Cardiac MRI Inversion Time Selection Using Pixel Thresholding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the optimal inversion time in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for canceling out blood signals in cardiac imaging are complex, dependent on electrocardiogram acquisition, and limited to 2D applications, making them impractical for clinical use.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining the optimal inversion time using a computer-implemented process that selects an image with the highest number of pixels below a given intensity threshold, allowing for the generation of a black blood contrast MRI image by adjusting the inversion time based on patient-specific characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If neural network-based methods are used to determine optimal inversion time, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to complex installation requirements and software dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core functionality of neural networks by replacing them with a simplified pixel intensity thresholding method. Instead of using complex neural network models that require specialized libraries and software installation, the invention uses basic image processing techniques (comparing pixel intensities against thresholds) to determine optimal inversion time, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity and ease of operation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex neural network software systems with simple, lightweight pixel intensity comparison methods. The new approach uses basic computational operations (comparing pixel values to thresholds) that can be implemented in standard MRI software without requiring specialized installations, making the system more accessible and easier to operate while achieving the same measurement goal
2Measurement precision
If ECG-dependent methods are used to determine inversion time, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because the method fails when blood flow is non-functional (blood stagnating on walls)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pixel intensity thresholding as an intermediary method that directly analyzes image characteristics rather than relying on ECG signals. By comparing the number of pixels below a given intensity threshold across different inversion times, the system can determine optimal inversion time based on actual image quality metrics, making it adaptable to various blood flow conditions including stagnant blood, without requiring ECG acquisition or assumptions about blood flow functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the ECG-based mechanical/electrical monitoring system with a direct image analysis system. Instead of using ECG signals to infer cardiac function and determine inversion time, the invention directly analyzes MRI image pixel intensities to identify the optimal inversion time, eliminating the dependency on ECG acquisition and making the method applicable regardless of blood flow status
3Ease of operation
If 2D application methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to limited applicability to 3D cardiac imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal inversion time determination method that works across different imaging dimensions. The pixel intensity thresholding approach is dimension-agnostic, meaning it can be applied to 2D, 3D, and 4D MRI datasets without modification. This allows the same simple method to determine optimal inversion time for various cardiac imaging applications, from basic 2D views to comprehensive 3D volumetric imaging, thereby expanding productivity while maintaining ease of operation
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
The method provides a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective way to determine the optimal inversion time, enabling clear visualization of myocardial scars by canceling out blood and healthy myocardium signals, suitable for integration into existing MRI devices without additional workload.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), notably cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Implementation Method 2
the viable myocardial signal is canceled out using inversion-recovery pulses
Implementation Method 3
a T1-rho preparation module and a read module. The duration separating the 180° pulse and the read module is called the inversion time
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an optimal characteristic set of at least one characteristic parameter of an image acquisition sequence of an area to be imaged by magnetic resonance configured to substantially cancel out medical signals from at least one predetermined tissue, the method including the selection, computer-implemented, of an optimal characteristic image having a greater number of pixels of intensity less than or equal to a given intensity threshold among a plurality of characteristic images of a characteristic area of the area to be imaged generated by respective acquisition sequences having distinct respective sets of at least one characteristic parameter, the optimal characteristic set being the characteristic set of the acquisition sequence by which the optimal characteristic image was generated.