Synchronization Device for fMRI and Stimulator Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) systems require multiple scans to reach a steady state, leading to increased scan time and patient discomfort, especially when synchronized with periodic implanted stimulators, resulting in wasted data due to motion artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an electronic timer to synchronize fMRI scans with implanted stimulators, initiating scans before stimulation to allow the fMRI system to achieve a steady state, using a synchronization device to calculate and provide trigger signals for scan initiation based on the stimulation period and settling time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fMRI scans are initiated after patient stimulation to synchronize with implanted stimulator, then data correlation with stimulation is improved, but scan time increases and patient comfort deteriorates due to motion artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The fMRI scan is initiated before the stimulation event occurs. The system calculates a time offset based on the stimulator's period and initiates the scan early enough to allow the system to reach steady state before stimulation begins, eliminating the need to wait for stimulation to start the scan
2Measurement precision
If fMRI scans are initiated after patient stimulation to allow steady state achievement, then measurement precision is improved, but patient comfort worsens due to increased scan time and motion artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The scan initiation is timed to occur before stimulation, allowing the fMRI system to reach steady state during the pre-stimulation period. This preliminary timing ensures measurement precision while avoiding motion artifacts that would occur if scanning started after stimulation began
3Reliability
If multiple scans are performed to reach steady state, then measurement reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased scan time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of performing multiple sequential scans to reach steady state, the system performs a single scan that is initiated in advance. The timing is calculated to ensure steady state is achieved during the scan duration itself, eliminating the need for multiple scans and improving productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples described herein may provide for pre-triggering imaging scans (e.g. fMRI scans) using an electronic timer synchronized to a stimulation system.