Cardiac MRI Reconstruction Using Dynamic Region Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac MRI (CMRI) techniques require extensive scanner time and high technical expertise, making them inefficient and difficult to perform in various environments, particularly due to the complexity of managing large system matrices for 3D isotropic acquisition and CPU-intensive image reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing SENSE undersampling and reconstruction to differentiate between static and dynamic regions in cardiac MRI, allowing for the generation of MR images by acquiring and processing datasets with reduced field of view, which reduces the need for building large matrix formulations and enables efficient image reconstruction by exploiting data redundancy and high SENSE acceleration factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If PINOT reconstruction method is used for accelerated dynamic image acquisition, then image reconstruction speed is improved, but the system matrix becomes difficult to manage and CPU-intensive processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image reconstruction process into two separate stages: first reconstructing a static image from the entire field of view, then extracting and reconstructing only the dynamic region of interest. This segmentation avoids forming and inverting a large system matrix for the entire volume, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining reconstruction speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the dynamic region of interest from the static image and performs reconstruction only on this reduced region. By taking out the dynamic ROI from the full field of view and processing it separately, the method reduces the size of the system matrix that needs to be managed and inverted, solving the CPU-intensive problem.
2Ease of operation
If 3D isotropic acquisition covering the whole chest is performed, then cardiac examination workflow is improved and dummy scans are reduced, but scanner time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the volumetric 3D isotropic data into static and dynamic regions, then further segments the dynamic region into multiple moving phases. This allows the system to process only the necessary dynamic portions at high resolution while maintaining the workflow benefits of whole-chest coverage, thereby reducing effective scan time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs full 3D isotropic acquisition (excessive action) to cover the whole chest and eliminate dummy scans, but then applies undersampling and selective reconstruction only to the dynamic region of interest (partial action). This approach maintains the workflow advantages while reducing the computational burden and effective scan time by not processing the entire volume at full resolution.
3Loss of time
If high SENSE acceleration factor is used, then scan time is reduced, but image reconstruction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies SENSE acceleration selectively to the dynamic region of interest rather than the entire field of view. By segmenting the reconstruction domain and applying high acceleration factors only where necessary (in the dynamic ROI), the method reduces scan time while keeping the system matrix size manageable and reconstruction complexity reduced.
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 significantly reduces scan time and technical requirements, enabling the acquisition of 3D isotropic cardiac images in a single breath-hold with rapid reconstruction times, improving the workflow and accessibility of cardiac examinations.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to the field of generating MR images (MR: Magnetic Resonance)
Implementation Method 2
performing a Fourier transformation on the subtracted second dataset
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for generating MR images (10, 20) of an object in its environment within a region of interest, said object executing motion comprising a plurality of moving phases within a period of time. According to several aspects of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: - providing a first dataset pertaining to one of the moving phases of the object (Si); - generating a first image (10) of a region of interest from the first dataset (S2); - identifying a dynamic region (12) and a static region (14) inside the first image (10), wherein the regions (12, 14) are predominantly dynamic or static respectively within the periodeperiod of time (S3); - editing the first image (10) by masking out the dynamic region (14) (S4); - performing an inverse Fourier transformation of the edited first image (16) showing the remaining static region (14) (S5); - providing a second dataset pertaining to one of the moving phases of the object (S6); - subtraction of the inverse Fourier transformation of the edited first image (16) with the remaining static region (14) from the second dataset (S7); - performing a Fourier transformation on the subtracted second dataset (18) (S8); and - generating a second image (20) of a reduced region of interest with respect to the region of interest of the first image (10), which reduced region of interest includes the dynamic region (12) (S9). The invention further relates to a corresponding MRI system for generating MR images of an object in its environment within a region of interest.