Four-Echo SSFP MRI for Synthetic CT With Shorter Scan Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans are lengthy, leading to patient discomfort, high costs, and inefficiencies due to the need for multiple scans to achieve various contrasts, which are not effectively addressed by existing methods.
Innovation Solution
A four-echo steady state free precession (SSFP) sequence that generates a pulse train with specific echo and gradient patterns to produce a synthetic Computer Tomography (CT) image, enabling simultaneous acquisition of multiple contrast images with reduced acquisition time, using a Multiple Echo Steady State (MESS) sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple MRI scans with different settings are performed to highlight different aspects, then image quality and diagnostic information are improved, but acquisition time increases to 15-30 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple MRI scan sequences (T1-weighted, T2-weighted, proton density-weighted) into a single multi-echo steady-state free precession (MESS-SSFP) acquisition. The MESS sequence simultaneously generates multiple echo signals with different contrast weightings from one continuous scan, eliminating the need for separate scan sessions and reducing total acquisition time while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic information.
Solution Approach 2:
The MESS-SSFP sequence serves multiple diagnostic functions within a single acquisition protocol. By generating multiple echo signals with different contrast characteristics (T1, T2, proton density weightings) and synthetic CT data from one scan, the sequence acts as a universal imaging tool that replaces multiple specialized scans, improving efficiency without compromising diagnostic capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple scan sessions are performed to obtain different contrasts and image types, then diagnostic completeness is improved, but patient discomfort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple diagnostic requirements into a single MESS-SSFP scan sequence. By acquiring multiple echo signals with different contrast weightings and synthetic CT data during one continuous acquisition, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate scan sessions, thereby reducing patient discomfort from repeated positioning and minimizing exposure to multiple imaging procedures.
3Measurement precision
If long acquisition times are used to generate multiple images with different contrasts, then image quality is improved, but productivity decreases due to low number of patients imaged per day
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple contrast-weighted images and synthetic CT data into a single MESS-SSFP acquisition sequence. This multi-functional approach allows one scan to replace multiple separate scans, dramatically increasing the number of patients that can be imaged per day while maintaining high image quality and comprehensive diagnostic information through the multiple echo signals generated in parallel.
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 allows for the generation of a variety of contrast images, including synthetic CT, with reduced scan time, eliminating the need for additional imaging modalities and improving patient comfort and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to form pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio waves to generate images of the organs in the body.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is disclosed for generating a contrast image using MRI comprising a four-echo steady state free precession (SSFP) sequence. The method comprises: generating a pulse train of excitation pulses having a repetition time; generating between two subsequent excitation pulses of the pulse train a first S+ echo; a second S+ echo; a first S- echo; and a second S- echo sampling between the two subsequent excitation pulses the first S+ echo; the second S+ echo; the first S- echo; and the second S- echo; generating the contrast image based on the sampled first S+ echo, the sampled second S+ echo, the sampled first S- echo, and the sampled second S- echo.