MRI Breath-Holding Imaging Method for Motion Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Breath-holding times vary among subjects, leading to potential motion artifacts in MRI imaging, and shortening breath-holding time increases imaging duration or compromises image quality.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus and method that divide a scan into breath-holding and free-breathing measurements, allowing for adjustable breath-holding time and frequency, prioritizing low-frequency k-space data measurement during breath-holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If breath-holding time is extended to improve image quality and reduce motion artifacts, then imaging quality improves, but subject burden increases and total imaging time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the k-space data acquisition into multiple segments corresponding to different breath-holding periods. Each breath-holding measurement captures a portion of the k-space data, and these segments are subsequently combined to form the complete image. This segmentation allows the total imaging process to be distributed across multiple shorter breath-holding events rather than requiring one prolonged breath-hold, thereby maintaining image quality while reducing per-event subject burden.
2Ease of operation
If breath-holding time is shortened to reduce subject burden, then subject comfort improves, but the number of breath-holding repetitions increases and total imaging time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the k-space acquisition into multiple shorter measurement periods, each corresponding to a manageable breath-holding duration. By distributing the total data acquisition across multiple segments, the subject only needs to perform brief, repeated breath-holds rather than one or two extremely long ones, improving comfort while completing the scan in a reasonable total time.
3Manufacturing precision
If breath-holding conditions are optimized for each subject, then image quality improves, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of imaging parameters based on each subject's actual breath-holding capability. The system measures or estimates the subject's breath-holding time and uses this information to dynamically adjust the number of breath-holding repetitions and the amount of data acquired during each hold. This dynamic approach optimizes image quality for each individual subject while automatically managing the complexity through adaptive control algorithms.
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
Enables optimal imaging conditions tailored to individual subjects without extending imaging time or sacrificing image quality, reducing subject burden and motion artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
measures an NMR signal generated by the subject, especially, the nuclear spins which form human tissue
Data Source
AI summary
In order to make it possible to set the optimal breath-holding imaging conditions according to the subject without extension of an imaging time or the sacrifice of image quality, one scan is divided into one or more breath-holding measurements and free-breathing measurements on the basis of the imaging conditions of a breath-holding measurement, which are input and set according to the subject, and a region of the k space measured in the breath-holding measurement is controlled. Preferably, in the breath-holding measurement, low-frequency data of the k space is measured. Moreover, preferably, imaging conditions of the breath-holding measurement include the number of times of breath holding or a breath-holding time, and the operator can set any of these values.