US5445162A
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Apparatus and method for recording an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging
Assignee: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
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Filing: 1993-08-27
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Granted: 1995-08-29
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Expires: 2013-08-27
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for recording an electroencephalogram (EEG) during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nonmagnetic electrodes are attached to a patient's scalp. EEG signals are multiplexed, amplified, and transmitted to an EEG machine or a personal computer located outside the MRI room. By reducing the amount of magnetic metal and radio frequency generating equipment associated with the recording of the EEG that is within the bore of the MRI magnet, and moving all significant radio frequency generating equipment outside the MRI room, EEG signals can be recorded and MRI images can be obtained simultaneously. The EEG signals are analyzed and, in response to a predetermined pattern, the MRI machine is triggered.
Inventors
- 👤 John R. Ives
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 02:38
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R33/00; G01R33/20; G01R33/44; G01R33/48; G01R33/54; G01R33/56; G01R33/567; G01R33/5673; A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/24; A61B5/25; A61B5/279; A61B5/291; A61B5/30; A61B5/303; A61B5/307; A61B5/31; G01R33/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
A method for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging of a patient positioned in a magnetic resonance imaging room, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of nonmagnetic electrodes on the patient's head so as to be able to record the patient's electroencephalogram; transmitting electroencephalogram signals from the plurality of electrodes to an amplifier; and recording the amplified electroencephalogram signals.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
61 words
A method for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging of a patient positioned in a magnetic resonance imaging room, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of nonmagnetic electrodes on the patient's head so as to be able to record the patient's electroencephalogram; transmitting electroencephalogram signals from the plurality of electrodes to an amplifier; and recording the amplified electroencephalogram signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 1, wherein the recording step is conducted within the magnetic resonance imaging room.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 1, wherein the recording step is conducted outside of the magnetic resonance imaging room.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
69 words
A method for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting electroencephalogram signals from the plurality of electrodes to an amplifier comprises the steps of: multiplexing the electroencephalogram signals; and amplifying the multiplexed signals; and wherein the step of recording the amplified signals comprises the steps of: demultiplexing the amplified signals; and supplying the demultiplexed signals to an electroencephalogram machine.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 1, wherein the amplifier is positioned at a sufficient distance from the patient's head to prevent distortion of the magnetic resonance imaging.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 5, wherein the amplifier is positioned at least five centimeters from the patient's head.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 1, further comprising the steps of: analyzing the recorded signals to determine an electroencephalogram signal pattern; and triggering a magnetic resonance imaging machine when the electroencephalogram signal pattern corresponds to a predetermined electroencephalogram signal pattern.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
65 words
An apparatus for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging, comprising: a plurality of nonmagnetic electrodes for receiving electroencephalogram signals from a patient; an amplifier; first electrical connection means for electrically connecting the plurality of electrodes to an input of the amplifier; means for recording the electroencephalogram signals; and second electrical connection means for electrically connecting the recording means to an output of the amplifier.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
65 words
An apparatus for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging, comprising: a plurality of nonmagnetic electrodes for receiving electroencephalogram signals from a patient; an amplifier; first electrical connection means for electrically connecting the plurality of electrodes to an input of the amplifier; means for recording the electroencephalogram signals; and second electrical connection means for electrically connecting the recording means to an output of the amplifier.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 8, wherein the first electrical connection means comprises a plurality of electrode extension cables having a length sufficient to prevent distortion of the magnetic resonance imaging.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 9, wherein the first electrical connection means comprises a plurality of electrode extension cables having a length of at least five centimeters.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
63 words
An apparatus for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 9, wherein the plurality of electrode extension cables are sufficiently long that the amplifier can be positioned outside a bore of a magnet of a magnetic resonance imaging machine when the plurality of electrodes are affixed to the head of a patient positioned in the magnetic resonance imaging machine.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 8, wherein the plurality of electrodes comprise surface electrodes having a surface of gold or silver.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 8, wherein the plurality of electrodes comprise sphenoidal electrodes comprising silver wire.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 8, wherein the recording means comprises an electroencephalograph machine.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 8, wherein the recording means comprises a personal computer.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
58 words
An apparatus for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 8, wherein the second electrical connection means comprises cable sufficiently long that the recording means can be positioned outside a magnetic resonance imaging room when the plurality of electrodes are affixed to the head of a patient positioned in a magnetic resonance imaging machine.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 8, wherein the second electrical connection means comprises a signal splitter; and wherein the recording means comprises an electroencephalograph machine and a personal computer.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging as defined in claim 8, wherein the recording means comprises means for triggering a magnetic resonance imaging machine in response to a selected electroencephalogram signal pattern.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
158 words
An apparatus for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging, comprising: a plurality of nonmagnetic electrodes for receiving electroencephalogram signals from a patient; a multiplexor; a plurality of cables electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes and to an input of the multiplexor; an amplifier, wherein an input of the amplifier is electrically connected to an output of the multiplexor; a signal splitter; means for electrically connecting an output of the amplifier to an input of the signal splitter; a demultiplexor having a plurality of outputs, wherein an input of the demultiplexor is electrically connected to a first output of the signal splitter; an electroencephalograph machine electrically connected to the plurality of outputs of the demultiplexor; and a signal processor having an input electrically connected to a second output of the signal splitter, wherein the signal processor comprises means for generating a signal to trigger a magnetic resonance imaging machine in response to a selected electroencephalogram signal pattern.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
