K-space Data Acquisition for MRI Fat Signal Suppression
Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques face challenges in balancing scanning time and image contrast due to the slow recovery of fat signals after fat saturation, requiring more pulses which increases time consumption.
Innovation Solution
A k-space data acquisition method that divides the k-space into segments spiraling outward from the center, determining an acquisition trajectory to fill echo data sequentially, allowing for improved fat signal suppression without increasing fat saturation pulses by placing echo data with the lowest fat signals in the central area, enhancing image contrast through pseudo radial filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If more fat saturation pulses are applied to improve fat signal suppression and image contrast, then image contrast is improved, but scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the k-space into multiple regions (central region and peripheral regions) and applies different filling strategies to each segment. The central region is filled first with echo data having the lowest fat signal intensity, while peripheral regions are filled subsequently. This segmentation allows optimal placement of low-fat-signal data in the most critical central area, improving image contrast without requiring additional fat saturation pulses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different regions of k-space differently based on their fat signal characteristics. The central region, which has the lowest fat signal intensity, is prioritized for filling first, while peripheral regions with higher fat signal intensity are filled later. This localized optimization ensures that the most contrast-critical data is acquired when fat signal suppression is most effective.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If fat saturation pulses are increased to suppress fat signals, then fat signal suppression is improved, but the recovery time of fat signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by filling the central region of k-space with echo data having the lowest fat signal intensity before filling peripheral regions. This preliminary filling of the most critical central area with low-fat-signal data allows the system to achieve effective fat suppression and image contrast without waiting for complete fat signal recovery, thereby reducing the required fat saturation pulse duration.
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 improves image contrast by effectively suppressing fat signals without additional fat saturation pulses, as demonstrated by better fat signal suppression and clearer image quality in MRI images, and can be combined with parallel imaging without significant negative effects.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique using magnetic resonance phenomena for imaging. The principle of magnetic resonance imaging mainly comprises: nuclei containing an odd number of proton(s), for example, hydrogen nuclei widely existing in a human body, the protons thereof are in a spin motion, like small magnets
Implementation Method 2
Nuclei in the external magnetic field are excited by radio frequency (RF) pulses at a specific frequency such that the axes of spin of the nuclei deviate from the positive longitudinal axis or the negative longitudinal axis so as to produce resonance
Implementation Method 3
After stopping transmitting radio frequency pulses, the excited nuclei transmit echo signals gradually release the absorbed energy in the form of electromagnetic waves, and have both the phase and energy level thereof being restored to the state before being excited
Implementation Method 4
the excited nuclei transmit echo signals gradually release the absorbed energy in the form of electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 5
Because the hydrogen nuclei in fat inside a human body and the hydrogen nuclei in water are in different molecular environments, when they are excited by the same radio frequency pulse, their resonance frequencies are different and their relaxation times are also different
Implementation Method 6
when they are excited by the same radio frequency pulse, their resonance frequencies are different
Data Source
AI summary
A k-space data acquisition device and method, and a magnetic resonance imaging device and method. The k-space data acquisition device includes an acquisition trajectory determiner configured to determine an acquisition trajectory of echo signals in a k space in a manner of filling echo data in a pseudo radial order; and a data acquirer configured to acquire k-space data conforming to the acquisition trajectory and fill the k space.