Hyperpolarized 13C-Pyruvate Cardiac Imaging Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MR imaging methods for detecting myocardial ischemia, such as those using paramagnetic contrast agents like GdDTPA and Mn2+, face limitations including rapid excretion, toxicity concerns, and delayed imaging times, which can hinder timely treatment for myocardial ischemia and infarction.
Innovation Solution
The use of hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate as an MR imaging agent allows for rapid and non-invasive assessment of myocardial tissue viability by exploiting its unique metabolic peak pattern, which differentiates between viable and non-viable tissue without the need for stress regimes or toxic contrast agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If paramagnetic contrast agents like GdDTPA or Mn2+ are used for myocardial imaging, then detection capability of myocardial ischemia is improved, but toxicity risks and rapid excretion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the contrast agent from paramagnetic metals (GdDTPA, Mn2+) to hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate, fundamentally altering the detection mechanism from T1 relaxation-based to metabolic activity-based imaging, thereby eliminating toxicity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses 13C-pyruvate, an endogenous metabolite that is rapidly cleared from the body through normal metabolic pathways, replacing persistent paramagnetic contrast agents with a biocompatible, short-lived substrate that poses no long-term toxicity risk
2Measurement precision
If paramagnetic contrast agents are used for myocardial imaging, then detection capability is improved, but imaging time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hyperpolarization technology to pre-enhance the NMR signal of 13C-pyruvate before administration, allowing immediate detection of metabolic activity without requiring waiting periods for contrast agent distribution or relaxation, thus enabling rapid imaging within minutes of administration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical distribution mechanism of paramagnetic contrast agents (relying on blood flow and tissue penetration) with a metabolic transformation mechanism where 13C-pyruvate is converted to 13C-lactate and 13C-bicarbonate by viable myocardial cells, providing immediate functional information
3Speed
If hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate is used as imaging agent, then imaging speed is improved, but signal intensity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the nuclear spin state parameter of 13C from thermal equilibrium to hyperpolarized state, increasing the population difference between spin states by several hundred times, thereby dramatically enhancing the NMR signal intensity despite the short-lived hyperpolarized state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic polarization transfer cycles from parahydrogen to 13C-pyruvate, followed by rapid imaging sequences, maximizing signal acquisition during the brief hyperpolarized window while maintaining high signal intensity through optimized pulse sequences
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
Hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate enables immediate imaging results, ensuring timely treatment and reducing patient stress, while its safety profile and endogenous nature minimize toxicity risks, allowing for effective discrimination between viable and non-viable myocardial tissue.
Implementation Method 1
hyperpolarised 13C-pyruvate as MR imaging agent
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of cardiac imaging using hyperpolarised 13C-pyruvate as MR imaging agent, which allows determination of the viability of cells in the myocardium.