Flip Angle Determination for Multi-Tissue MRI Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for manually modifying parameters in multi-tissue MRI scanning are inefficient and fail to achieve optimal signal strength and contrast between tissues of interest.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine an optimal flip angle for multi-tissue MRI scanning by calculating the relationship between combined SSI MR signal strength and flip angle, using parameters like T1, T2*, magnetization strength, and spin density, to maximize signal strength and contrast.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manually modifying parameters is used, then parameter adjustment is simple, but efficiency is low and optimal signal strength cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter modification efficiencyVSAvoidparameter determination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the optimal flip angle by calculating the relationship between combined SSI MR signal strength and flip angle, eliminating the need for manual parameter modification while achieving optimal imaging results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The method calculates and determines the optimal flip angle parameter based on tissue characteristics and imaging requirements, changing the parameter automatically rather than manually to improve efficiency and achieve optimality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If manually modifying parameters is used, then operation is simple, but contrast between tissues of interest cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrast optimization precisionVSAvoidparameter modification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the optimal flip angle that maximizes contrast between tissues of interest by calculating the relationship between signal strength and flip angle, eliminating manual intervention while achieving precise contrast optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of parameter adjustment is replaced by an automated calculation system that computes the optimal flip angle based on tissue characteristics, achieving more precise contrast optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If automatic flip angle determination is implemented, then signal strength and contrast are optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal strength reliabilityVSAvoidflip angle determination system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The method uses established MRI parameters (T1, T2*, magnetization strength, spin density) to calculate the optimal flip angle, changing parameters automatically based on mathematical relationships rather than manual adjustment, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables optimal signal strength and contrast between tissues of interest by automatically determining the flip angle for the SSI sequence, improving the efficiency of multi-tissue MRI imaging.

Implementation Method 1

multi-tissue magnetic resonance imaging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance:

Implementation Method 2

applying a 180-degree radio-frequency pulse

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio-frequency pulse interaction:

Implementation Method 3

gradient echo generates an echo by means of a reverse gradient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGradient echo:

Implementation Method 4

signals are collected when a transverse magnetization vector reaches a steady equilibrium state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTransverse magnetization:

Implementation Method 5

A gradient pulse in an SSI sequence eliminates or spoils any residual transverse magnetization before each new radio-frequency pulse appears

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpoil gradient:

Data Source

PatentUS20240175953A1Flip Angle Determination for Multi-Tissue Magnetic Resonance Scanning

Publication Date: 2024.05.30 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

Method and apparatus for determining a flip angle for multi-tissue magnetic resonance scanning. The method including: determining multiple types of tissue of interest for MRI this time; acquiring a relationship between combined SSI MR signal strength of all the tissues of interest and flip angle of an SSI sequence; acquiring a maximum value of the combined SSI MR signal strength of all the tissues of interest; according to the maximum value of the combined SSI MR signal strength of all the tissues of interest, acquiring an optimum flip angle which causes the combined SSI MR signal strength of all the tissues of interest and contrast between the tissues of interest simultaneously to be optimal; and taking the optimum flip angle to act as a flip angle of an SSI sequence for multi-tissue MR scanning this time.