263 – Strategies to Record Biopotential or Transducer Data in MRI or fMRI

This application note lays out some generally recommended methods for recording data from subjects in the MRI or fMRI. BIOPAC Systems, Inc. (BIOPAC) designs systems that can be used to record both biopotential data (such as ECG, EEG and EMG) and transducer data (such as blood pressure, air flow, hand clench strength, finger motion and temperature).

In most MRI configurations, there is a “dual-room” setup. In these cases, there is a “Chamber” room and a “Control” room. The chamber room houses the actual MRI machine and the control room is where the MRI operator sits to manage the MRI scanning sequences.

BIOPAC MRI-related recording equipment is typically setup with the recording equipment data acquisition system and associated amplifiers in the control room (well-away from MRI). Signals are directed, via a filtered cabling system, from the subject—lying in the MRI—to the recording equipment. The cabling system, though conductive, does not contain ferromagnetic materials. The electrodes or transducers attached to the subject in the MRI are plugged into the receiving end of the cabling system.

Associated Applications

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging with BIOPAC Equipment - Electrodes, electrode leads, transducers, and stimulus options for safe data acquisition in the MRI. Record biopotentials, temperature, respiration, EDA, dynamometry, blood pressure, etc.