3D Cardiac MRI Planning with Staged Motion-Resolved Reconstruction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is hindered by the need for extensive operator training and time-consuming protocols due to subject movement during data acquisition, leading to image corruption and artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A medical system and method that acquires and assembles motion-resolved k-space data continuously, allowing for the construction of a preliminary three-dimensional cardiac image before complete data acquisition, using a compressed sensing reconstruction algorithm and a deformable cardiac model to facilitate automatic image planning and anomaly detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional cardiac MRI protocols are used with complete data acquisition before reconstruction, then image quality and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but examination time increases significantly and operator training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring and assembling motion-resolved k-space data continuously during the exam, enabling preliminary image reconstruction before complete data acquisition. This allows the operator to see initial results quickly while the full scan continues, reducing perceived exam time without sacrificing final image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous acquisition and assembly of k-space data throughout the cardiac cycle and respiratory phases. The system maintains continuous useful action by repeatedly acquiring lines of k-space data and continuously assembling motion-resolved data, enabling ongoing image reconstruction without interruption or waiting periods
2Measurement precision
If operators perform manual planning and positioning of regions of interest, then image planning accuracy is improved, but operator training requirements and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the heart and planning imaging sequences without requiring manual operator intervention. The automated heart detection and sequence planning functions eliminate the need for operators to manually position regions of interest, reducing training requirements while maintaining planning accuracy through algorithmic optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated planning system that mediates between the raw imaging data and the final imaging sequence. This intermediary layer automatically processes anatomical information and generates optimized imaging plans, reducing the complexity burden on operators while ensuring accurate planning
3Productivity
If k-space data is acquired repeatedly and continuously, then imaging speed and preliminary image availability are improved, but data assembly complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the continuous k-space data acquisition into distinct motion-resolved components based on cardiac and respiratory phases. By segmenting the data assembly process into manageable phases and using compressed sensing algorithms, the system handles the complexity of repeated continuous acquisition while maintaining high imaging speed and enabling preliminary image reconstruction
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 reduces operator training requirements and accelerates the imaging process by providing a preliminary image for planning and anomaly detection, thereby optimizing the cardiac imaging workflow.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic resonance imaging system configured to acquire k-space data from a thoracic region of a subject
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a medical system (100, 300, 700) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system (102) configured to acquire lines of k-space (144) data from a thoracic region (122) of a subject (118). Execution of machine executable instructions (140) causes a computational system (132) to: repeatedly (200) acquire the lines of k-space data by controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system with the pulse sequence commands; repeatedly (202) assemble motion resolved k-space data (146) from the lines of k-space data using at least one cardiac phase and one respiratory phase of the subject as the k-space data is acquired; retrieve (204) at least a portion (148) of the motion resolved k-space data during acquisition of the k-space data; and construct (206) a preliminary three-dimensional cardiac image (150) using at least a portion of the motion resolved k-space data before acquisition of the lines of k-space data is finished. The pulse sequence commands are according to a three-dimensional free running cardiac magnetic resonance imaging protocol.