An Automated Validation System for Active Implantable Medical Device (AIMD) Model under MR RF Field Exposure

Motivation: Current AIMD model validation method is expensive, time-consuming, and subject to human operational error. An automated robotic system for testing would streamline validation testing. Goal(s): To develop a novel automated AIMD model validation system that is cost-effective and accurate. Approach: A novel system is developed by integrating the a robotic arm, a box-shaped phantom, a signal generator and power amplifier, and a fiber optic temperature measurement apparatus to streamline the validation. Results: An automated validation system for both 1.5T and 3T is constructed with minimum human error. Impact: A cost-effective and yet more accurate AIMD model validation system/method is developed following ISO 10974 standard. Compared to the traditional birdcage coil validation method, this system requires less labor, lower cost, and has lower systematic error.