NIH’s Office of Technology Transfer reports the technology “Wirelessly Powered MRI Signal Amplification System and Method” (Reference No. 2281) is available for licensing and commercial development. The new technology is an MRI detection coil integrated with a parametric amplifier to provide local signal detection fully integrated with amplification. The amplification is wireless but enables efficient signal transmission.
There are several advantages:
• The invention can replace conventional MRI amplification typically done with transistors and eliminating the need for wires
• The technology can replace what is traditionally used as part of implanted or catheter coils for interventional procedures with MRI
• Since the detector/amplifier integrated system eliminates the need for transistors and is wireless, heat is reduced and sensitivity of detection is increased
• The system is compatible with interventional MRI devices
The system/device has several applications and can be used as part of a catheter MRI coil for MRI guided surgery, used as implantable NMR coil for localized spectroscopy with better sensitivity, used as a free floating MRI detector/amplifier, and swallowed for internal MRI detection.
Proof of principle has been demonstrated on a prototype device, testing is ongoing on a second generation device with smaller dimensions, and plans are to develop methods to decouple elements for use in MRI detector arrays.
The patent was filed March 29, 2011. For licensing information contact John Stansberry PhD, NIH Office to Technology Transfer at (301) 435-5236, email js852e@nih.gov or go to www.ott.nih.gov/Technologies/abstractDetails.aspx?RefNo=2281.
