Biomarker Tracking via Magnetic Resonance Baseline Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring treatment efficacy in psychiatric and neurological diseases using magnetic resonance imaging lack robustness in tracking changes in biomarkers over time, making it difficult to assess treatment progress and side effects effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize magnetic resonance data to detect and track changes in biomarkers by exciting and analyzing signals before and after treatment, storing and comparing biomarker values, and using a control unit and database for evaluation and reporting, enabling effective treatment monitoring and diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic resonance imaging methods are used to monitor treatment efficacy, then treatment progress can be assessed, but the robustness in tracking biomarker changes over time is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing reference biomarker data obtained before treatment begins. This reference data serves as a baseline for comparison with subsequent measurements, enabling robust tracking of changes over time. The method performs initial measurements, stores the results as reference values, and then compares follow-up measurements against this pre-established baseline to determine treatment efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by systematically comparing biomarker values from follow-up examinations with stored reference values and providing structured evaluation results. The system evaluates whether biomarker changes indicate treatment success, failure, or need for adjustment, and feeds this information back to clinicians for decision-making. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enhances the reliability of treatment monitoring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple biomarkers are monitored over time, then treatment assessment becomes more comprehensive, but the complexity of data management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional system that can handle multiple types of biomarkers (structural, functional, metabolic) and multiple evaluation purposes (diagnosis, treatment monitoring, prognosis) within a single integrated platform. The system stores reference data, performs follow-up measurements, compares results, and provides comprehensive evaluation reports, making it adaptable to various clinical scenarios without requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex data management process into distinct modular components: data acquisition module, reference data storage module, comparison module, and evaluation report generation module. Each module handles a specific aspect of biomarker monitoring, making the overall system more manageable. The segmentation allows independent optimization and maintenance of each functional component.
3Measurement precision
If frequent magnetic resonance measurements are performed to track biomarker changes, then treatment monitoring accuracy improves, but the time and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing selective follow-up measurements based on clinical need rather than continuously monitoring all patients at fixed intervals. The system determines whether follow-up examinations are necessary based on individual patient progression, treatment response, and clinical indicators, thereby reducing unnecessary measurements while maintaining monitoring accuracy for patients who need it.
Solution Approach 2:
By establishing reference biomarker values before treatment begins, the patent enables more efficient follow-up measurements. The comparison with pre-stored reference data allows for quicker assessment of treatment effects, reducing the time needed for each evaluation. The preliminary data serves as a benchmark that accelerates subsequent monitoring decisions.
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
Enables robust and efficient monitoring of biomarker changes over time, facilitating improved treatment assessment and decision-making, with potential applications in psychiatric diseases, neurological disorders, and respiratory conditions, while reducing unnecessary measurements and allowing for remote data access and expert system analysis.
Implementation Method 1
exciting first magnetic resonance signals in the region to be examined using a first magnetic resonance measuring sequence for detecting at least one property of the at least one biomarker
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a change over time in a biomarker in a region to be examined of a patient is provided. The change is determined from magnetic resonance data using a magnetic resonance measuring system with sequences and protocols for measuring the biomarkers by functional resting state connectivity by rsfMRI, perfusion values, magnetic resonance spectra of voxels, or morphometry of organs. A control unit has programs which evaluates the biomarker and a data memory which stores the results of the evaluation and additional data. During a first examination, a quantity result of the biomarkers is determined and stored in the data memory. During a follow-up examination, at least one previous item of the result and additional data from the first examination stored in the data memory are used for determining a quantitative change in the biomarker.