MR Imaging Tissue Mechanical Resonance System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems for assessing tissue mechanical properties, such as those using Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE), require substantial post-processing and longer acquisition times to collect multi-spectral information, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates mechanical waves and uses a spatially selective gradient generator and RF pulse generator to synchronize motion encoding gradients with MR signal acquisition, allowing for rapid non-invasive assessment of tissue mechanical frequency responses without the need for spatial encoding, enabling direct collection of multi-frequency data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If MRE systems acquire separate data at different frequencies or use bandpass filtering to generate images at different frequencies, then multi-spectral information is obtained, but acquisition time increases and substantial post-processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a single broadband excitation pulse that contains multiple frequency components, rather than applying separate excitations at each frequency. The mechanical wave generator delivers a periodic broadband excitation that simultaneously stimulates multiple frequency responses in the tissue, and the MR imaging system captures all frequency information in a single acquisition window, eliminating the need for repeated acquisitions at different frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single MR imaging sequence that simultaneously performs spatial encoding and frequency analysis functions. The gradient system applies spatial encoding gradients while the data acquisition and processing system performs Fourier analysis to extract multiple frequency components from the single acquired dataset, making the system capable of obtaining multi-spectral information through a unified multi-functional approach
2Loss of information
If MRE systems acquire separate data at different frequencies or use bandpass filtering, then multi-spectral information is obtained, but substantial post-processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The broadband periodic excitation captures all frequency information simultaneously in the time domain, and the patent applies Fourier transform analysis to efficiently decompose the acquired signal into its frequency components. This mathematical approach automatically separates the multi-frequency information without requiring complex filtering operations or multiple separate processing pipelines for each frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical signal processing approaches (such as physical bandpass filtering or separate acquisition systems for each frequency) with computational signal processing using Fourier analysis. The data processing system performs frequency decomposition through mathematical transformation of the acquired time-domain signal, substituting mechanical complexity with computational efficiency
3Productivity
If broadband mechanical excitation is used to reduce acquisition time, then rapid assessment is achieved, but synchronization with MR imaging becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by synchronizing the broadband mechanical excitation with the periodic MR imaging pulse sequence. The mechanical wave generator is triggered to deliver excitation pulses that are phase-locked to the MR imaging sequence, ensuring that mechanical wave generation and signal acquisition are precisely coordinated. This periodic synchronization approach simplifies timing control compared to aperiodic or continuously varying excitation schemes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the MR imaging system monitors the acquired signal and adjusts the timing and parameters of subsequent excitations to maintain optimal synchronization. The system uses the acquired phase information and signal characteristics to refine the timing of mechanical excitation and gradient application, ensuring consistent phase encoding across multiple acquisitions while maintaining rapid assessment capability
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 enables rapid, non-invasive measurement of tissue mechanical frequency responses, reducing acquisition times and post-processing requirements, and providing high-quality images of tissue mechanical properties without the need for spatial encoding, thus improving efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an external wave generator for generating mechanical waves for transmission through patient anatomy
Implementation Method 2
A spatially selective gradient generator generates a spatially selective magnetic field for selection of a volume comprising an anatomical region of interest
Implementation Method 3
An RF pulse generator generates an RF pulse for exciting nuclei magnetic moments in a particular volume comprising the anatomical region of interest
Implementation Method 4
A motion encoding gradient generator generates a motion encoding gradient magnetic field concurrently with the acquisition of an MR signal... to detect the mechanical waves propagating through the patient anatomy
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use in MR imaging using tissue mechanical resonance includes an external wave generator for generating mechanical waves for transmission through patient anatomy. An RF pulse generator generates an RF pulse for exciting nuclei magnetic moments at specific spin frequencies in a particular selected anatomical region of interest. A motion encoding gradient generator generates a motion encoding gradient magnetic field within a time duration of a read-out gradient and synchronized with generation of the mechanical waves. A data processor processes data derived from radio frequency signals resulting from nuclei spin frequencies responsive to the motion encoding gradient magnetic field to detect the mechanical waves propagating through the patient anatomy.