AUSFIDE MRI Apparatus for Simultaneous Parameter Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging technologies are inefficient in measuring multiple parameters like R2, R2', and magnetic susceptibility, as they are sensitive to macroscopic magnetic field non-uniformities, leading to long imaging times and significant signal distortion, especially near air-tissue interfaces, limiting their practicality for whole-brain imaging.
Innovation Solution
The collection of alternating unbalanced SSFP-FID & SSFP-ECHO image data by alternately collecting SSFP-FID and SSFP-ECHO signals and combining them, along with z-shimming to correct magnetic field non-uniformity, enables simultaneous measurement of RF-irreversible and reversible transverse relaxation rates and magnetic susceptibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional magnetic resonance imaging technology is used to measure multiple parameters (R2, R2', magnetic susceptibility), then measurement capability is provided, but imaging time becomes very long and practicality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple MRI parameter measurements (R2, R2', magnetic susceptibility) into a single integrated imaging process using the SSFP sequence. By merging these separate measurements into one acquisition, the system maintains comprehensive measurement capability while dramatically reducing total imaging time, making whole-brain imaging practical.
Solution Approach 2:
The SSFP sequence serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides T2-weighted imaging, R2 mapping, R2' mapping, and magnetic susceptibility imaging all in one acquisition. This multi-functionality allows the system to measure multiple parameters without requiring separate imaging sequences, thereby reducing imaging time while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional MRI technology measures multiple parameters, then parameter measurement is provided, but sensitivity to macroscopic magnetic field non-uniformities causes significant signal distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging parameters by using the SSFP sequence with specific TE values (TE1 and TE2) and gradient echo configurations. This parameter change makes the sequence less sensitive to macroscopic magnetic field non-uniformities, reducing signal distortion in regions near air-tissue interfaces while maintaining the ability to measure multiple parameters reliably.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional MRI technology is used for whole-brain imaging with multiple parameters, then comprehensive measurement is achieved, but imaging time becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple parameter measurements into a single SSFP acquisition sequence, enabling comprehensive measurement of R2, R2', and magnetic susceptibility across the entire brain in one imaging session. This integration dramatically improves productivity by eliminating the need for multiple separate sequences, making whole-brain imaging feasible within practical time constraints.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances measurement speed and accuracy for magnetic resonance imaging parameters, reducing errors and allowing for the differentiation between normal and diseased tissues, facilitating their use as biomarkers for specific diseases.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus for measuring a plurality of magnetic resonance imaging parameters
Implementation Method 2
The RF-reversible transverse relaxation rate constant (R2') is controlled by diffusion of water molecules in a non-uniform field on a microscopic scale
Implementation Method 3
The RF-reversible transverse relaxation rate constant (R2') is controlled by diffusion of water molecules in a non-uniform field on a microscopic scale
Implementation Method 4
The RF-reversible transverse relaxation rate constant (R2') is generated due to an induced magnetic field varying between molecular and image voxel sizes
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to magnetic resonance imaging technology for simultaneously measuring a plurality of magnetic resonance imaging parameters. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a data collector for alternately collecting a steady-state-free-precession (SSFP)-FID signal and an SSFP-ECHO signal within a time of repetition to obtain AUSFIDE (alternating unbalanced SSFP-FID & SSFP-ECHO) image data; a data processor for reconstructing a magnitude image and a phase image for each of the SSFP-FID signal and the SSFP-ECHO signal in the AUSFIDE (alternating unbalanced SSFP-FID & SSFP-ECHO) image data and processing the AUSFIDE (alternating unbalanced SSFP-FID & SSFP-ECHO) image data using the reconstructed magnitude images and phase images; and a parameter measuring device for measuring a plurality of magnetic resonance imaging parameters using a plurality of echo data based on the processed AUSFIDE (alternating unbalanced SSFP-FID & SSFP-ECHO) image data.