MRI Apparatus Automatic Cardiac Cross-Section Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques require extensive experience and skill to accurately set cross-sectional positions for cardiac diagnosis, particularly for kinetic observation of valves and understanding cardiac hemodynamics, and lack automation for cross-sections beyond the standard six reference planes.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance apparatus with processing circuitry and software that automatically detects anatomically characteristic regions within the heart, determines appropriate imaging cross-sections orthogonal to blood flow paths, and performs imaging using techniques like cine imaging and phase contrast imaging to visualize valves and blood flow dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional chain oblique technique is used to set cross-sectional positions, then imaging coverage is comprehensive, but operator skill requirement increases and procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic detection of anatomical features and automatic determination of cross-sectional positions using image processing algorithms, eliminating the need for manual operator positioning. The computer automatically identifies characteristic regions and calculates optimal imaging planes based on detected anatomical landmarks.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical positioning process is replaced with automated image processing and computational algorithms. The system uses computer vision techniques to detect anatomical features and automatically determines cross-sectional positions, substituting the operator's manual positioning with an automated computational system.
2Reliability
If conventional chain oblique technique is used to set cross-sectional positions, then imaging coverage is comprehensive, but examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automatic detection of anatomical features and pre-determines optimal cross-sectional positions before actual imaging begins. By pre-processing the localization task using automated image analysis, the system prepares the imaging plan in advance, eliminating time-consuming manual positioning during the examination.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic positioning system performs the localization task independently without requiring operator intervention for each positioning step. The computer self-determines cross-sectional positions based on detected anatomical landmarks, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual positioning methods.
3Ease of operation
If automatic setting of six reference planes is implemented, then operator skill requirement decreases, but automation extent for specialized cross-sections remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a universal automated solution that handles both standard six reference planes and specialized cross-sections for valve kinetic observation and hemodynamic analysis. The same automatic detection and determination algorithms are applied across different imaging scenarios, providing consistent automation for both routine and specialized cardiac imaging requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts imaging parameters including cross-sectional position, orientation, and angle based on detected anatomical features. By dynamically changing these parameters according to the detected heart structure, the system adapts to different imaging needs (standard planes vs. specialized valve/hemodynamic views) without requiring manual reconfiguration.
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 accurate and efficient determination of imaging cross-sections for cardiac valve observation and hemodynamic analysis without operator expertise, reducing procedural time and error, and providing detailed images of cardiac structures and blood flow.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is an imaging apparatus which excites nuclear spin of a patient placed in a static magnetic field with an RF (Radio Frequency) pulse having the Larmor frequency and generates a reconstructed image by using the magnetic resonance signals emitted from the patient due to the excitation.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance apparatus of the present embodiment includes: a gantry which includes a static field magnet, a gradient coil and an RF coil to image an object; processing circuitry; a memory that stores processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to detect at least one position of an aortic valve and a pulmonary valve from three-dimensional image data including a heart of the object, as at least one characteristic region inside the heart, specify a position of an imaging cross-section substantially orthogonal to a bloodstream path inside the heart based on the position of the aortic valve or the pulmonary valve, and cause the gantry to image the imaging cross-section of the object at the specified position of the imaging cross-section.