Towards Clinical MCG with Room-Temperature Sensors

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Laser pumped magnetometers (LOPM) have received growing attention over the past decade as they represent a room temperature alternative to SQUIDs. We present intermediate results of a project at the Jena University Hospital which develops a demonstration system for clinical MCG using LOPMs in collaboration with BMDSys. The system offers great potential for cost efficient MCG and is planned to be integrated into ongoing clinical studies. METHODS: The physical principle of the used sensors is identical to the 19 channel LOPM system developed at the University of Fribourg [1]. Since the new clinical demonstration system will have 57 primary sensors and two times 13 reference sensors, a new technology has been developed which allows a much closer packing of the sensor modules. Considerable effort went also in the design of a shielding room which is compatible with the clinical environments. The aluminum based shield was set up at the Jena University Hospital and was equipped with special coils needed to generate an offset magnetic field essential for LOPM operation. RESULTS: Laboratory prototypes of the new sensor technology are successfully tested. We present performance details in strong and weak shielding. CONCLUSION: We made important technological steps towards an affordable clinical MCG system. Development will continue until the system is ready to be included in clinical studies.