Cardiac MRI Localization via Single Overview Image and Marking Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods for heart diagnosis are time-consuming and require trained medical personnel to accurately locate the heart's coordinate axes, limiting accessibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method where a predetermined MR overview image is acquired, with marking points established to automatically calculate further image planes, allowing less-trained personnel to generate heart images efficiently by selecting a pseudo-short axis slice as a standard orientation, reducing the need for multiple overview images and simplifying the localization process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple overview images are acquired in different slice planes to localize the heart, then the precision of heart coordinate axis localization is improved, but the examination time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheart coordinate axis localization precisionVSAvoidexamination time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring a single predetermined overview image in a specific slice plane before the examination begins. This pre-acquired image serves as the foundation for automatic calculation of all subsequent image planes, eliminating the need to acquire multiple overview images during the examination process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a standardized model of heart localization based on the single predetermined overview image. The automatic calculation system copies the spatial relationships and anatomical landmarks from this single image to generate all necessary image plane definitions, rather than requiring direct observation and manual planning from multiple images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple overview images are acquired in different slice planes to localize the heart, then the accuracy of image plane planning is improved, but the device complexity and training requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage plane planning accuracyVSAvoidlocalization process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automatic calculation of image planes. The system automatically computes the positions and orientations of all required image planes based on the single predetermined overview image and established marking points, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the complex geometric calculations and plane intersections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the localization problem from requiring multiple images with varying parameters to using a single image with standardized parameters. The predetermined slice plane and standardized marking point positions simplify the input parameters needed for automatic calculation, reducing the complexity of the localization process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If medically-trained personnel manually plan multiple image planes, then the diagnostic quality is improved, but the ease of operation decreases and accessibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic qualityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual image plane planning with an automated computational system. Instead of relying on trained personnel to manually identify landmarks and calculate plane intersections, the system automatically processes the predetermined overview image and computes all image plane definitions, substituting human expertise with algorithmic processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If a standardized predetermined slice plane is used for all patients, then the productivity and cost-efficiency are improved, but the adaptability to individual heart variations may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexamination efficiencyVSAvoidpatient-specific adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a single predetermined slice plane orientation that works for all patients regardless of individual anatomical variations. This standardized approach allows the same imaging protocol to be applied universally across different patients, improving efficiency and reducing the need for customized planning while still capturing the necessary cardiac structures through automatic landmark identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7966055B2Magnetic resonance system and method for cardiac imaging

Publication Date: 2011.06.21 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

In a method for representation of the heart in a magnetic resonance system at least one MR overview image of the heart is acquired. An image plane with a predetermined position relative to the magnetic resonance system is selected for this overview image. The acquired MR overview image is displayed and a number of marking points are established in the displayed overview image. Further image planes for representation of the heart are calculated using some of the established marking points. Further MR images are acquired in the calculated image planes.