Operate Mock MRI

Warning: Magnetic Field!

The Encore MRI Simulator is a training device designed to help participants practice remaining perfectly still during a scan, using specialized MoTrak software to monitor movement.

To power this motion-tracking feature, the simulator is equipped with an internal magnetic field generator. Because this generator emits a real magnetic field, the simulator is not compatible with pacemakers or other implanted medical devices.

Simulate MRI

Setup Instructions

Setup 1: Turn mock scanner on using both switches (red arrows) at the back of the device.

Setup 2: Wait 3 minutes for system to boot.

Setup 3: Verify screen inverter is working (mirror selected, Input solid).

Setup 4: Customize simulation. Enter Options menu (Mock Control, R).

Setup 5: Specify your customization of:

Bore and Accent colors (Mock Customize, A & B)
Ambient sound (Mock Customize, C)
Protocol sound and duration (Mock Customize, D)
Alarm volume (Mock Customize, E)
Button sound (Mock Customize, F)

Setup 6: Once customization is complete, return to the Control menu (Mock Customize, G).

Setup 7: Specify fan, core light, and accent light strength (Mock Control, A-C).

Setup 8: If you intend to use Motrak, please also note setup instructions in Monitor Movement (steps 1-4).

Simulate Scan

Simulate 1: Have participant lay supine, with the top of the head near the apex of the coil base.

Simulate 2: Provide headphones and black squeeze ball (Mock Equipment, A & C).

Test squeeze ball; deactivate alarm with Alarm (Mock Control, D).

Simulate 3: Add coil top, ensure participant can see through the eye fields.

For Motrak, see also Monitor Movement (step 5).

Simulate 4: Use Table In Slow (Mock Control, I) to drive participant to up to alignment. Have participant close eyes.

SAFETY: Closing eyes is critical to avoid damaging the eyeball with alignment laser!

Simulate 5: Turn laser on (Mock Control, E). Use Table In/Out Slow (Mock Control, H & I) to align laser between eyebrows.

Turn off laser (Mock Control, E).

Simulate 6: Attach mirror to coil top. Adjust mirror (superior/inferior) until participant can see monitor screen.

Simulate 7: Send participant to isocenter via Advance to Scan (Mock Control, M).

Simulate 8: Conduct simulation via Start Scan (Mock Control, O).

Use Options menu to select additional sequences (Mock Control, R).

End Simulation

End 1: Stop simulation with Pause/Abort Scan (Mock Control, P & Q).

End 2: Return participant to home position with Home (Mock Control, K).

It is also possible to drive the participant to the home position with Table Out Fast/Slow (Mock Control, G & H).

End 3: For power failure, issues with the table moving: press the table release button.

Manually pull table to home position.
Twist release button clockwise to reset table and clear the error.

Monitor Movement

The Encore MRI Simulator is equiped with Motrak hard/software. The complete user manual is available here.

Monitor 1: Log into the mock control computer using your Notre Dame credentials.

Monitor 2: Start the Motrak software.

Note: upon mock startup, the Motrak hardware requires 5 minutes of warmup time before being operational.

Monitor 3: Indicate whether to save log files. If saving, designate the proper output CorpFS location.

Monitor 4: Motrak has two user interfaces: the control screen and participant target viewer.

The Participant target viewer is available via F11 and should be presented on the stimulus monitor.
Use the Full Screen option (Motrak Options, C).

Monitor 5: Load participant onto mock bed (see, above).

Have the participant wear the Sensor headband (Mock Equipment, B), with the Sensor in the middle of the forehead.
Align the Sensor cable with the exit port at the top of the coil.

Monitor 6: Send participant to isocenter, conduct MRI simulation.

Monitor 7: Start motion tracking (Motrak Options, A).

Monitor 8: When head motion stabilizes, reset crosshairs (Motrak Options, B).