Medical Imaging SAR Monitoring Using Extrapolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
During medical imaging procedures, such as magnetic resonance tomography, high-frequency energy absorption can lead to undesirable peripheral nerve stimulation and tissue heating, posing risks to patients, with existing technologies lacking effective real-time monitoring and control to prevent these critical events.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that determines the current remaining time within a permitted operating range by using extrapolation information based on earlier and instantaneous parameters, allowing for continuous monitoring and potential intervention during medical imaging procedures, including magnetic resonance, CT, and X-ray scans, by adjusting pulse sequences and displaying alerts to operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-frequency excitation pulses are used to generate magnetic resonance signals, then imaging quality and signal generation are improved, but energy absorption and tissue heating increase causing peripheral nerve stimulation and potential burns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the specific absorption rate (SAR) before and during the measurement procedure. By extrapolating from earlier SAR values and measurement parameters, the system predicts future energy absorption levels and determines a remaining time threshold before critical limits are reached, allowing preventive action to be taken
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors measurement parameters and SAR development during the procedure, comparing actual values against predicted values and permitted operating ranges. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of the measurement procedure to maintain safety while preserving imaging quality
2Reliability
If conventional magnetic resonance devices terminate measurement immediately when parameters exceed permitted ranges, then patient safety is protected, but the measurement procedure is interrupted and diagnostic information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates a remaining time threshold in advance based on extrapolated SAR development and permitted operating ranges. This allows the measurement procedure to continue for the calculated remaining time even as SAR approaches critical limits, rather than terminating immediately, thereby preserving diagnostic information while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the measurement procedure by continuously updating the remaining time calculation based on actual SAR development. The measurement can be adapted to continue longer than conventional systems would allow, optimizing both safety and diagnostic yield
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring of critical events is implemented during medical imaging, then patient safety is improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing measurement parameters and SAR calculations that are already required for the imaging procedure itself. By extrapolating from these existing data points and applying simple mathematical models, the system achieves monitoring functionality without requiring additional sensors or complex measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex physical monitoring systems with computational methods. Instead of using additional hardware sensors to detect critical events, the system uses mathematical extrapolation and calculation based on existing measurement parameters to predict and monitor SAR development and critical events
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 real-time monitoring and safe continuation of medical imaging procedures by providing timely alerts and allowing for adjustments in pulse sequences, thereby minimizing risks to patients from energy absorption and nerve stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
a current remaining time is determined by an evaluation unit based on a permitted operating range and an item of extrapolation information regarding at least one critical event
Implementation Method 2
High-frequency excitation pulses (HF pulses) are beamed into the object under examination in order to trigger magnetic resonance signals
Implementation Method 3
The energy of the HF pulses absorbed per unit of time and per kilogram of body weight in the course of this is usually referred to as the specific absorption rate (SAR)
Implementation Method 4
The absorption of the HF energy may result in a heating of the bodily tissue so that burns may occur in the case of inadmissibly high local concentration of the HF energy
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a current remaining time during a measurement for the purpose of medical imaging, an evaluation unit, a medical imaging device, and a computer program product are provided. The method provides for a permitted operating range and an item of extrapolation information regarding the critical event to be provided. The current remaining time is determined by an evaluation unit based on the permitted operating range and the item of extrapolation information.