Accelerated Angiographic MRI via Synchronized QISS and K-Space Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) techniques require lengthy scan times, which can introduce motion artifacts and degrade image quality, especially when imaging vascular structures like the heart and blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a modified quiescent inflow single shot (QISS) technique synchronized with heartbeat cycles, combined with reduced image resolution in the projection direction using a reduction factor, allows for faster data acquisition by executing multiple image data sequences within each heartbeat cycle, utilizing techniques like parallel imaging, compressed sensing, or simultaneous multi-slice excitation to generate high-quality maximum-intensity projection (MIP) images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional MRA techniques are used to acquire image data with sufficient resolution, then image quality is maintained, but scan time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image acquisition process by identifying and prioritizing only the central k-space lines (low spatial frequency information) that are critical for image quality. By acquiring only these essential data points rather than the complete k-space, the scan time is dramatically reduced while maintaining the most important image features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and acquires only the most critical portion of k-space data (the central lines) that contain the essential low spatial frequency information needed for diagnostic image quality. This selective extraction allows rapid acquisition of the most important image data while omitting less critical high spatial frequency details that can be reconstructed or are less diagnostically valuable.
2Measurement precision
If contrast agent is injected to enhance diagnostic capability, then vascular pathology detection is improved, but the timing window for data acquisition becomes extremely narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements ultra-rapid acquisition of the central k-space lines during the brief peak arterial enhancement window following contrast agent injection. By rushing through the acquisition of only the most critical data points within this narrow timing window, the system captures essential vascular information before the contrast agent disperses, maintaining diagnostic accuracy despite the compressed timeframe.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification and prioritization of the central k-space lines that must be acquired during the peak enhancement window. By pre-planning and preparing to acquire only these specific critical data points, the system is ready to rapidly capture the necessary information during the brief optimal timing window without wasting time on non-essential data collection.
3Measurement precision
If high spatial resolution is selected for 3D volume imaging, then detailed vascular structures are visualized, but scan time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring high acquisition priority and temporal resolution for the central k-space lines that determine overall image quality and diagnostic value. By concentrating resources and timing precision on acquiring this critical local portion of k-space data with high fidelity during peak enhancement, the system achieves effective high quality imaging without requiring complete high-resolution data from all k-space regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance method and system are provided for projection MR imaging of vascular structures within a subject, with scan times that are shorter than those needed for conventional techniques. Image acquisition sequences are synchronized with heartbeat cycles of the subject, and are configured to generate image data having a reduced spatial resolution in the projection direction perpendicular to a preselected projection plane. A reduction factor F quantifies this reduced resolution, such that the number of data acquisition sequences provided within each heartbeat cycle is F times as many as a comparable imaging protocol that generates full-resolution data. The total scan time can be reduced by a factor of F with negligible degradation in the projection image quality.