Microwave Sensing Applications in Brain Imaging
Application Notes
"Stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Timely and fast diagnosis are critical for effective treatment within the crucial "golden hour." While conventional imaging modalities such as CT and MRI are accurate, they may be impractical in emergency situations due to limited accessibility and time consuming during emergency scenarios. This application note presents microwave sensing technology in brain imaging, specifically designed for rapid stroke classification in bedside and pre-hospital settings.
The system employs compact vector network analyzers (VNAs) embedded in helmet-like headgear, which emit non-ionizing RF signals. These signals are utilized to detect and differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes based on dielectric contrasts in brain tissue. Unlike CT or MRI systems, this brain scanner is designed for portability and fast deployment. The components within the brain scanner, including the VNA, are meticulously designed to achieve efficacy.
The application note highlights the Keysight MN7021A RF Sensor, purpose -built with a compact form factor (105 x 50 x 221 mm) to meet the size constraints of the brain scanner design. With the capability to cascade up to 16 ports, the MN7021A is ideally suited for multi-channel S parameter acquisition."