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Design and evaluation of an MRI-compatible linear motion stage
Mohammad Ali Tavallaei1, Patricia M Johnson2, Junmin Liu3
1Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada and Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B9, Canada.
Medical Physics
|January 10, 2016
Summary
A novel MRI-compatible motion stage precisely controls imaging phantoms for motion-sensitive applications. This system offers accurate, reproducible motion crucial for validating MRI techniques.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Physics
Background:
- Motion artifacts significantly degrade image quality in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- Accurate phantom motion is essential for developing and validating motion correction techniques in MRI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a nonmagnetic, ultrasonic-actuated linear motion stage for precise phantom manipulation.
- To ensure the system's compatibility with MRI environments and assess its impact on image quality.
Main Methods:
- A compact, nonmagnetic linear motion stage actuated by an ultrasonic motor was designed.
- The stage was positioned and oriented within the MRI scanner bore to move phantoms.
- Accuracy was evaluated using optical trackers and microscopes; image quality metrics (SNR, artifacts, B0 homogeneity) were assessed.
Main Results:
- The stage achieved sub-millimeter accuracy (0.025 ± 0.021 mm) for static positioning.
- Dynamic motion profiles showed a worst-case error below 7% for frequencies under 0.33 Hz.
- No significant image artifacts or SNR degradation were observed; B0 field shift was < 2 ppm.
Conclusions:
- The developed motion stage is MRI-compatible and provides reliable, reproducible motion control.
- This system is suitable for validating and assessing motion-related challenges in MRI applications.
