SMC Networks HNC-63-INT, 500082 User Manual

Operator's Manual
Model HNC-63-INT

Neurovascular Array Coil for the

Philips Intera 1.5T MRI System

Part Number 500082

Rev 05

1

Rev 05

February 2002
©2002 Invivo Corporation

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language in any form by any means without the written permission of Invivo
Corporation.

Licenses and Trademarks

The Invivo Logo is a registered trademark of Invivo Corporation.
Intera is a registered trademark of Philips Medical Systems.

This manual describes the use and operation for the Invivo Neurovascular Array Coil on the Philips Intera

1.5T MRI Systems

Proper performance of this coil is guaranteed only while the coil is being used on the MR system (hardware/
software level) specified at the time of purchase. Upgrades or other modifications to the system software
and/or hardware may affect compatibility. Prior to upgrading your MR system, please contact the Invivo
Customer Service Department to discuss coil compatibility issues. Failure to do so may void your warranty.

Attention, Consult Accompanying
Documents

Type BF Equipment

Class II Equipment

NOTICE:

THIS EQUIPMENT SHALL BE TRANSPORTED AND
STORED UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

1. Ambient temperature range of -40°C to +70°C

2. Relative humidity range of 10% TO 100%, including
condensation

3. Atmospheric pressure range of 500 hPa TO 1060 hPa

WARNING: This product contains chemicals, including
lead, known to the state of California to cause birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after

handling.

Caution:
Federal law restricts this device to sale,
distribution, and use by or on the order
of a physician.

Invivo Corporation Phone: [phone]
3545 SW 47th Avenue Fax: [phone]
Gainesville, FL 32608 [e-mail]
U.S.A. www.invivocorp.com

2

Introduction

This manual describes the safety precautions, features, use and care, of the Invivo
HNC-63-INT Neurovascular Array Coil, compatible with the Philips Intera 1.5T MRI
System. Please review this manual thoroughly before using the device.

If you have any questions or comments on this manual, or need any assistance with the
use of the product, please contact your Invivo sales representative:

Compatibility

Rev 05

1-800-524-1476

Manufacturer:

Invivo Corporation
3545 SW 47th Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32608
U.S.A.

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.invivocorp.com
E-mail: [e-mail]

The Invivo HNC-63-INT Neurovascular Array Coil is compatible with Philips Intera

1.5T MRI systems operating with Release 8.1.1 software or above.

NOTE: Release 8.1.1 software requires a SYNERGY MULTICONNECT patch
available through Philips Medical Systems. Contact your Philips
Representative for this software patch. Software releases after 8.1.1 do not
require the software patch.

A SYNERGY MULTICONNECT device is required for use of this product.
Contact your Philips Representative for the Synergy MultiConnect device.

For Sales and Service
in Europe:

Invivo Germany GmbH
Schweinfurter Strasse 28
97076, Würzburg
Germany

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Authorized Representative in Europe:

GBM Authorised Representative Ltd.
The White House, 2 Meadrow
Godalming, Surrey GU7 3HN
United Kingdom

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.mba-gbm.com
E-mail: [e-mail]

3

Rev 05

HNC Neurovascular Array Coil

Your HNC-63-INT Neurovascular Array Coil package consists of the following parts. Please inspect the package
upon receipt to make sure all parts are present and in good order. Use this guide to refer to part names thoughout
this manual.

Patient
Window

Latch

Patient
Comfort
Pad

Anterior Coil

Housing

(GRASP HERE)

Viewing
Mirrors

Anterior Coil
Housing

Anterior Coil Apron

(GRASP HERE)

Posterior
Coil Housing

The HNC-63-INT consists of two housings to facilitate lifting and positioning the coil on the patient cradle
and patient imaging. A latch is located on each side of the housing to secure the housings together and
ensure proper electrical connections between anterior and posterior housings. With latches in the open
position, the anterior housing may be lifted from the posterior housing.

Extreme care should be taken if attempting to move the HNC in one operation. When lifting the anterior housing
from the posterior housing, always grasp the coil by the apron and superior end. IMPORTANT: Never lift the

coil by the rungs in the patient viewing window or by the viewing mirror.

