Dynamic Polarizing Magnetic Field Control for MRI Contrast Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clinical MRI machines with fixed magnetic field strengths are inadequate for measuring the dependence of MRI properties on magnetic field strength, limiting the identification and quantification of certain tissues, materials, or contrast agents that require varying magnetic field conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically control the polarizing magnetic field strength during MRI scans, using an auxiliary magnetic field generator to shift the magnetic field in opposite directions, allowing for multiple discrete field strengths and enhancing image contrast by exploiting magnetic field-dependent variations in tissue relaxation rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed magnetic field strength is used in clinical MRI machines, then the system is simple and stable, but the ability to measure magnetic field-dependent tissue properties is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the polarizing magnetic field strength by using an auxiliary magnetic field generator that can shift the field strength in opposite directions during the relaxation portion of pulse sequences. This transforms the static magnetic field system into a dynamic one, enabling measurement of magnetic field-dependent tissue properties while maintaining system stability through controlled, reversible field variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the magnetic field strength parameter during the imaging process by applying auxiliary magnetic fields that shift the polarizing field in opposite directions. This parameter change enables the system to probe tissue relaxation rates at different field strengths, providing contrast enhancement based on magnetic field dependence without requiring multiple separate scans at different fixed field strengths.
2Reliability
If multiple discrete magnetic field strengths are used during scanning, then image contrast is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary magnetic field generator as an intermediary component that temporarily shifts the polarizing magnetic field strength during specific portions of the pulse sequence (relaxation periods). This intermediary system enables multiple field strength measurements without requiring the main polarizing magnet to be reconfigured, thus enhancing image contrast while limiting the increase in overall system complexity to a dedicated auxiliary subsystem.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic field strength is shifted during relaxation portions, then contrast agents can be differentiated, but the scanning protocol becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements periodic shifts of the magnetic field strength during the relaxation portions of repeated pulse sequences. By applying field shifts in a periodic manner synchronized with the pulse sequence timing, the system can accumulate contrast information from multiple cycles, improving the differentiation of contrast agents while maintaining a structured and manageable scanning protocol based on standard MRI pulse sequence repetition.
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 improved detection sensitivity and specificity for target molecules, allowing for enhanced image contrast and better differentiation of activated contrast agents from non-activated ones, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy in MRI imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a uniform static polarizing magnetic field B0 produced by a polarizing magnet housed within the MRI machine
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnet that is removeably inserted in the MRI machine to generate magnetic field pulses of opposite polarities
Implementation Method 3
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as it is commonly known
Implementation Method 4
Radio frequency (RF) pulses, generated by RF coils housed within the MRI machine
Implementation Method 5
gradient magnetic fields are switched rapidly to alter the uniform magnetic field at localized areas thereby allowing spatial localization of MRI signals
Implementation Method 6
MRI signals are radiated by excited nuclei in the target tissue in the intervals between consecutive RF pulses and are sensed by the RF coils
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging method comprises performing imaging where more than one polarizing magnetic field strength is used during scanning and processing at least one image resulting from the scanning to yield an enhanced contrast image.