MRI Thermometry Bubble Correction via Phase Shift Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
During thermal ablation procedures, the formation of bubbles near the ablation instrument can cause phase shifts and artifacts in imaging modalities like MRI, leading to inaccurate temperature determination at the ablation site.
Innovation Solution
A system and method are developed to detect and correct for phase distortions caused by bubbles, using a bubble image library to compare with acquired heat images, allowing for precise temperature calculation by identifying and compensating for bubble distortions in the imaging data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal ablation is performed to destroy tumor tissue, then therapeutic effect is improved, but bubble formation causes phase shifts and artifacts in MRI imaging leading to inaccurate temperature determination
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring a pre-ablation MRI image before thermal ablation begins, storing it in memory, and later comparing it with post-ablation images to detect and correct bubble-induced phase shifts. This preliminary preparation enables accurate temperature determination despite bubble formation during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of bubble formation into a beneficial diagnostic tool. By detecting phase shifts caused by bubbles and comparing them with pre-ablation images, the system can identify and correct these artifacts, ultimately improving temperature measurement accuracy. The harmful phase distortion becomes a detectable signal that triggers correction mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If MRI imaging is performed to monitor temperature during ablation, then thermal management is improved, but bubble artifacts distort the imaging data reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing current MRI images with pre-ablation reference images, detecting phase shifts caused by bubbles, and using this information to correct temperature measurements. The detected bubble artifacts trigger correction algorithms that adjust the temperature determination, ensuring accurate thermal monitoring despite the presence of bubbles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the pre-ablation MRI image and stores it in memory for later comparison. This reference copy serves as a baseline to identify changes caused by bubble formation. By comparing the current image with the stored copy, the system can distinguish between actual temperature changes and artifacts caused by bubbles.
3Reliability
If continuous imaging is performed to monitor temperature near the ablation instrument, then thermal control is improved, but bubble formation during imaging causes distortion requiring complex correction procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by acquiring and storing a pre-ablation reference image before thermal ablation begins. This reference image is saved in memory and later used to compare against post-ablation images. By having this preliminary reference ready, the system can efficiently detect and correct bubble-induced phase shifts without requiring complex real-time correction procedures during continuous imaging.
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 temperature determination near the ablation instrument, ensuring precise thermal management during procedures by effectively accounting for bubble-induced distortions in imaging data.
Implementation Method 1
imaging by producing fields relative to an anatomy, such as a magnetic field (e.g. magnetic resonance imager (MRI))
Implementation Method 2
the formation of a bubble may allow or require a determination of a temperature in an area of the bubble and/or adjacent to the bubble. The bubble, and a phase shift in selected image modalities (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging), may create a distortion or artifacts
Implementation Method 3
a cold laser fiber (CLF) system may be used to deliver thermal energy to a tissue
Implementation Method 4
The therapy may include an application of a heat source or creating heat at a selected location within the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to analyze image data. The image data may be used to assist in determine the presence of a feature in the image. The feature may include a bubble.