3D MRI Self-Navigation with Segmented K-Space Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is challenged by subject motion during data acquisition, leading to image blurs and artifacts, which existing technologies struggle to effectively address.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a three-dimensional MRI protocol that uses a rotating k-space sampling profile in-plane and segmented phase encoding in the through-plane direction, allowing for the derivation of navigators from the acquired data for retrospective or prospective motion correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a three-dimensional MRI acquisition is performed, then the quality and detail of the images are improved, but the acquisition time is extended, increasing the likelihood of subject motion during scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional k-space data is segmented into multiple sequential data portions, each of which can be independently reconstructed into a navigator image. This segmentation allows the acquisition to be broken down into manageable segments that can be processed and corrected individually, reducing the impact of motion artifacts while maintaining overall image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Navigator images are reconstructed periodically from sequential data portions during the acquisition process. These periodic reconstructions enable continuous monitoring of subject motion and allow for real-time correction strategies to be implemented, balancing the need for high-quality three-dimensional imaging with the constraint of acquisition time.
2Reliability
If navigators are derived from acquired data for motion correction, then motion artifacts are reduced, but the complexity of data processing and reconstruction is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system derives navigators from the acquired MRI data itself rather than requiring separate navigator acquisitions or external tracking devices. The acquired data serves dual purposes: both for reconstructing the final images and for generating navigators that enable motion correction. This self-service approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable motion correction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The acquired MRI data performs multiple functions: it is used both for reconstructing the diagnostic images and for deriving navigators that enable motion correction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate navigator acquisition systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability of motion correction.
3Measurement precision
If sequential data portions are reconstructed into navigator images, then real-time motion monitoring is enabled, but the processing time and computational load are increased
Solution Approach 1:
Not all sequential data portions need to be fully reconstructed into high-resolution navigator images. Instead, partial reconstructions or lower-resolution versions can be generated for motion monitoring purposes, reducing computational load and processing time while maintaining sufficient motion tracking accuracy for effective correction.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides for a medical imaging system (100, 300) comprising: a memory (110) for storing machine executable instructions (120) and a processor (104) for controlling the medical imaging system. Execution of the machine executable instructions causes the processor to: receive (200) magnetic resonance imaging data (122) descriptive of a subject (318), wherein the magnetic resonance imaging data is segmented into sequential data portions (124), wherein the magnetic resonance imaging data was acquired according to a three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging protocol, wherein the magnetic resonance data within each of the sequential data portions is sampled in-plane using a rotating k-space sampling profile, wherein the magnetic resonance data within each of the sequential data portions is sampled using a segmented phase encoding in a thru-plane direction; and reconstruct (202) a navigator image (128) for each of the sequential data portions according to the three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging protocol.