FERROMAGNETIC AUGMENTATION FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
In some aspects, a magnetic system for use in a low-field MRI system. The magnetic system comprises at least one electromagnet configured to, when operated, generate a magnetic field to contribute to a B 0 field for the low-field MRI system, and at least one permanent magnet to produce a magnetic field to contribute to the B 0 field.
1 . A magnetic resonance imaging system comprising:
a B 0 magnet comprising at least one permanent magnet, the B 0 magnet configured to generate a magnetic field to contribute to a B 0 magnetic field;
a ferromagnetic yoke configured to capture and direct at least some of the magnetic field generated by the B 0 magnet to increase magnetic flux density within an imaging region of the magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein the ferromagnetic yoke provides a plurality of magnetic return paths distributed on opposing sides of the B 0 magnet; and
a cart comprising a plurality of wheels, the cart supporting the B 0 magnet and the ferromagnetic yoke.
2 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the cart further comprises a handlebar.
3 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 1 , further having a surface for supporting a patient during imaging, wherein the cart also supports the surface.
4 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of magnetic return paths comprise a plurality of ferromagnetic posts asymmetrically positioned on opposing sides of the B 0 magnet.
5 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of magnetic return paths comprise a plurality of ferromagnetic posts symmetrically positioned on opposing sides of the B 0 magnet.
6 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the B 0 magnet is a biplanar magnet.
7 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 6 , wherein the biplanar magnet is oriented vertically, such that a top magnet of the biplanar magnet is supported above a bottom magnet of the biplanar magnet.
8 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the ferromagnetic yoke comprises at least one beveled corner.
9 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the B 0 magnetic field is produced at a strength equal to or less than 0.2 T.
10 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the B 0 magnetic field is produced at a strength equal to or less than 0.1 T.
11 . A magnetic resonance imaging system comprising:
a B 0 magnet configured to generate a magnetic field to contribute to a B 0 magnetic field;
a ferromagnetic yoke configured to capture and direct at least some of the magnetic field generated by the B 0 magnet to increase magnetic flux density within an imaging region of the magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein the ferromagnetic yoke provides a plurality of magnetic return paths distributed on opposing sides of the B 0 magnet;
a surface for supporting a patient during imaging; and
a cart supporting the B 0 magnet, the ferromagnetic yoke, and the surface, the cart comprising a plurality of wheels.
12 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 11 , wherein the B 0 magnet is a biplanar magnet.
13 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 12 , wherein the biplanar magnet is oriented vertically, such that a top magnet of the biplanar magnet is supported above a bottom magnet of the biplanar magnet.
14 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 11 , wherein the ferromagnetic yoke comprises at least one beveled corner.
15 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 11 , wherein the cart further comprises a handlebar.
16 . A magnetic resonance imaging system comprising:
a biplanar B 0 magnet comprising at least one permanent magnet, the B 0 magnet configured to generate a magnetic field to contribute to a B 0 magnetic field;
a ferromagnetic yoke configured to capture and direct at least some of the magnetic field generated by the B 0 magnet to increase magnetic flux density within an imaging region of the magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein the ferromagnetic yoke provides a plurality of magnetic return paths distributed on opposing sides of the B 0 magnet;
a cart supporting the B 0 magnet and the ferromagnetic yoke, the cart comprising a plurality of wheels.
17 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 16 , wherein the biplanar magnet is oriented vertically, such that a top magnet of the biplanar magnet is supported above a bottom magnet of the biplanar magnet.
18 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 16 , wherein the ferromagnetic yoke comprises at least one beveled corner.
19 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 16 , wherein the cart further comprises a handlebar.
20 . The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 16 , wherein the B 0 magnetic field is produced at a strength equal to or less than 0.2 T.