SHEAR MODE PRESSURE-ACTIVATED DRIVER FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE ELASTOGRAPHY

摘要

A magnetic resonance elastography (“MRE”) driver that can produce shear waves in a subject without relying on mode conversion of longitudinal waves is disclosed. More specifically, the MRE driver includes a pneumatic driver located remotely from a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system which is operable in response to an applied electrical current to oscillate, a pressure-activated driver that is positioned on a subject in the MRI system, and a tube that is in fluid communication, at one end, with the pneumatic driver. The pressure-activated driver includes a base plate and a driver plate having a region between them that receives the tube. Oscillations of the pneumatic driver produce a pressure wave in the tube that causes the driver plate to vibrate. The driver plate rests against the subject of interest to apply a corresponding shear oscillatory force to the subject during the MRE examination.