Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a largely used clinical imaging modality. Compared to other medical imaging techniques, MRI provides better contrast in images of soft tissues and, being based on non-ionizing radiation, it is intrinsically safer. Imaging generation is done by a proper combination of different electromagnetic fields (static, radiofrequency, pulsed) able to excite the nuclear magnetic spin of hydrogen nuclei and spatially locating them in the human body. The course introduces the main physical principles of MRI and describes how the electromagnetic fields are designed to allow imaging generation. The course then focuses on two relevant topics of nowadays research in MRI. One is the transition from qualitative to quantitative MRI, providing general concepts and detailing the tomography of electrical properties with MRI. The other is related to the interaction between electromagnetic fields and the human body, governed by the fundamental laws of electromagnetics, and have a strong impact on image quality and safety aspects for patients and medical staff. In this context, the analysis of the extension of MRI diagnostics to patient’s carrying implantable medical devices will be deepened. The course will provide methodological hints, both related to advanced modeling techniques (simulation tools and digital human models) and measuring techniques for electromagnetic field characterisation.

Basic concepts of electromagnetism and computational methods

Course topics - Basic principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Electromagnetic field sources in MRI (concepts, characteristics, design principles and experimental characterization) - General concepts of quantitative MRI. Theory and development of magnetic resonance-based Electric Properties Tomography (EPT). - Interaction between electromagnetic fields and human tissues (static, radio-frequency and pulsed fields). General concept of biological/physical effects. - Relevant phenomena (tissue heating, nerve stimulation) and methodology for modeling predictions. - MRI and implanted medical devices: physical effects (thermal and mechanical effects), methods of analysis, safety aspects. The course will be organized in theoretical lessons. Laboratory measurements for MRI electromagnetic field characterization are aslo planned at the end of the course.

Modalità mista

Presentazione orale - Test a risposta multipla - Presentazione report scritto

P.D.1-1 - Novembre

CALENDARIO PRELIMINARE (PERIODO: DUE SETTIMANE DAL 27 Gennaio 2025 AL 7 Febbraio 2025). Il calendario definitivo sarà concordato con gli stuenti iscritti. MODULE 1: INTRODUCTORY ASPECTS (5 hours) DAY 1 - Lesson 1.1: Basic principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (3 hours) Teacher: Umberto ZANOVELLO DAY 2 - Lesson 1.2: Overview of electromagnetic field sources in MRI (static, RF, GC). Instrumentation and measurement methods (2 hour) Teacher: Umberto ZANOVELLO MODULE 2: QUANTITATIVE MRI (6 hours) DAY 3 - Lesson 2.1: Basic principles of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (1 hour) Teacher: Alessandro ARDUINO DAYS 3-4 - Lesson 2.2: Methods for the magnetic resonance-based electric properties tomography (3 hour) Teacher: Alessandro ARDUINO DAY 4 - Lesson 2.3: Applications of the magnetic resonance-based electric properties tomography (2 hour) Teacher: Alessandro ARDUINO MODULE 3: INTERACTION BETWEEN MRI ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS AND BODY TISSUES (10 hours) DAY 5 - Lesson 3.1: Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields & Modeling of the Human Body (3 hours) Teacher: Luca ZILBERTI DAY 6 - Lesson 3.2: Computational dosimetry: methodologies, simulation accuracy and numerical artifacts (3 hours) Teacher: Oriano BOTTAUSCIO DAY 7 - Lesson 3.3: Patient exposure to MRI radiofrequency (RF) fields (2 hours) Teacher: Oriano BOTTAUSCIO DAY 7 - Lesson 3.4: Gradient fields and peripheral nerve stimulation (1 hour) Teacher: Luca ZILBERTI DAY 7 - Lesson 3.5: Motion-Induced Fields (1 hour) Teacher: Luca ZILBERTI MODULE 4: EMF FIELDS-IMPLANTED DEVICE INTERACTIONS (4 hours) DAY 8 - Lesson 4.1: Forces on implanted metallic objects (vibrations and motion induced) (1 hour) Teacher: Luca ZILBERTI DAY 8 - Lesson 4.2: Exposure of patients carrying implants: heating related issues (3 hours) Teacher: Oriano BOTTAUSCIO