Detector clothes for MRI: A wearable array receiver based on liquid metal in elastic tubes

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Modern magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relies on rigid radiofrequency resonator arrays.
• Current MRI devices lack patient comfort and limit joint examination due to their inflexibility.
• There is a need for adaptable, comfortable MRI detectors for improved ergonomics and versatility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel design for flexible MRI radiofrequency resonators.
• To create lightweight, elastic MRI detectors through textile integration of liquid metal.
• To assess the performance of these novel detectors for joint imaging, specifically the knee.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of resonators using liquid metal encapsulated in polymer tubes.
• Integration of these liquid-metal resonators into a textile structure for wearable devices.
• Testing of a liquid-metal array tailored for knee imaging, evaluating image quality and adaptability.

Main Results:

• The liquid-metal resonator array demonstrated competitive MRI image quality.
• The device successfully self-adapted to individual knee anatomy.
• The array enabled imaging of joint flexion, a capability limited by rigid devices.
• Liquid metal in elastic tubes offers a superior combination of electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing properties compared to other stretchable conductors.

Conclusions:

• Flexible, textile-integrated liquid-metal resonators offer a promising alternative to rigid MRI detector arrays.
• This novel design enhances patient comfort and expands the diagnostic potential of MRI, particularly for joint imaging.
• Liquid metal in elastic tubes presents an advantageous solution for developing next-generation, adaptable medical imaging devices.