4

Table of Contents

HNC-63-INT Neurovascular Array Coil ........................................................ 4

Chapter 1 - Patient Safety ............................................................................ 6

Training ........................................................................................................ 6

Quality Assurance ....................................................................................... 6

Indications.................................................................................................... 6

Contraindications ......................................................................................... 6

Precautions .................................................................................................. 6

Cautions ....................................................................................................... 7

Emergency Procedures ............................................................................... 7

Technical Considerations ............................................................................ 8

Chapter 2 - Using the HNC-63-INT Neurovascular Array Coil ................... 9

Positioning the HNC-63-INT Coil on the Patient Table ................................ 9

Positioning the Patient ............................................................................... 10

Synergy MultiConnect (SMC) .................................................................... 11

Connecting the Cable ................................................................................. 12

Left Side Patient Interface Control Unit (PICU) ......................................... 13

Right Side Patient Interface Control Unit (PICU) ....................................... 13

Rev 05

Chapter 3 - Quality Assurance ................................................................... 14

Quality Assurance ..................................................................................... 14

SNR Calculations ....................................................................................... 19

Chapter 4 - Scanning Set Up ..................................................................... 23

Head and Neck Imaging............................................................................. 23

Selecting the Active Coil ............................................................................ 23

Field of View and Coverage ....................................................................... 23

Survey Image ............................................................................................. 23

Using Autoshim .......................................................................................... 23

Scanning Step by Step .............................................................................. 24

Chapter 5 - Scan Protocols ........................................................................ 25

Chapter 6 - Maintenance ............................................................................. 26

Cleaning ..................................................................................................... 26

Storage ...................................................................................................... 26

5

Rev 05

Chapter 1 - Patient Safety

Training

Quality
Assurance

Indications

Contra­indications

This manual contains detailed information on the setup, positioning and use of the
Invivo Corporation coil. Read the insructions carefully and thoroughly before
attempting to scan patients with the coil.

The procedure described in the Quality Assurance Section of this manual should be
performed upon receipt of the coil to establish a baseline of coil performance. The
procedure should be repeated at regular intervals.

The coil is indicated for use, on the order of a physician, in conjunction with an MR
scanner as an accessory to produce images of the brain, cervical spine, anterior
neck, and vasculature of the head and neck, to the aortic arch.

The operator should be aware of the following contraindications for use related to the
strong magnetic field of the MR system:

Scanning is contraindicated for patients who have electrically, magnetically or
mechanically activated implants (for example. cardiac pacemakers). The
magnetic and electromagnetic fields produced by the MR System and coil may
interfere with the operations of these devices.

Scanning patients with intracranial aneurysm clips is contraindicated.

Precautions

Cautions

6

Precautions should be taken when scanning patients with the following conditions:

Greater than normal potential for cardiac arrest

Increased likelihood for developing seizures or claustrophobia

Unconscious, heavily sedated, or confused physical or mental state

Inability to maintain reliable communications

The following general warning statements apply to scanning with a magnetic
resonance system. For further details, review the warnings in your MR system
Operators Manual.

Do not cross or loop cables. Arcing and patient burns could result. Route
cables out of the magnet so that they do not touch the patient.

Assure that the patient is not touching the bore. If necessary, place pads
between the patient and the surface of the bore.

If the patient complains of warming, tingling, stinging, or similar sensations,
promptly stop the scan procedure, examine the patient, and contact the
responsible physician before continuing the procedure. Pay special
attention to very young, sedated, or other compromised patients who may
not be able to communicate effectively.

Patients with ferromagnetic metal should not be scanned because the
magnetic field may interact with implanted surgical clips or other ferromagnetic
materials.

Persons with cardiac pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices
should not enter the magnetic field zone delineated by the MR system
manufacturer.

Rev 05

Emergency
Procedures

There is a risk to scanning feverish or decompensated cardiac patients.

Facial makeup should be removed before scanning because it may contain
metal flakes which can cause skin and eye irritation. Permanent eyeliner
tattoos may cause eye irritation due to ferromagnetic particles.

Patients who work in environments in which there is a risk of having
embedded metallic fragments in or near the eye should be carefully
screened before undergoing an MR exam.

Visually inspect the cable insulator
jackets, strain reliefs and connector
boxes before each use. If the insulation
is broken, or if the cable is frayed,
immediately discontinue use of the
device.

In the unlikely event that a coil creates smoke, sparks, or makes an unusually loud
noise, or if the patient requires emergency assistance:

• Stop the scan if one is in progress.

• Remove the patient from the scan room if medical treatment is needed.

7

Rev 05

Technical
Considerations

The coil and accessories require special conditions regarding
electromagnetic compatibility. The coil must be installed and used in a
shielded scan room provided with the MR magnet and system. The user
must ensure that the scan room door is closed during system use. Failure
to do so may cause reciprocal interference with portable and mobile RF
communications equipment, affecting the performance of the MR coil and/
or such equipment.

The coil should only be used with the accessories specified in the operator’s
manual.

The use of accessories other than those specified in the operator’s manual
may result in decreased ESD immunity of the coil or MR system, causing
damage to the coil and/or system.

