MRI Apparatus CSF Dynamics Visualization via Oxygen Inhalation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques face challenges in effectively visualizing the dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and evaluating contrast enhancement by oxygen, which is crucial for diagnosing cerebrovascular failures and CSF abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus and image processing system acquire magnetic resonance signals of a subject's CSF at multiple time phases during oxygen inhalation, using a sequence controller and storage unit to store and analyze these signals, employing pulse sequences like the fast asymmetric spin echo (FASE) method with inversion recovery (IR) pulses to set optimal inversion times (TI) based on the T1 value of CSF, allowing for detailed visualization of CSF dynamics and contrast enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MRI techniques are used to image CSF, then basic anatomical structure can be visualized, but the dynamics of CSF and contrast enhancement by oxygen cannot be effectively evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the inversion time (TI) in the pulse sequence to match the T1 relaxation time of CSF. This allows the CSF signal to be nulled at specific time points, enabling dynamic visualization of CSF flow and oxygen contrast enhancement. The sequence controller automatically adjusts imaging parameters across multiple time phases to capture CSF dynamics without requiring complex hardware modifications.
2Loss of information
If multiple time phases are acquired during oxygen inhalation to evaluate CSF dynamics, then temporal and spatial contrast enhancement can be visualized, but the imaging time and data processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by acquiring MRI images at multiple discrete time phases during oxygen inhalation. The sequence controller executes the pulse sequence repeatedly at different time points (e.g., before oxygen inhalation, during inhalation, and after inhalation), capturing temporal dynamics of CSF contrast enhancement. This periodic sampling approach efficiently captures essential dynamic information without requiring continuous imaging, thereby reducing total imaging time while preserving critical temporal information.
3Measurement precision
If the inversion time is optimized based on T1 value of CSF, then CSF contrast enhancement can be maximized, but the imaging protocol becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the sequence controller automatically calculate and adjust the optimal inversion time based on the known T1 relaxation time of CSF. The system autonomously sets the TI parameter without requiring manual intervention or complex operator calculations. This automation maintains high CSF contrast resolution while simplifying the imaging protocol for operators, as the system self-adjusts parameters based on pre-programmed physiological constants.
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 the evaluation of CSF contrast enhancement both temporally and spatially, providing new clinical insights into cerebrovascular failures and CSF abnormalities by actively visualizing regions with significant oxygen effects.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging method by which a nuclear spin in a subject placed in a magnetostatic field is magnetically excited with a radio frequency (RF) pulse at a Larmor frequency so that an image is generated from magnetic resonance signals generated due to the excitation
Implementation Method 2
an imaging method called the fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) method has been known in which the time period between when an inversion pulse is applied and when the longitudinal magnetic component of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) becomes zero is set as an inversion time (TI)
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a sequence controller and a storage unit. The sequence controller acquires magnetic resonance signals of a target imaging part including cerebrospinal fluid flowing therein of a subject in a condition where a supply of oxygen is receivable, at a plurality of time phases in an oxygen inhalation process of the subject. The storage unit stores therein the magnetic resonance signals acquired at the time phases.