Magnetic Resonance Total Pulse for Multi-Slice T1 Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for quantitative magnetic resonance imaging are time-consuming due to the need for multiple recordings of magnetic resonance data from slices at different waiting times, particularly when determining multiple material parameters, which is not compatible with the short examination times required in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
The method involves combining slice-specific preparation pulses to create a total pulse that acts on multiple slices simultaneously, allowing for the acquisition of magnetic resonance data at different waiting times using a readout sequence, and employing a technique similar to Simultaneous Multi-Slice (SMS) imaging to nest recording processes, thereby significantly reducing the overall acquisition time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic resonance data acquisitions are performed at different waiting times from individual layers, then material parameters can be determined accurately, but measurement time becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple layer-specific preparation pulses into a single total pulse that simultaneously prepares multiple layers. This merging of preparation operations allows magnetic resonance data to be acquired from multiple layers at different waiting times within a single repetition cycle, significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining the ability to determine accurate material parameters through multi-point measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential single-layer acquisition to simultaneous multi-layer acquisition by adding the dimension of parallel processing across multiple layers. By using a total pulse that acts on multiple layers at once and reading out data from different layers at different waiting times within the same TR period, the method efficiently utilizes the time dimension to achieve both speed and accuracy
2Measurement precision
If inversion preparation is used to determine T1 relaxation time, then T1 mapping can be performed, but long repetition times are necessary leading to very long acquisition times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acquisition process by dividing layers into groups that can be prepared simultaneously by a total pulse. Each layer within a group is assigned a specific waiting time, allowing the segmentation of the long TR requirement into shorter effective acquisition windows. This enables T1 mapping without requiring the full long TR for each individual layer measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The total pulse performs preliminary preparation of multiple layers simultaneously before the readout sequence begins. By pre-establishing the magnetization state in multiple layers at different inversion times within a single pulse application, the method eliminates the need to wait for full relaxation between separate inversion preparations, thereby reducing the effective repetition time
3Measurement precision
If separate acquisitions are performed for different inversion times, then proper T1 relaxation measurement can be achieved, but acquisition time increases due to necessary concatenations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate acquisition sequences into a single integrated measurement by using a total pulse that prepares multiple layers simultaneously. Different layers are read out at different waiting times within the same TR period, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate acquisitions into one efficient measurement cycle, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing measurement precision
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 allows for a substantial reduction in measurement time, potentially by a factor of 2 or more, while also enabling the recording of different contrasts and reducing the specific absorption rate (SAR) for patients, thereby improving the accuracy and quality of parameter maps.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now well-established in clinical practice
Implementation Method 2
the T1 relaxation time, the T2 relaxation time, the T2* relaxation time
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Method for recording magnetic resonance data to determine at least one parameter map describing a material parameter in the recording area using a magnetic resonance device (8), wherein the recording area has several layers and a layer-specific preparation pulse is used at least partially for recording the magnetic resonance data, wherein magnetic resonance data are measured after different waiting times (3, 5) after the preparation pulse, wherein, for recording magnetic resonance data of different waiting times (3, 5) from at least two layers, a total pulse (2, 2', 2', 2''') determined by superimposing the layer-specific preparation pulses for the individual layers is output, and the magnetic resonance data of the layers are read out after the respective waiting times (3, 5) using a readout sequence.