Rapid Cardiac Strain MRI via Segmented Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI procedures for imaging the heart are lengthy, inconvenient for patients, and prone to motion artifacts, leading to lower image quality and variability in diagnostic assessments due to the need for prolonged stillness and potential claustrophobia issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Strain Encoded Imaging (SENC) techniques that allow for rapid, quantitative assessment of heart muscle functionality by measuring segmental contractility and global function noninvasively, using a rapid strain encoding pulse sequence to acquire images in a single heartbeat, enabling minimal patient time inside the MRI magnet and objective strain measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional MRI procedures are used to image the heart, then comprehensive cardiac imaging data can be obtained, but the procedure becomes lengthy (at least 20 minutes) and causes patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cardiac imaging process into multiple independent acquisition modes (steady-state free precession, balanced steady-state free precession, gradient echo, fast spin echo) that can be selectively combined. This allows comprehensive cardiac assessment to be achieved through targeted acquisition of specific image types rather than performing complete traditional MRI protocols, thereby reducing scan time while maintaining diagnostic quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by acquiring only the specific image types and sequences needed for the particular clinical question at hand, rather than performing complete comprehensive cardiac MRI protocols. The system allows selective combination of acquisition modes based on diagnostic requirements, eliminating unnecessary scan sequences and reducing overall procedure time while maintaining sufficient diagnostic information
2Measurement precision
If patients remain still for extended periods inside the magnet bore, then image quality improves, but patient compliance becomes extremely difficult and motion artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic imaging techniques including free-breathing acquisition methods and real-time motion compensation that adapt to patient movement rather than requiring strict stillness. The system can acquire usable images during normal breathing cycles and incorporates motion correction algorithms, making the procedure more tolerant of natural patient movement and improving compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic cardiac gating and breath-hold techniques that synchronize image acquisition with natural physiological cycles. By timing acquisitions during brief breath-holds or using ECG-gated sequences that capture images at consistent cardiac phases, the system obtains high-quality images without requiring prolonged static positioning, thereby improving patient comfort and compliance
3Loss of information
If multiple image sequences are acquired during the scan, then comprehensive diagnostic information is obtained, but the acquisition time increases and patient motion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic information requirements into distinct acquisition modes (anatomical imaging, functional assessment, perfusion, viability) that can be independently selected and combined. This allows the clinician to prescribe only the specific combinations needed for the patient's condition, avoiding unnecessary sequences and reducing total acquisition time while maintaining complete diagnostic coverage for the specific clinical question
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functional imaging sequences that can serve multiple diagnostic purposes simultaneously. For example, steady-state free precession sequences provide both anatomical visualization and functional motion assessment in a single acquisition, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sequences and reducing overall scan time while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic information
Data Source
AI summary
Rapid quantitative evaluations of heart function are carried out with strain measurements from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images using a circuit at least partially onboard or in communication with an MRI Scanner and in communication with the at least one display, the circuit including at least one processor that: obtains a plurality of series of MRI images of long and short axis planes of a heart of a patient, with each series of the MRI images is taken over a different single beat of the heart of the patient during an image session that is five minutes or less of active scan time and with the patient in a bore of the MRI Scanner; measures strain of myocardial heart tissue of the heart of the patient based on the plurality of series of MRI images of the heart of the patient; and generates longitudinal and circumferential heart models with a plurality of adjacent compartments, wherein the compartments are color-coded based on the measured strain.