MRI Relative Electron Density Mapping for Radiation Dose Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MRI-based radiation therapy planning struggles to accurately account for electron density variations in tissues with similar intensities, leading to inaccuracies in radiation dose calculations.
Innovation Solution
Generate a relative electron density (RED) map from MRI scans by segmenting regions with known or measured electron densities and assigning REDs to both segmented and unsegmented areas based on intensity ranges and expected compositions, without requiring a separate CT scan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If MRI-based radiation therapy planning is used, then noninvasive imaging and soft tissue visualization are improved, but electron density measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary process that uses MRI intensity values as a mediator to estimate electron density. By establishing a correlation between MRI signal intensities and electron density values through segmentation and reference measurements, the system enables electron density mapping without direct measurement, thus resolving the contradiction between noninvasive imaging and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the problem by changing parameters from direct electron density measurement to intensity-based estimation. It converts MRI intensity values into relative electron density values through calibration with known reference tissues, allowing the system to achieve electron density information indirectly through parameter transformation rather than direct measurement.
2Measurement precision
If separate CT scan is used for electron density mapping, then electron density measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and imaging time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electron density mapping function into the MRI imaging system itself. By integrating the electron density estimation process within the MRI workflow using intensity-based methods and segmentation, the system eliminates the need for separate CT scanning equipment, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining electron density measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the MRI system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both soft tissue visualization and electron density mapping using the same imaging data. The MRI scanner acquires images that serve dual purposes: anatomical visualization and electron density estimation through intensity correlation, eliminating the need for dedicated CT equipment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple imaging procedures are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary segmentation and reference measurement establishment during the initial MRI scan. By pre-segmenting tissues and establishing intensity-density correlations from the first imaging procedure, the system prepares electron density maps in advance, eliminating the need for subsequent separate imaging procedures and reducing total imaging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions into a single MRI procedure. The same MRI scan that provides anatomical information is also used for electron density estimation through intensity-based methods, merging what would traditionally require separate CT and MRI procedures into one unified imaging session.
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 precise radiation therapy planning and delivery by accurately mapping electron densities, improving treatment accuracy and reducing the need for additional imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses the interaction between radio frequency pulses, a strong magnetic field (modified with weak gradient fields applied across it to localize and encode or decode phases and frequencies) and body tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, computer software, and methods for generating a relative electron density map (RED) from a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. This can include obtaining an MRI scan of a portion of a patient and segmenting a first region and a second region in the MRI scan. A RED map can then be generated from the MRI scan by assigning a first RED to the first region, assigning a second RED to the second region, and assigning REDs to unsegmented regions in the MRI scan based on intensities in the MRI scan.