MRI system and method for detection and correction of patient motion

Abstract

A system and method for detecting, timing, and adapting to patient motion during an MR scan includes using the inconsistencies between calculated images from different coil-array elements to detect the presence of patient motion and, together with the k-space scan-order information, determine the timing of the motion during the scan. Once the timing is known, various actions may be taken, including restarting the scan, reacquiring those portions of k-space acquired before the movement, or correcting for the motion using the existing data and reconstructing a motion-corrected image from the data.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]In general, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations are based on the interactions among a primary magnetic field, a radiofrequency (RF) magnetic field and time varying magnetic gradient fields with gyromagnetic material having nuclear spins within a subject of interest, such as a patient. Certain gyromagnetic materials, such as hydrogen nuclei in water molecules, have characteristic behaviors in response to external magnetic fields. The precession of spins of these nuclei can be influenced by manipulation of the fields to produce RF signals that can be detected, processed, and used to reconstruct a useful image.[0002]Patient motion is one of the biggest sources of inefficiency in clinical MRI, often requiring re-scans or even second visits by the patient. In particular, patient motion can cause blurriness, artifacts, and other inconsistencies in MR images. Certain approaches to correct motion require either some sort of hardware for monitoring the motion (addin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0085]Technical effects of the invention include automatic detection and timing of patient movement, and mitigation of the effects of the patient movement on an overall MR scan. Remedial actions may include restarting the scan, reacquiring those portions of k-space acquired before the movement, or correcting for the motion using the existing data. In this way, the motion detection and correction techniques described herein may improve the throughput of MRI machines, improve the patient experience and reduce burden on MR technicians.

Problems solved by technology

Patient motion is one of the biggest sources of inefficiency in clinical MRI, often requiring re-scans or even second visits by the patient.

In particular, patient motion can cause blurriness, artifacts, and other inconsistencies in MR images.

Certain approaches to correct motion require either some sort of hardware for monitoring the motion (adding to cost and patient setup time), or navigator sequences (which take time away from the imaging sequence).

Images