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NITINOL-based actuator for device control even in high-field MRI environment
Marco Kalmar1, Axel Boese1, Ivan Maldonado1
1Intelligente Katheter Inka, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
Medical Devices (Auckland, N.Z.)
|January 11, 2020
Summary
Nitinol wire offers a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution for MR-compatible actuators, enabling new possibilities for interventional procedures within MRI scanners.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- High magnetic fields in MRI scanners pose challenges for conventional actuator mechanisms.
- Standard actuators often fail in magnetic fields exceeding 1000 G, limiting device functionality within MRI environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate MR-compatible actuator mechanisms for use in MRI environments.
- To identify a simple, reliable actuator for on-off switching applications within MRI scanners.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of various actuator types for MRI compatibility.
- Testing of Nitinol wire actuators for force generation, energy consumption, and a 2 mm travel range.
- Assessment of Nitinol wire performance and reliability in MRI conditions.
Main Results:
- Nitinol wire demonstrated lower cost and smaller space requirements compared to other actuators.
- A delay was observed in the Nitinol switching process due to heating time.
- Nitinol wire switches exhibited reliable force generation and consistent switching paths without significant MRI artifacts.
Conclusions:
- Nitinol wire is a viable, cost-effective actuator for MRI applications.
- Its reliability, ease of implementation, and reusability make it an attractive alternative to complex actuator technologies.
