MRI Contrast Scan Interface With Auto-Trigger Bolus Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI systems face challenges in accurately timing contrast-enhanced scans due to operator reliance on low-resolution live 2D images, which can lead to timing errors and missed acquisitions, especially when subjects do not reach sufficient contrast levels or when operators are distracted.
Innovation Solution
A unified scan interface that simultaneously displays live 2D images and an automatically-generated contrast plot, allowing for operator-initiated and auto-triggered scan initiation, with a timeline-based scan prescription for setting parameters, reducing cognitive load and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operators manually monitor live 2D images to time post-contrast acquisitions, then flexibility in monitoring contrast levels is maintained, but timing accuracy deteriorates due to operator distractions or misinterpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback by continuously analyzing live 2D images to detect contrast bolus arrival and automatically triggering post-contrast acquisitions based on detected contrast levels, eliminating manual timing errors while maintaining monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-triggering of acquisitions by automatically analyzing contrast enhancement in real-time images and initiating post-contrast sequences without operator intervention, improving reliability while reducing cognitive load
2Reliability
If automated triggering based on contrast intensity is implemented, then timing accuracy improves, but system complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The existing MRI system's image acquisition and processing capabilities are extended to perform dual functions: routine diagnostic imaging and automated contrast bolus detection, avoiding additional dedicated hardware while improving timing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing live 2D images as an intermediary signal that already contains contrast information, processing this existing data stream to trigger acquisitions without requiring separate detection hardware or complex additional processing systems
3Measurement precision
If operators rely on live 2D images for timing, then real-time visualization is available, but timing precision deteriorates due to interpretation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically extracts and processes contrast intensity information from live images, providing objective feedback signals that eliminate subjective interpretation errors and improve timing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual visual interpretation mechanism with automated image processing algorithms that objectively measure contrast levels, eliminating human error in contrast level assessment while maintaining real-time visualization
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for contrast scans. In one example, a computing device is configured to display a scan interface in a prescription view on a screen and to receive user input of a contrast observation slice for tracking arrival of a contrast bolus during a contrast scan. The screen is further configured to display a scanning button that can be reached directly from the scan interface, the scanning button selectable to launch a live scanning view of the scan interface that enables live 2D images of the contrast observation slice to seen within the scan interface. The live scanning view includes a contrast tracking display panel that displays an auto-triggering button that is selectable to enable auto-triggering of post-contrast image acquisition and that displays a contrast intensity plot determined from the live 2D images.