Dynamic MRI T1-Weighted Imaging via Non-T1 Factor Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

In T1 weighted dynamic imaging, non-T1 factors such as proton density, T2* relaxation effect, and receiving coil sensitivity introduce errors and biases to signal analysis, affecting image reconstruction and physiological analysis.

Innovation Solution

Collecting multiple MR data sets based on varying scan parameters and performing division operations to determine second MR data sets that minimize the influence of non-T1 factors, generating T1 weighted images with improved accuracy and sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional T1 weighted dynamic imaging is performed, then T1 information can be obtained, but non-T1 factors (proton density, T2* relaxation, coil sensitivity) introduce errors and biases to signal analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveT1 measurement accuracyVSAvoidsignal analysis reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by acquiring MR data at multiple different flip angles and repetition times (TR values). By varying these scan parameters and performing division operations on the acquired data sets, the method isolates T1-weighted signal components while eliminating confounding non-T1 factors such as proton density, T2* relaxation effects, and coil sensitivity variations, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing step where multiple MR data sets acquired at different parameters are divided to generate corrected data sets. This intermediary division operation acts as a mediator that separates the T1 information from non-T1 factors, enabling accurate T1 mapping without the biases introduced by other physiological and equipment-related parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple MR data sets are collected based on different scan parameters to eliminate non-T1 factors, then T1 weighted image accuracy is improved, but scanning time and data processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveT1 weighted image accuracyVSAvoidscanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs partial action by acquiring data at a limited number of strategically selected flip angles and TR values rather than exhaustive sampling. This partial sampling approach, combined with division operations, achieves sufficient T1 weighting accuracy without requiring complete characterization of all parameter spaces, thereby reducing scanning time while maintaining image accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12360192B2Systems and methods for magnetic resonance imaging
Publication Date: 2025.07.15 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE
  • US12360192B2 patent drawing
  • US12360192B2 patent drawing
  • US12360192B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may include obtaining a plurality of first magnetic resonance (MR) data sets related to a region of interest (ROI) of a subject. The plurality of first MR data sets may be collected based on two or more different values of a scan parameter. The method may also include determining a plurality of second MR data sets based on the plurality of first MR data sets. Each of the plurality of second MR data sets may correspond to at least two of the plurality of first MR data sets. The method may also include generate, based on the plurality of second MR data sets, a plurality of T1 weighted images of the ROI each of which corresponds to a target time point.