Interleaved Multinuclear MRI Pulse Sequences for Concurrent Sodium and Hydrogen Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques face challenges in acquiring clear images of X-nuclei, such as sodium, due to their low abundance compared to hydrogen nuclei, requiring long scan times and compromising on spatial resolution to achieve adequate signal-to-noise ratios.
Innovation Solution
The method involves interleaving Na-nuclei and H-nuclei pulse sequence modules during MRI scans, allowing for simultaneous acquisition of MR data from both nuclei using an MRI system, which reduces overall scan time by approximately 50% while maintaining flexibility in sequence design for each nucleus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential imaging is performed for H-nuclei and X-nuclei, then adequate signal-to-noise ratio can be achieved for X-nuclei, but total scan time increases significantly (e.g., 30 minutes for X-nuclei alone)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines H-nuclei and X-nuclei imaging into a single simultaneous acquisition process using interleaved pulse sequences. The MRI system performs both H-nuclei and X-nuclei excitations and signal acquisitions within the same scan cycle, merging what would traditionally be separate sequential examinations into one integrated imaging process, thereby reducing total scan time while maintaining adequate signal-to-noise ratios for both nuclei types
2Productivity
If identical pulse sequences are used for both H-nuclei and X-nuclei, then simultaneous imaging is achieved, but clinical versatility is limited since many different sequences are needed for different lesion types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pulse sequence into independent H-nuclei and X-nuclei modules that can be selectively applied. Each nucleus type has its own dedicated pulse sequence module with specific parameters (e.g., H-nuclei modules for different lesion types, X-nuclei modules for different concentrations), allowing clinical versatility while maintaining simultaneous acquisition capability through the interleaved structure
3Measurement precision
If long scan times are used for X-nuclei imaging, then adequate signal levels can be achieved, but the scan becomes unfeasible (e.g., 190 years to match H-nuclei SNR)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous simultaneous acquisition where H-nuclei and X-nuclei signals are collected throughout the entire scan duration without interruption. The interleaved pulse sequence ensures that both nuclei types are excited and signals are acquired continuously in an alternating fashion, maximizing the useful action time for signal accumulation while avoiding the need for excessively long measurement times
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 enables faster acquisition of high-quality MR images for both hydrogen and X-nuclei, such as sodium, without the need for sequential imaging, thus improving clinical efficiency and reducing scan duration.
Implementation Method 1
multinuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating magnetic resonance (MR) images of a kidney region or a brain of a subject using multinuclear magnetic resonance imaging MRI includes performing, using an MRI system, an Na-nuclei pulse sequence module to acquire a portion of a first set of MR data from the kidney or brain region of the subject and performing, using the MRI system, an H-nuclei pulse sequence module to acquire a portion of a second set of MR data from the kidney or brain region of the subject. The Na-nuclei pulse sequence module and the H-nuclei pulse sequence module may be repeated in an interleaved manner until acquisition of the first set of MR data and the second set of MR data are complete. The method further includes generating at least one Na-based image using the first set of MR data, generating at least one H-based image using the second set of MR data and displaying one or more of the at least one Na-based image and the at least one H-based image on a display.