Challenge / Problem Description: An MRI machine manufacturer was experiencing image quality issues, particularly the appearance of artifacts during scans. These artifacts were traced back to inconsistencies in the cabling used in the MRI coils, which are critical for signal reception. The challenge was to design a cable solution that could transmit weak signals from the patient’s body to the MRI system without interference.
Method: BizLink’s engineers focused on creating a cabling system with exceptional signal integrity. They utilized silver-plated high-purity copper conductors to ensure low resistance and robust electrical conductivity with low-loss dielectric insulation to minimize signal attenuation. The cables were designed to be highly flexible, accommodating intricate coil arrangements around the patient. This flexibility was essential for precise placement without risking bending-induced performance issues. By choosing non-magnetic materials for every layer of the cable design, the team effectively prevented interference from the strong magnetic fields inherent to MRI systems.
Obstacles: Maintaining consistent signal integrity in a high-magnetic field environment posed a significant challenge. The team had to carefully select materials that would not only be non-magnetic but also provide the necessary flexibility and durability. The design needed to guarantee minimal signal loss over the cable length, ensuring the weak signals were transmitted with high fidelity from the coils to the MRI system.
Cable Solution and Actions: The final solution was a multi-coaxial cable with a silver-plated copper conductor selected to further reduce resistance and improve conductivity. Silver plating not only enhances electrical performance but also contributes to resistance against corrosion. Insulation made of fluoroplastics was employed for its low dielectric loss characteristics, ensuring that signal attenuation was minimized even in high-frequency ranges. A special polyurethane outer jacket was engineered to offer robust protection against abrasion, environmental factors, and magnetic interference. This ensured long-term reliability and consistent performance in the demanding MRI environment. The cable underwent extensive laboratory and in-house testing. This included repeated flex tests to mimic real-world usage, validation of signal integrity under various operational conditions, and vertical flame tests for UL AWM-style recognition.
Results: The new cabling system significantly improved the clarity of MRI images, eliminating the artifacts that had plagued earlier versions. This enhancement led to more accurate diagnoses and greater trust in the manufacturer’s MRI systems. Radiologists and clinicians observed more precise imaging, which directly contributed to more accurate diagnoses and improved patient outcomes. The durability and consistency of the cable ensured long-term reliability, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing overall system uptime. The reduction in artifacts and improved image clarity boosted the confidence of medical staff working with the MRI system, which in turn reinforced the manufacturer's reputation for quality and precision.
Key Lessons Learned: In high-magnetic environments like MRI, choosing non-magnetic and high-integrity materials is essential. The success of the solution underscores that even minute details in material properties can profoundly impact overall system performance. Integrating mechanical flexibility with rigorous electrical performance criteria is necessary to address complex challenges in medical imaging. Systematic and extensive testing in laboratory settings and real-world simulations ensures that solutions are robust and reliable and meet the stringent electrical safety and hygienic requirements in medical applications.
