MRI Control Device Dynamic Measurement Time Limit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance apparatuses face challenges in managing energy input during prolonged measurement processes, particularly in minimally-invasive interventions, where sequential execution of magnetic resonance sequences can exceed safety thresholds, leading to unnecessary workflow restrictions and potential measurement abortions.

Innovation Solution

A method that calculates and sets a maximum measurement time parameter based on energy input thresholds, allowing dynamic adaptation of measurement time and preventing threshold exceedance by automatically determining the number of individual measurements possible without exceeding energy limits, thus simplifying workflow and avoiding disruptive warnings or abortions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If multiple magnetic resonance sequences are executed sequentially for continuous monitoring, then the measurement time is extended, but the energy input into the patient may exceed safety thresholds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement timeVSAvoidenergy input exceeding threshold

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control device calculates and determines a maximum measurement time parameter before the measurement process starts. This preliminary determination prevents energy threshold exceedance in advance by establishing the safe measurement duration based on predicted energy input, rather than monitoring and reacting after the threshold is approached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device continuously monitors the measurement process and compares actual energy input against the predetermined threshold. When the threshold is approached or exceeded, the system provides feedback by aborting the measurement process or adjusting parameters, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that prevents unsafe energy accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If manual optimization of measurement time is performed to avoid threshold exceedance, then safety is maintained, but workflow complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy threshold complianceVSAvoidworkflow simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically calculates the maximum measurement time parameter and manages the measurement process without requiring manual optimization from the operator. The system self-regulates by determining safe measurement durations and monitoring energy input, freeing the operator from complex manual calculations while maintaining safety compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed maximum measurement time is set to prevent threshold exceedance, then safety is ensured, but measurement flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy threshold complianceVSAvoidmeasurement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The maximum measurement time parameter is not fixed but is dynamically determined based on the specific measurement protocol, sequence parameters, and predicted energy input. The control device adapts the measurement time limit to the actual measurement requirements, allowing flexibility for different imaging tasks while ensuring safety through calculated time limits rather than arbitrary fixed values.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for extended measurement times within safety limits, enabling continuous monitoring and minimally-invasive interventions without manual optimization, reducing unnecessary restrictions and improving operational efficiency by automatically adjusting measurement parameters.

Implementation Method 1

nuclear spins of a patient are aligned in a basic magnetic field and excited by radio-frequency pulses, so that their decay signal can be measured

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

Implementation Method 2

Gradients are superimposed on the basic magnetic field in order to assign spatial information to the measured magnetic resonance signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic gradient: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

With the radio-frequency pulses, energy is imparted into the patient, and some of this radio-frequency energy is absorbed and can lead to heating of tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio-frequency heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10162032B2Magnetic resonance apparatus and operating method

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

In a magnetic resonance apparatus and an operating method therefor in which magnetic resonance data are acquired from a patient, a measurement process is used in which a number of magnetic resonance sequences are carried out sequentially, and a maximum measurement time parameter, describing a maximum possible measurement time for undershooting a threshold value for the overall energy input into the patient during the measurement process, is established, taking into account other known recording parameters of the measurement process. The maximum measurement time parameter is used to restrict the ability of an operator to set a measurement time parameter describing the measurement time as a recording parameter, and/or is used as the measurement time parameter.