Motion-Tracked MRI Volumetric Imaging From Partial Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems struggle to effectively capture and reconstruct three-dimensional, time-resolved volumetric images of patient anatomy during motion, particularly for applications like radiation therapy, where precise tracking of tissue movement is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the acquisition of reference data to create a patient motion library, followed by the alternating collection of partial volumetric and tracking data, which is then correlated and reconstructed to generate time-resolved volumetric images, utilizing techniques such as digital interpolation and extrapolation to match patient motion states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MRI systems are used to capture volumetric images during patient motion, then three-dimensional imaging can be provided, but the ability to reconstruct accurate time-resolved images is compromised due to insufficient tracking precision and data completeness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MRI data acquisition process into multiple components: reference data acquisition, tracking data acquisition, and partial volumetric data acquisition. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the reference data provides a baseline, the tracking data captures motion with high precision using navigator echoes, and the partial volumetric data fills in the remaining information. The segmented approach resolves the contradiction by ensuring that tracking precision is achieved without sacrificing image reconstruction accuracy, as each segment contributes specific information needed for complete reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring reference data before the actual imaging sequence. This reference data serves as a template or baseline that is used during the reconstruction process to guide the alignment and registration of subsequent tracking and volumetric data. The preliminary reference data acquisition enables more accurate time-resolved reconstruction by providing a known starting point for motion tracking and image registration, thereby improving both tracking precision and reconstruction accuracy simultaneously.
2Manufacturing precision
If complete volumetric data is acquired at each time point, then image quality is improved, but acquisition time increases and real-time capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by acquiring only the necessary portions of volumetric data at each time point rather than complete volumetric scans. The partial volumetric data acquisition is strategically designed to capture essential information when combined with the reference and tracking data. This partial approach reduces acquisition time significantly while maintaining sufficient image quality for diagnostic purposes, thereby resolving the contradiction between image quality and acquisition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional data acquisition system where the reference data serves multiple purposes: it provides a baseline for motion tracking, serves as a template for image registration, and enables reconstruction of time-resolved volumetric images. The tracking data simultaneously captures motion information and provides constraints for image registration. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high image quality without requiring complete volumetric scans at every time point, thus reducing acquisition time while maintaining quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If tracking data and volumetric data are acquired separately, then each data type can be optimized, but the correlation between motion states and volumetric images is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the tracking data is continuously used to guide and refine the volumetric data acquisition and reconstruction process. The motion information extracted from tracking data provides feedback that informs how the partial volumetric data should be acquired and registered. This feedback loop ensures strong correlation between motion states and volumetric images while maintaining acquisition efficiency, as the system adapts the volumetric acquisition based on real-time motion tracking information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reference data, tracking data, and partial volumetric data into a unified reconstruction framework. These separately acquired data types are combined through sophisticated registration and alignment algorithms that correlate motion states with volumetric images. The merging process maintains the advantages of separate acquisition (optimization of each data type) while achieving strong correlation through integrated processing, thereby resolving the contradiction between acquisition efficiency and motion-state correlation.
Data Source
AI summary
Reference data relating to a portion of a patient anatomy during patient motion can be acquired from a magnetic resonance imaging system (MRI) to develop a patient motion library. During a time of interest, tracking data is acquired that can be related to the reference data. Partial volumetric data is acquired during the time of interest and at approximately the same time as the acquisition of the tracking data. A volumetric image of patient anatomy that represents a particular motion state can be constructed from the acquired partial volumetric data and acquired tracking data.