Time-Resolved 3D MRA via MRI 2D-3D Data Fusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current angiographic techniques, such as DSA and CTA, face limitations in temporal resolution, requiring ionizing radiation and being invasive, which complicates the accurate measurement of vascular structures and lacks functionality for guiding minimally-invasive interventions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using MRI to combine a time series of 2D data sets with a time-independent 3D volume to generate time-dependent 3D volume images, eliminating the need for ionizing radiation and reducing invasiveness by employing a magnet system, gradient coils, and a computer system for image reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DSA or CTA techniques are used to achieve angiographic imaging, then vascular structures can be visualized, but ionizing radiation is required which increases harmful factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing radiation-based imaging (x-ray DSA and CTA) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology that uses magnetic fields and radio waves. This substitution eliminates the harmful ionizing radiation while maintaining the capability to visualize vascular structures through magnetic properties of blood and contrast agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental imaging parameter from ionizing radiation detection to magnetic resonance signal detection. By utilizing the magnetic properties of hydrogen nuclei in blood and contrast-enhanced vessels, the system achieves angiographic imaging without radiation exposure, fundamentally altering the physical basis of the imaging modality.
2Reliability
If traditional DSA techniques are used, then angiographic images can be obtained, but temporal resolution is limited requiring acquisition times of about 5 seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous high-speed image acquisition during the contrast agent passage through the vasculature. The MRI system acquires images continuously at high temporal resolution throughout the entire contrast enhancement phase, eliminating the need for discrete rotational acquisitions and ensuring complete capture of the vascular filling dynamics without temporal gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulse sequences with optimized timing to acquire images at specific phases of the cardiac cycle and contrast agent passage. By synchronizing image acquisition with the periodic flow of contrast material through arteries and veins, the system captures temporal dynamics efficiently with reduced total acquisition time.
3Reliability
If rotational acquisitions are performed with limited temporal resolution, then 3D vascular structures can be reconstructed, but venous structures become contaminated in arterial images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic image acquisition that adapts to the temporal evolution of contrast agent distribution. By continuously acquiring images at high temporal resolution and selectively displaying only those time points when arterial structures are optimally enhanced, the system maintains clear separation between arterial and venous phases, enabling precise arterial measurements without venous contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary 3D volume acquisition to establish the complete vascular anatomy before contrast injection, then uses this pre-acquired spatial information to guide and optimize the contrast-enhanced imaging sequence. This preliminary action allows for optimized timing and parameter selection that prevents venous contamination of arterial images while ensuring complete 3D coverage.
4Ease of operation
If IV-DSA technique is used to reduce invasiveness, then direct arterial punctures are avoided, but viewing angles are suboptimal and vessel overlap occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional projection imaging to three-dimensional volumetric imaging. By acquiring complete 3D volumes of the vasculature and enabling multi-planar reformation and rotational viewing, the system eliminates vessel overlap problems inherent in 2D projections while maintaining the non-invasive IV access approach. Users can view vascular structures from any angle without additional injections or patient repositioning.
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 provides high temporal and spatial resolution without ionizing radiation, enabling accurate measurement of vascular structures and guiding minimally-invasive interventions, overcoming the limitations of traditional angiographic techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet system configured to generate a polarizing magnetic field about at least a portion of a subject
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of gradient coils configured to apply a gradient field to the polarizing magnetic field along each of at least three directions
Implementation Method 3
a radio frequency (RF) system configured to apply an excitation field to the subject and acquire MR image data therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating time-resolved 3D medical images of a subject includes acquiring a time series of two-dimensional (2D) data sets from a portion of the subject using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and reconstructing the time series of 2D data sets into a 2D time series of images of the subject having a given frame rate. The process also includes acquiring a time-independent, 3D volume of the portion of the subject and combining the 2D time series of images of the subject with the time-independent 3D volume of the subject to generate a set of time-dependent 3D volume images of the portion of the subject at the given frame rate.