Imaging Assist Circuit for MRI Scan Protocol Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical imaging, particularly with MRI, it is challenging for practitioners to determine if a lesion has been identified or imaged effectively during the process, leading to unnecessary image acquisition and increased workload for interpreting doctors, and the need to complete multiple scan protocols, which can delay urgent procedures.
Innovation Solution
An imaging assisting apparatus with a processing circuit that analyzes data from already-executed scan protocols to control and generate reference information for ongoing or not-yet-finished scan protocols, determining whether to continue or cancel them based on extracted disease information, thereby reducing unnecessary image acquisition and streamlining the examination process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple scan protocols are executed to ensure complete lesion detection, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but examination time increases and urgent procedures are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of imaging data during the examination process to predict whether lesions are likely present. Based on this preliminary assessment, it determines which subsequent scan protocols are necessary, allowing early termination of unnecessary protocols and reducing overall examination time while maintaining diagnostic reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors imaging data and provides feedback during the examination process. When lesions are detected or ruled out based on intermediate results, the system adjusts the execution of remaining scan protocols accordingly, eliminating redundant imaging and optimizing the balance between diagnostic accuracy and examination duration.
2Reliability
If all predetermined scan protocols are completed to ensure comprehensive imaging, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the workload for interpreting doctors increases due to unnecessary images
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of imaging data to assess the likelihood of lesion presence before completing all scan protocols. This allows the system to predict which protocols will yield useful information and which can be terminated early, reducing the total number of images requiring interpretation while preserving diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback during the imaging process, analyzing acquired data to determine whether additional protocols are necessary. When diagnostic information is already sufficient, the system prevents acquisition of redundant images, thereby reducing the interpreting doctor's workload without compromising diagnostic quality.
3Reliability
If scan protocols are executed without intermediate assessment to ensure complete data acquisition, then imaging completeness is improved, but unnecessary images are acquired increasing processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of imaging data during acquisition to assess whether diagnostic information has been sufficiently obtained. Based on this preliminary assessment, it determines whether remaining scan protocols are necessary, enabling early termination of redundant protocols and improving acquisition efficiency while maintaining imaging completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the execution of scan protocols based on real-time analysis of imaging data. Rather than rigidly following a predetermined sequence, the system adapts the imaging process by terminating protocols early when diagnostic objectives are met, optimizing the balance between completeness and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging assisting apparatus according to an embodiment is configured to assist imaging of a medical image diagnosis apparatus that performs a series of medical examinations including a plurality of scan protocols, the imaging assisting apparatus including a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to obtain data acquired according to one or more already-executed scan protocols among the plurality of scan protocols. The processing circuit is configured to perform one of the following when a disease or a region suspected of a disease is extracted from the data: controlling a scan protocol which is among the plurality of scan protocols and later than the already-executed scan protocols; and generating reference information related to controlling a scan protocol which is among the plurality of scan protocols and later than the already-executed scan protocols.