Knee MRI Overview Scan Automation for Rapid Diagnostic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for knee imaging are inefficient, requiring lengthy procedures and multiple user interactions, which can lead to increased examination time and potential motion artifacts, especially in non-cooperative subjects.
Innovation Solution
A method for knee imaging using a magnetic resonance device that involves performing an overview scan followed by multiple diagnostic scans with varying contrasts and orientations, utilizing acceleration techniques like subsampling and parallel imaging to reduce acquisition time and user interaction, allowing for high-quality image data acquisition within a maximum of 7 minutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple diagnostic scans with varying contrasts and orientations are performed, then image quality and diagnostic information are improved, but examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
An overview scan is performed first to acquire preliminary anatomical information, which is then used to automatically determine optimal parameters for subsequent diagnostic scans. This preliminary action enables the system to pre-plan multiple diagnostic scans with varying contrasts and orientations without requiring user interaction during the actual scanning process, thereby maintaining high image quality while reducing total examination time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts multiple scanning parameters including contrast settings, layer orientations, and measurement planes based on the overview scan data. By dynamically changing these parameters across multiple diagnostic scans without user intervention, the system achieves comprehensive high-quality imaging while streamlining the process to fit within a 7-minute window.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user interactions are required for parameter adjustment, then imaging can be customized, but examination time increases and motion artifacts may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining all necessary scanning parameters based on the overview scan data. The processing unit autonomously selects optimal contrast settings, layer orientations, and measurement planes for multiple diagnostic scans without requiring user input. This eliminates time-consuming user interactions while maintaining comprehensive imaging customization, and reduces the risk of motion artifacts caused by patient movement during parameter adjustment.
3Productivity
If examination time is extended, then more diagnostic scans can be performed, but motion artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly transitioning from the overview scan to multiple pre-planned diagnostic scans without interruption or user interaction. All scans are automatically executed in sequence within a continuous 7-minute window, maximizing the number of diagnostic scans performed while minimizing gaps where patient movement could occur. This continuous workflow ensures high productivity while maintaining image quality by eliminating breaks that could lead to motion artifacts.
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 method enables rapid and high-quality knee imaging with minimal user interaction, reducing examination time and motion artifacts, and is suitable for both cooperative and non-cooperative subjects, while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio and image resolution.
Implementation Method 1
the body of an examination object to be examined, for example, of a patient, a healthy subject, an animal or a phantom, is usually exposed to a relatively high main magnetic field, for example, of 1.5 or 3 or 7 Tesla, with the aid of a main magnet
Implementation Method 2
By way of a high-frequency antenna unit high-frequency pulses, for example, excitation pulses, are then emitted by the appropriate antenna equipment resulting in the nuclear spins of certain atoms resonantly excited by these high-frequency pulses being tilted around a defined flip angle opposite the magnetic field lines of the main magnetic fields
Implementation Method 3
Upon relaxation of the nuclear spins, high-frequency signals, so-called magnetic resonance signals, are emitted, which are received by the appropriate high-frequency antennae
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a method for recording diagnostic measurement data of a knee of an examination object in knee imaging by a magnetic resonance device, includes performing an overview scan of the knee of the examination object, wherein overview measurement data is acquired in the overview scan, and performing diagnostic scans of the knee of the examination object based on the acquired overview measurement data, wherein two-dimensional diagnostic measurement data is acquired in the diagnostic scans.