims" are also given.

Humans↗
PubMed1984

Quadrature detection in the laboratory frame.

A theory of quadrature detection in the laboratory frame is developed. It is shown that the geometry of the two orthogonal coil systems needed for quadrature detection is radically different from that used with saddle-shaped coils, and that the homogeneity of the B1 field produced upon transmission is marginally better. The opposing quadrature phase shifts needed for transmission and reception are emphasized, and the use of a quadrature hybrid is advocated as a simple and inexpensive means of interfacing the transmitter, probes, and preamplifier. Experimental results are presented which confirm the theoretical predictions, and show that up to a 40% improvement in sensitivity and a twofold reduction in transmitter power are possible, particularly in those instances where the sample is conductive--namely, imaging of humans and in vivo spectroscopy.

Humans↗
PubMed1984

A parallel algorithm for rotating-frame zeugmatography.

An algorithm, which utilizes a high degree of parallel processing, has been developed for two-dimensional rotating-frame zeugmatography so that a picture of 256 X 256 pixels can be generated with a minicomputer system 2 sec after data accumulation. An array processor is employed as a second processor and, the refresh memory of a display unit is used as a fast data storage entity. Approximately half the calculations are carried out in the array processor during the nuclear relaxation period. Data movement to and from the display memory occurs largely during, and in parallel with, the array processing. The sequence can be run at a repetition rate of 35 msec per free induction decay and the algorithm can be implemented in any two-dimensional experiment of the Fourier transform genre.

Data Display↗