Composite MR Imaging for Artifact-Free Implant Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deep brain stimulation (DBS) probe insertion procedures face challenges in confirming the correct placement of electrodes due to interference with MRI imaging, especially at higher magnetic field strengths, which results in artifacts and distortions, making it difficult to visualize small anatomical structures like the sub-thalamic nucleus.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a computing device with a processor and memory to obtain and register MR images at different magnetic field strengths, generating a composite image that overlays the implant device onto detailed anatomical structures, allowing for accurate guidance during implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If higher magnetic field strength (3 T and above) is used for MR imaging, then imaging resolution of small anatomical structures is improved, but artifacts and distortions from electrodes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple acquisitions at different magnetic field strengths. A first image is acquired at higher field strength (3T or above) to capture detailed anatomical structures, while a second image is acquired at lower field strength (1.5T) to capture the implant device without artifacts. These segmented images are then merged to produce a composite image that contains both high-resolution anatomy and artifact-free device visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field strength parameter is changed between image acquisitions. The system varies the magnetic field strength parameter to optimize imaging conditions for different objects: higher field strength for anatomical structures requiring fine detail, and lower field strength for the implant device to minimize electromagnetic interference and artifacts.
2Device complexity
If conventional single-field-strength MR imaging is used, then the imaging process is simple, but the implant device creates artifacts that prevent accurate position confirmation
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple acquisitions at different magnetic field strengths. A first image is acquired at higher field strength (3T or above) to capture detailed anatomical structures, while a second image is acquired at lower field strength (1.5T) to capture the implant device without artifacts. These segmented images are then merged to produce a composite image that contains both high-resolution anatomy and artifact-free device visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower field strength image acts as an intermediary that provides artifact-free visualization of the implant device. This intermediary image is combined with the higher resolution anatomical image to create a composite that overcomes the limitations of either single-field-strength imaging approach.
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 solution enables clear visualization of the implant device and surrounding anatomical structures, improving the accuracy of implant placement by reducing artifacts and distortions associated with higher field strength MRI, thereby enhancing the precision of image-guided insertion procedures.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a first magnetic resonance (MR) image of a patient tissue, the first MR image containing a first magnetic field strength indicator; responsive to the implant device being inserted in the patient tissue, obtaining a second MR image of the patient tissue, the second MR image containing a second magnetic field strength indicator
Data Source
AI summary
A method of imaging an implant device in a computing device is provided. The computing device includes a processor interconnected with a memory and a display. The method includes, at the processor: obtaining a first magnetic resonance (MR) image of a patient tissue, the first MR image containing a first magnetic field strength indicator; responsive to the implant device being inserted in the patient tissue, obtaining a second MR image of the patient tissue, the second MR image containing a second magnetic field strength indicator smaller than the first magnetic field strength indicator; registering the second MR image with the first MR image; generating a composite image from the first MR image and the second MR image; and presenting the composite image on the display.