The equipment should not be used with other coils or equipment present in
the MR scanner except as specified in the Operator’s Manual.

Tampering with the cable pins and connector may damage the connector
and affect coil or system performance. Please verify that connector and
pins are not damaged before use.

8

Rev 05

Chapter 2 - Using the HNC-63-INT

Array Coil

Positioning the
HNC-63-INT
Coil on the
Patient Table

IMPORTANT: You must have the Synergy MultiConnect (SMC)
device and Level 8.1.1 or higher software in order for the Intera
system to recognize the coil. Additionally, Release 8.1.1 software
requires a Synergy MultiConnect patch to enable this coil to be
recognized by your system. Software releases above 8.1.1 do not
require the patch.

The HNC-63-INT Neurovascular Array Coil is designed for imaging of the brain,
cervical spine, anterior neck and vasculature in the head & neck, to the aortic arch.

Polarity (i.e., coil orientation) must be maintained to produce acceptable images. The
coil must be placed on the patient support with the cable exiting the coil on the right, as
you are facing the magnet.The HNC-63-INT coil is designed for head first exams

only!

The HNC coil is designed to rest directly on the patient support. With the anterior coil
housing removed, center the posterior coil housing on the patient support at the magnet
end of the patient support. Position support pad flush with the end of the HNC Coil.

The internal coil pad should be centered on the posterior housing. The pad serves to
provide additional patient comfort during the scan, and helps center the patient in the
coil, and is recommended for optimal coil performance.

9

Rev 05

Positioning
the Patient

.

When lifting the anterior coil housing, always grasp the coil by the apron and the superior
end of the housing. Never lift the coil housing by the viewing window or mirror.

10

Adjust the patient so their shoulders are snug against the curved arch of the posterior
coil housing.

Firmly hold the anterior coil housing and carefully place it on the posterior coil housing.
As you lower the anterior coil housing, center and seat the RF connector pins while the
flat mating surfaces meet. Secure the latches on each side of the housing.

Slide the viewing mirror if necessary for patient viewing. Use the window on the
anterior coil housing to ensure the patient is centered properly. Using posititoning
beams, center on the anatomy to be imaged.

Rev 05

Synergy
MultiConnect
(SMC)

The Synergy MultiConnect (SMC) shown here is a
required option to use the HNC-63-INT coil.

IMPORTANT: You must have the SMC device
and Level 8.1.1 or higher software on your
Intera system.

Additionally, Release 8.1.1 software requires a
Synergy MultiConnect patch to enable this coil
to be recognized by your system. Contact your
Philips representative to receive this software
patch. Software releases above 8.1.1 do not
require the patch.

For more information on Synergy MultiConnect, please refer to Intera Release 8
Philips Application Guide/Volume 1 - Basics, Section 3.22.

The Synergy MultiConnect (SMC) is shown here with the HNC coil connector.

11

Rev 05

Connecting
the Cable

Attach the Synergy MultiConnect (SMC) holder to the same side of the support as the
patient ineterface control unit (PICU) facing the magnet. In this example, the PICU is on
the left side. Slide the holder toward the bore, even with the patients knees.

For systems with PICU on left side of magnet, transfer SMC connector across table
to the PICU. IMPORTANT: For SMC cable to reach PICU on left side of magnet,
patient will need to be in position within the magnet, e.g., coil at magnet isocenter.

12

Route the coil cable and connector to the SMC holder, as shown above.

Join the SMC and HNC connectors, and place the assembly into the SMC holder, as
shown above.

Landmark on the anatomy to be imaged and perform TRAVEL-TO-SCANPLANE.

Left Side
Patient
Interface
Control Unit
(PICU)

Rev 05

Attach SMC connector to PICU. Example above is left side PICU.

Right Side
Patient
Interface
Control Unit
(PICU)

Attach SMC connector to PICU. Example above is right side PICU.

13

Rev 05

Chapter 3 - Quality Assurance

Quality
Assurance

Remove the coil top and place the phantom positioner (part number 102485) and
the phantom (part number 102690) as shown in the figures below. Replace the
coil top.

Connect the coil to the system as detailed in Chapter 2, "Connecting the cable."
Landmark on the the phantom through the small window in the top of the coil.

Follow the proceedure found on the next 8 pages.

14

Run a SURVEY scan using the parameters listed below.
TIP: Save this SURVEY scan for future QA scans.

An example of the SURVEY images is on page 15.