158 words
An apparatus for obtaining an electroencephalogram during magnetic resonance imaging, comprising: a plurality of nonmagnetic electrodes for receiving electroencephalogram signals from a patient; a multiplexor; a plurality of cables electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes and to an input of the multiplexor; an amplifier, wherein an input of the amplifier is electrically connected to an output of the multiplexor; a signal splitter; means for electrically connecting an output of the amplifier to an input of the signal splitter; a demultiplexor having a plurality of outputs, wherein an input of the demultiplexor is electrically connected to a first output of the signal splitter; an electroencephalograph machine electrically connected to the plurality of outputs of the demultiplexor; and a signal processor having an input electrically connected to a second output of the signal splitter, wherein the signal processor comprises means for generating a signal to trigger a magnetic resonance imaging machine in response to a selected electroencephalogram signal pattern.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
71 words
A medical diagnostic apparatus comprising: a magnetic resonance imaging machine; a device for recording electroencephalograph signals operated simultaneously with the magnetic resonance imaging machine; means for transmitting a plurality of electroencephalogram signals from a patient undergoing magnetic resonance imaging to the device for recording electroencephalograph signals; and means responsive to the plurality of electroencephalogram signals for triggering the magnetic resonance imaging machine when a predetermined pattern of electroencephalogram signals is received.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
71 words
A medical diagnostic apparatus comprising: a magnetic resonance imaging machine; a device for recording electroencephalograph signals operated simultaneously with the magnetic resonance imaging machine; means for transmitting a plurality of electroencephalogram signals from a patient undergoing magnetic resonance imaging to the device for recording electroencephalograph signals; and means responsive to the plurality of electroencephalogram signals for triggering the magnetic resonance imaging machine when a predetermined pattern of electroencephalogram signals is received.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The medical diagnostic apparatus of claim 20, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging machine is a Siemens 1.5T whole body scanner.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for obtaining metabolic information correlated to particular neurophysiological waveforms within a brain, comprising the steps of: preparing a measurement system to perform magnetic resonance imaging while preventing interference with diagnostic quality of the magnetic resonance imaging; continuously monitoring electroencephalogram data from the brain; comparing the electroencephalogram data to electroencephalogram characteristics representing the particular neurophysiological waveforms; triggering a magnetic resonance imaging in response to electroencephalogram data comparable to the particular neurophysiological waveforms; and performing the magnetic resonance imaging.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for obtaining metabolic information correlated to particular neurophysiological waveforms within a brain, comprising the steps of: preparing a measurement system to perform magnetic resonance imaging while preventing interference with diagnostic quality of the magnetic resonance imaging; continuously monitoring electroencephalogram data from the brain; comparing the electroencephalogram data to electroencephalogram characteristics representing the particular neurophysiological waveforms; triggering a magnetic resonance imaging in response to electroencephalogram data comparable to the particular neurophysiological waveforms; and performing the magnetic resonance imaging.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the step of preparing a measurement system comprises the steps of: placing a patient in a magnetic resonance imaging room; placing a plurality of non-magnetic electrodes on the patient's head; and transmitting electroencephalogram signals from the plurality of non-magnetic electrodes to a monitoring device.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 22, wherein the step of continuously monitoring includes the step of receiving signals on an electroencephalogram.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 22, wherein the step of continuously monitoring includes the step of receiving signals on a computer.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the step of comparing includes the step of a computer analyzing signals transmitted from non-magnetic electrodes.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the step of comparing includes the step of an operator monitoring the electroencephalogram data.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the step of triggering includes the step of a computer transmitting a signal to a magnetic resonance imaging machine when the computer receives signals comparable to the particular neurophysiological waveforms.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the step of triggering includes the step of an operator watching a display of the electroencephalogram data and activating a magnetic resonance imaging machine when signals comparable to the particular neurophysiological waveforms appear on the display.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 22, wherein the step of performing includes performing the magnetic resonance imaging with a Siemens 1.5T whole body scanner.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus with means for obtaining metabolic information correlated to particular neurophysiological waveforms within a brain, comprising: a magnetic resonance imaging machine capable of measuring metabolic information; means for continuously monitoring electroencephalogram data from the brain; means for preventing interference with diagnostic quality of magnetic resonance imaging of the magnetic resonance imaging machine; and means for triggering magnetic resonance imaging in response to electroencephalogram data corresponding to the particular neurophysiological waveforms.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus with means for obtaining metabolic information correlated to particular neurophysiological waveforms within a brain, comprising: a magnetic resonance imaging machine capable of measuring metabolic information; means for continuously monitoring electroencephalogram data from the brain; means for preventing interference with diagnostic quality of magnetic resonance imaging of the magnetic resonance imaging machine; and means for triggering magnetic resonance imaging in response to electroencephalogram data corresponding to the particular neurophysiological waveforms.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging machine is a Siemens 1.5T whole body scanner.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the means for continuously monitoring comprises an electroencephalogram machine.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the means for continuously monitoring comprises a computer.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the means for preventing interference with diagnostic quality comprises an electrocardiogram machine with connection to electrodes placed on a patient.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the means for triggering a magnetic resonance imaging comprises a computer with first connection to electroencephalogram electrodes and second connection to a magnetic resonance imaging machine.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-08-28 | 1999-02-27 | 1999-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-08-28 | 2003-02-27 | 2003-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-08-28 | 2007-02-27 | 2007-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |