MRI Anatomical Outlining for CSF Flow Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI technologies face challenges in accurately quantifying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in the cerebro-spinal anatomy in real-time, particularly in providing clear anatomical outlines necessary for precise imaging and measurement.
Innovation Solution
The method involves acquiring magnetic resonance imaging signals, determining the central location of the cerebro-spinal anatomy, processing these signals to calculate mean intensity values, and comparing them to threshold values to define interior and exterior anatomical outlines, allowing for the detection and measurement of CSF flow within these outlines, using a system with horizontally oriented magnetic poles to accommodate patients in upright positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MRI imaging methods are used to obtain anatomical images, then images can be acquired, but clear anatomical outlines for precise CSF flow quantification cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct stages: acquiring a first image for anatomical reference, acquiring a second image for flow measurement, and using the first image to define anatomical outlines that guide measurement in the second image. This segmentation allows each image to be optimized for its specific purpose, resolving the contradiction between anatomical clarity and flow measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by first acquiring and processing an anatomical reference image to define clear anatomical outlines before using those outlines to guide the flow measurement process. This preliminary anatomical mapping enables precise region definition that subsequently improves CSF flow quantification accuracy.
2Productivity
If patients are positioned horizontally in conventional MRI scanners, then imaging can be performed, but real-time CSF flow dynamics cannot be accurately captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the MRI scanner to position patients in upright orientations rather than fixed horizontal positions. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to capture real-time CSF flow dynamics that occur during normal upright activities, transforming the scanner from a static to a dynamic imaging system.
3Measurement precision
If detailed anatomical outlining is performed manually, then precise boundaries can be defined, but the process is time-consuming and lacks reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically generate anatomical outlines from acquired images without requiring manual tracing or interpretation. The computer processing automatically identifies anatomical structures and defines boundaries, eliminating time-consuming manual operations while maintaining precision and improving reproducibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of anatomical outlining with automated computer-based image processing algorithms. This substitution eliminates the need for manual trace operations, significantly reducing time requirements while maintaining consistent, reproducible results across different measurements and operators.
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 accurate and reproducible identification of anatomical outlines and real-time measurement of CSF flow, improving understanding of CSF dynamics and potential neurological conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis, by providing clear images and data on flow rates, volume, and pressure gradients.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus has a pair of magnetic poles spaced apart along a horizontal direction parallel to a support surface of the apparatus, the magnetic poles configured to create a magnetic field in the horizontal direction
Implementation Method 2
an object to be imaged such as, for example, a body of a human subject, is exposed to a strong, substantially constant static magnetic field. Radio frequency excitation energy is applied to the body, and this energy causes the spin vectors of certain atomic nuclei within the body to rotate or 'precess' around axes parallel to the direction of the static magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting and creating magnetic resonance imaging anatomical outlines of a subject, including acquiring magnetic resonance imaging signals of a selected region of interest of the subject's anatomy, processing the magnetic resonance imaging signals to determine image pixel intensity. calculating a mean intensity value associated with the center location of the selected region of interest, and determining concentric interior and exterior anatomical outlines surrounding the center location. Image pixels with an intensity value greater than the mean intensity value by a first threshold amount are designated as part of the interior anatomical outline. Image pixels with an intensity value less than the mean intensity value by a second threshold amount are designated as part of the exterior anatomical outline.