Dual Gradient Echo MR Pulse Sequences for Thermal Therapy Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI-based temperature measurements during thermal therapy, such as HIFU treatments, are prone to errors due to factors like tissue movement and dynamic magnetic field changes, making it challenging to accurately control thermal doses and assess tissue necrosis.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating dual gradient echo MR pulse sequences with and without MT pulses to induce response signals, allowing for the determination of both tissue temperature and protein denaturation levels, enabling more accurate monitoring and real-time feedback for thermal therapy procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI-based temperature measurements are used during thermal therapy, then temperature information can be obtained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to tissue movement and dynamic magnetic field changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement process into multiple segments by using different MRI pulse sequences (first group without MT pulse, second group with MT pulse) to separately measure temperature and protein denaturation. This segmentation allows each measurement to be optimized independently, improving overall accuracy by reducing the impact of tissue movement and magnetic field changes on either measurement type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetization transfer (MT) pulses as an intermediary mechanism to indirectly measure protein denaturation through changes in signal intensity. This intermediary approach allows temperature and protein state to be measured simultaneously without directly observing the same signal, thereby reducing measurement errors caused by tissue movement and magnetic field instability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If single group of pulse sequences is used, then measurement process is simple, but ability to detect both temperature and protein denaturation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the MRI system multi-functional by implementing two groups of pulse sequences that can detect different tissue properties: the first group measures temperature through phase changes, while the second group with MT pulses measures both temperature and protein denaturation through signal intensity changes. This multi-functionality allows a single MRI system to perform multiple detection tasks simultaneously, improving adaptability without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic alternation between the first and second groups of pulse sequences during the thermal therapy process. This periodic switching allows continuous monitoring of both temperature and protein denaturation, providing comprehensive real-time feedback while distributing the measurement burden over time to maintain system manageability.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional MRI techniques are used, then thermal therapy can be monitored, but control precision of thermal dose is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously measuring both temperature and protein denaturation using the dual pulse sequence approach and using this information to adjust thermal therapy parameters in real-time. The protein denaturation measurement provides direct feedback on tissue state, enabling precise control of thermal dose to achieve desired treatment outcomes while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
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 enhances the accuracy of thermal ablation procedures by providing precise temperature and protein denaturation measurements, minimizing damage to adjacent tissues and improving the effectiveness of HIFU treatments by allowing for controlled and targeted thermal therapy.
Implementation Method 1
The MT pulse is configured to cause a change in the response signals induced by the RF excitation pulse alone
Implementation Method 2
generating a plurality of MR pulse sequences that include a first group of pulse sequences and a second group of pulse sequences, and receiving a plurality of response signals that include first and second groups of response signals in response to the first and second groups of pulse sequences, respectively
Implementation Method 3
High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), for example, uses focused ultrasound to induce a localized temperature elevation, causing irreversible tissue necrosis in a target tumor
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, in general, a method is provided for detecting temperature and protein denaturation of a tissue during thermal therapy. The method includes generating a plurality of MR pulse sequences that include a first group of pulse sequences and a second group of pulse sequences, and receiving a plurality of response signals that include a first and second group of response signals in response to the first and second groups of pulse sequences, respectively. A first information associated with a degree of protein denaturation of the tissue is determined based on the first and second groups of response signals. A second information associated with a temperature of the tissue is determined based on at least some of the plurality of response signals.