Rev 05

Geometry
Coil Selection 3IB-MRIDevic

-channel Combination 2345

-connection d
Multi Coil no
Homogeneity correction none
FOV (mm) 400.00
RFOV (%) 100.00
Foldover suppression no
Matrix scan 256

-reconstruction 256
Scan percentage (%) 50.00
Stacks 3

-current A

-type parallel

-slices 3

-slice thickness (mm) 10.00

-slice gap user defined

- - gap (mm) 10.00

-slice orientation sagittal

-foldover direction AP
Slice scan order default
Stack display order no
PlanAlign no
REST slabs 0
Patient position head first

-orientation supine

Contrast
Scan mode M2D

-technique FFE
Contrast enhancement T1
Fast Imaging mode TFE

-shot mode multi-shot
TFE factor 42

-shot interval shortest

-profile order linear
Echoes 1

-partial echo no
TE shortest
Flip angle (deg) 20.00
TR user defined

-(ms) 15.00
Half Scan no
Water fat shift maximum
Shim no

SPIR no
TFE prepulse invert

-slice selection no

-delay shortest
MTC no
SAR mode default
Gradient mode regular

Motion

Cardiac synchronisation no
Respiratory compensation no
Flow compensation no
NSA 1

Dyn/ang
Angio no
Quantitative flow no
Manual start no
Dynamic study no

Postproc
Preparation phases auto
MIP/MPR no
Images: O:M no no no
Autoview image M
Reference tissue White matter
Preset window contrast soft
Reconstruction mode immediate
Save raw data no
Push to workstation no
Hardcopy protocol no
Ringing filter no
Silent mode no

Offc/ang no
Stacks 3

-current A
Stack Offc.AP (P=+mm) -20.00
RL (L=+mm) 0.00
FH (H=+mm) 0.00
Ang. AP (deg) 0.00
RL (deg) -0.00
FH (deg) -0.00

15

Rev 05

Example of SURVEY images are below; note position of slices for the SNR check.

Proceed to the SNR check on page 16.

16

Run an SNR CHECK scan using the parameters listed below.
TIP: Save this SNR CHECK scan for future QA scans.

Position slices for the SNR CHECK as shown on page 15.

***IMPORTANT: Be certain to SAVE RAW DATA under Post Processing.***

Rev 05

Geometry
Coil Selection 3IB-MRIDevic

-channel Combination 2345

-connection d
Homogeneity correction none
FOV (mm) 400.00
RFOV (%) 100.00
Foldover suppression no
Matrix scan 256

-reconstruction 256
Scan percentage (%) 100.00
Stacks 1

-type parallel

-slices 3

-slice thickness (mm) 5.00

-slice gap user defined

- - gap (mm) 18.00

-slice orientation sagittal

-foldover direction AP
Slice scan order default
PlanAlign no
REST slabs 0
Patient position head first

-orientation supine

Contrast
Scan mode MS

-technique FFE
Contrast enhancement no
Fast Imaging mode none
Echoes 1

-partial echo yes
TE user defined

-(ms) 15.00
Flip angle (deg) 30.00
TR user defined

-(ms) 200.00
Half Scan no
Water fat shift user defined

-(pixels) 2.000
Shim no

SPIR no
MTC no
SAR mode default
Gradient mode regular

Motion
Cardiac synchronisation no
Respiratory compensation no
Flow compensation yes
NSA 2
SMART no

Dyn/ang
Angio no
Quantitative flow no
Manual start no
Dynamic study no

Postproc
Preparation phases full
MIP/MPR no
Images: O:M no no no
Autoview image M
Reference tissue Grey matter
Preset window contrast soft
Reconstruction mode immediate

***Save raw data*** yes

Push to workstation no
Hardcopy protocol no
Ringing filter no
Silent mode no

Offc/ang
Stacks 1
Stack Offc.AP (P=+mm) -20.00
RL (L=+mm) 0.00
FH (H=+mm) 0.00
Ang. AP (deg) 0.00
RL (deg) -0.00
FH (deg) -0.00

17

Rev 05

Reconstruct SNR CHECK image for individual channels
using the instructions provided below.

1. Before running the SNR CHECK scan, be sure to have the "Save Raw Data" option set to
"Yes" under [Postproc].

2. Do not delete the current scan from the [Scanlist].

3. Under the [Scanlist] icon, select the [Add Rec] icon, then the [Del. Recon] icon.

4. Left-mouse select on the scan to perform the reconstructions, then select [Proceed].

5. Change the "Synergy selection" option from "0" to "2" for reconstruction of the 2nd channel,
then select [Proceed].

6. Select [Options], and change the name of the reconstruction to "2".

7. Repeat steps 3-6 for each channel (channels 3,4,5), and change the "Synergy selection"
option to the next channel, then rename the scans appropriately for each channel selected
(i.e. 2,3,4,5)

8. From the [Scan List] icon, delete all scans except those renamed for each element.

9. Select [Start Scan] to start the reconstruction of the images.

Note: Example of reconstructed images are shown below.

