MRI Gradient Pulse Configuration via PNS Threshold Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring gradient pulses in MRI pulse sequences is complex and time-consuming, particularly due to the need to avoid adverse effects like peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), which requires efficient methods for determining safe and effective pulse configurations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that segment the pulse sequence into portions, determine preliminary gradient pulse configurations, and adjust them based on PNS models and thresholds to ensure compliance with safety standards, using processors to optimize gradient pulse configurations by updating amplitudes or slopes as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gradient pulses are configured to meet safety standards (avoid PNS), then patient safety is improved, but the configuration process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pulse sequence into multiple portions and processes each portion separately to determine gradient pulse configurations. This divides the complex overall configuration task into smaller, more manageable sub-tasks, reducing the perceived complexity while ensuring safety standards are met for the complete sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of gradient pulse configurations for each portion before finalizing the complete pulse sequence. This preliminary action allows safety checks and optimizations to be conducted in advance, simplifying the final configuration process while ensuring patient safety requirements are satisfied.
2Reliability
If gradient pulses are configured to meet safety standards (avoid PNS), then patient safety is improved, but the time required for configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pulse sequence into portions and processing them separately, the system can parallelize or pre-process configuration tasks, reducing the total configuration time while maintaining safety standards through systematic evaluation of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The preliminary determination of gradient pulse configurations for individual portions allows safety-critical parameters to be established in advance, reducing the time required for final configuration and validation while ensuring patient safety requirements are met.
3Productivity
If gradient pulse amplitudes and slopes are increased to improve imaging quality, then imaging efficiency is improved, but PNS risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines gradient pulse configurations for each portion based on PNS models and thresholds, allowing optimal adjustment of amplitudes and slopes. This dynamic approach enables the use of higher gradient parameters for improved imaging efficiency while maintaining safety by adapting parameters to stay within PNS thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically evaluates and adjusts gradient pulse parameters (amplitudes, slopes, durations) for each portion based on PNS models. This parameter optimization allows the system to achieve the highest possible imaging efficiency while ensuring that PNS risk remains below acceptable thresholds through calculated parameter selection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure directs to a system and method for configuring a pulse sequence in MRI. The method may include obtaining a preliminary gradient pulse configuration, wherein the preliminary gradient pulse configuration relates to a portion of a pulse sequence to be implemented by one or more coils of an MR scanner, the pulse sequence including a plurality of gradient pulses. The method may also include determining a global peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) value of the preliminary gradient pulse configuration according to a PNS model. The method may further include determining a target gradient pulse configuration based at least in part on the preliminary gradient pulse configuration, the global PNS value, and a PNS threshold.