MR Scanner Idle Time Interleaved Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clinical MRI studies often experience significant idle time due to respiratory motion and equipment preparation, leading to inefficiencies and potential missed incidental findings, which can impact patient health and disease management.
Innovation Solution
An MR system that automatically interleaves the acquisition of additional diagnostic images during idle time using a different imaging method, allowing for the systematic identification of incidental findings by incorporating identifier data to differentiate between primary and supplementary images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the scanner is idle while the patient recovers from a previous scan or breath hold instructions are issued, then the patient can complete the required breath hold and recover, but the scanner utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates idle time by continuously acquiring supplementary images during periods when the primary imaging sequence is not using the scanner. The image data processor automatically initiates supplementary imaging sequences during scanner idle periods, ensuring the scanner remains productive throughout the entire examination without interfering with the primary diagnostic images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs supplementary imaging acquisitions in advance during idle periods before the patient leaves the scanner. By utilizing breath hold periods and recovery times for additional imaging sequences, the system prepares supplementary diagnostic data that can be reviewed later, maximizing scanner utilization without extending the patient's time in the scanner.
2Reliability
If the scanner is idle during equipment preparation or contrast agent injection, then the equipment can be properly prepared and contrast can be administered, but the scanner utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous scanner utilization by initiating supplementary imaging sequences during equipment preparation and contrast injection periods. The image data processor monitors scanner status and automatically launches alternative imaging protocols when the primary sequence is paused for equipment setup, ensuring no idle time occurs during these necessary preparation phases.
3Reliability
If supplementary imaging is performed during idle time, then incidental findings can be detected, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates autonomously by having the image data processor automatically detect scanner idle status and initiate appropriate supplementary imaging sequences without operator intervention. The system self-manages the coordination between primary and supplementary imaging, automatically selecting and executing appropriate protocols based on the current examination context and scanner availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors scanner status and idle periods, using this feedback information to dynamically adjust and initiate supplementary imaging sequences. The image data processor receives real-time status information from the scanner and automatically responds by launching appropriate supplementary protocols, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing examination conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system automatically concurrently performs an MR image study acquisition and supplementary image data acquisition. The system includes a detector for providing a signal indicating individual portions of an imaging scan using a first imaging method have ceased. An image data processor automatically concurrently interleaves imaging of a first anatomical portion using the first imaging method and supplementary imaging of a second anatomical portion using a different second imaging method, in response to the signal. The image data processor incorporates identifier data in data representing images acquired using the second imaging method identifying images acquired using the second imaging method differently from images acquired using the first imaging method.