18

Rev 05

SNR
Calulations

Example

1.Select the reconstructed image from Channel 2, and display an eliptical ROI
with a total pixel area of 1300 mm squared. Refer to Philips Gyroscan Intera
Instructions Manual for ROI help.

2. Position ROI in the center of the phantom bottle, as shown below.

3. Bring up the Statistics for ROI, right-mouse select over the ROI number
(arbitrary number next to the ROI), left-mouse select on Statistics from the drop­down box, and select Statistics again from drop box.

4. Record the Signal Mean value.

5. Move ROI to background noise as shown below.

6. Record the noise standard deviation.

7. Divide the signal mean by the noise standard deviation.

8. Record this SNR value for future reference.

9. Spec > 50.

19

Rev 05

SNR
Calulations

Example

Repeat SNR calculations as described on page 18 for the remaining
reconstructed images from channels 3,4,5.

20

Rev 05

SNR
Calulations

Example

Repeat SNR calculations as described on page 18 for the remaining
reconstructed images from channels 3,4,5.

21

Rev 05

SNR
Calulations

Example

Repeat SNR calculations as described on page 18 for the remaining
reconstructed images from channels 3,4,5.

22

Chapter 4 - Scanning Set Up

Rev 05

Head and Neck
Imaging

Selecting the
Active Coil

One of the advantages of using the Invivo HNC-63-INT Neurovascular
Array Coil (HNC) is the ability to acquire sequences of the head and
neck without having to re-enter the scan room to change coils and/or re­center the patient. When positioning a patient for a study of the brain as
well as an MRA of the carotids, center on the head as you would
normally do for a routine brain scan. Then, to acquire a coronal or
sagittal SURVEY image for the carotid MRA prescription, use an inferior
offset of “FH-120” and a 240 mm FOV.

The neurovascular array coil contains both a head coil and a neck coil. The head
coil (channel 2), neck coil (channels 3,4,5) or both head and neck coils
(channels 2,3,4,5) can be active at any given time. To select the active coil(s),
pick the proper channel(s) from the channel combination (ch. combination)
menu on your Intera Operator's Console.

EXAMPLES:

HEAD only: Select Ch. combination 2

NECK only: Select Ch. combination 3,4,5

HEAD & NECK: Select Ch. combination 2,3,4,5

Field of View and
Coverage

Survey Image

IMPORTANT!
Using Autoshim

For head or neck studies a FOV of 200 mm. is suggested, depending upon
head size. The HNC-63-INT coil is 280 mm. in diameter. If the entire coil is
active, a field of view of 320 mm. to 400 mm. is suggested. You may use
a smaller FOV if desired. Fold-over suppression must be set to YES.

The Intera body coil may be used at any time while the HNC-63-INT
Neurovascular Array Coil is in the scanner. This allows a large FOV (400
mm) body coil SURVEY to be performed, which is helpful in determining
the foot-head offset required for imaging the neck.

AUTOSHIM is a feature of Intera software to improve image quality by
improving the magnetic field homogeneity within the FOV selected. The
improvement in image quality is often dramatic when the selected FOV is
far off center, and when acquiring SPIR images.

23

Rev 05

Scanning
Step by Step

Scan Select: Software Release 8.1.1, Choose "3IB-MRIDEVIC", Software Releases
above 8.1.1, choose "SMC-MRI".

Select Channel combination(s):

HEAD only: Select Ch. combination 2

NECK only: Select Ch. combination 3,4,5

HEAD & NECK: Select Ch. combination 2,3,4,5

Plan Slices

Confirm Planning

Geometry Page: Homogeneity Correction, Select "NONE"

Start Scan

IMPORTANT: Upon scan completion, you must change channel combination if imaging a
different region. System will default to last Channel combination when another scan is
Added.

24

Chapter 5 - Scan Protocols

Invivo Corporation recomends that you select imaging protocols that have been
established by your radiologists. Additional protocols can be found within your
Philips Application Guides.

Rev 05

25

Rev 05

Chapter 6 - Maintenance

Cleaning

Storage

The Neurovascular Array coil and patient comfort pads may be cleaned by wiping
with a cloth dampened with a solution of 30% isopropyl alcohol and 70% tap water.
Do not pour any cleaning solution directly on the coil! Let coil housing and
pads dry before use.

The coil should be stored in an air-conditioned scan room or equipment room.

26

Rev 05

27