Magnetic Resonance Jaw Imaging with Localizer Scan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance tomography for dental imaging is hindered by the need for qualified medical staff and high time expenditure in dental facilities, where ionizing radiation is avoided, and imaging is typically conducted without focusing on specific diagnostically relevant areas.
Innovation Solution
A method that captures information about the jaw region, adjusts magnetic resonance measurement parameters, and reconstructs images to limit data to diagnostically relevant areas, using optical and magnetic resonance image data to optimize imaging sequences and antenna positioning, allowing for efficient and focused imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic resonance tomography is used for dental imaging, then ionizing radiation is avoided and soft tissue contrast is improved, but the measurement time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is divided into two distinct phases: a preliminary localizer scan that quickly identifies the jaw region, followed by a targeted diagnostic scan focused only on the relevant area. This segmentation allows the system to avoid full-volume imaging while still capturing all necessary diagnostic information, thereby reducing overall measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
A localizer scan is performed first to pre-identify the jaw region and determine its spatial coordinates before the actual diagnostic imaging begins. This preliminary action provides the foundation for optimizing subsequent imaging parameters and focusing the diagnostic scan precisely on the region of interest, eliminating unnecessary scanning of unrelated areas.
2Reliability
If magnetic resonance tomography is implemented in dental facilities, then diagnostic capability is improved, but the requirement for qualified medical staff increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs multiple functions that traditionally required manual intervention by qualified staff. The computing unit autonomously determines imaging parameters, processes localizer scan data to identify the jaw region, and configures the diagnostic scan settings without requiring radiologists or medical-technical radiology assistants. This self-service capability enables dentists to independently operate the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic resonance apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated system: localizer scanning, automated region identification, parameter optimization, and diagnostic imaging. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices and operators into one system that can be managed by dental professionals with appropriate training.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional magnetic resonance imaging is performed without focusing on specific areas, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but time expenditure and data processing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different imaging strategies to different regions: a broad but rapid localizer scan covers the entire examination volume to identify the jaw region, while the subsequent diagnostic scan concentrates high-resolution imaging only on the identified jaw area. This local quality approach ensures comprehensive coverage where needed while optimizing efficiency in the diagnostic phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The localizer scan serves as a preliminary action that maps the spatial location of the jaw region before the main diagnostic imaging begins. This preliminary identification enables the system to restrict the subsequent diagnostic scan to only the necessary anatomical boundaries, avoiding unnecessary imaging of surrounding areas and reducing both acquisition time and data processing requirements.
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 reduces the time and expertise required for magnetic resonance measurements, providing high-quality images focused on specific areas of the jaw region, thereby improving diagnostic efficiency and reducing the risk of misdiagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
the examination object is conventionally positioned in a strong, static and homogeneous basic magnetic field (B0 magnetic field) of a magnetic resonance apparatus. The basic magnetic field can have magnetic field strengths of 0.2 tesla to 7 tesla, so nuclear spins of the examination object are oriented along the basic magnetic field.
Implementation Method 2
To trigger what are known as nuclear spin resonances, radio-frequency (RF) signals, what are known as excitation pulses (B1 magnetic field), are irradiated into the examination object. Each excitation pulse causes a deviation of a magnetization of particular nuclear spins of the examination object from the basic magnetic field by an amount, which is also known as the flip angle.
Implementation Method 3
Magnetic gradient fields can be overlaid on the basic magnetic field for spatial encoding of the nuclear spin resonances of the examination object.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a technique for providing an image of diagnostically relevant area of a jaw region of a patient by means of a magnetic resonance apparatus by capturing information about the jaw region of the patient, which comprises at least one reference to a position and/or an extent of the diagnostically relevant area of the jaw region. The technique also includes adjusting a parameter of a magnetic resonance measurement as a function of the captured information about the jaw region of the patient, carrying out the magnetic resonance measurement with the adjusted parameter, capturing image data of the jaw region of the patient, reconstructing an image of the diagnostically relevant area of the jaw region as a function of the captured image data, and providing the image of the diagnostically relevant area of the jaw region of the patient.