MRI Localizer Shape Estimation for Patient Burn Risk Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging poses a risk of patient burns due to excessive radiofrequency power application when body parts, such as arms, are too close to the MRI bore, and existing methods for preventing burns are either inefficient or uncomfortable for the patient.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing MR localizer imaging to estimate patient shape and infer missing body parts, employing machine-learned shape completion models to predict burn risk and generate warnings or adjust scan settings to prevent burns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If SAR is set to minimum to prevent MR burn injuries, then patient safety is improved, but examination time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidexamination time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary estimation of patient body shape and arm position using localizer scan images before the actual MR examination begins. This advance assessment allows the system to predict burn risk and provide warnings or adjust settings beforehand, enabling the examination to proceed at optimal SAR levels without compromising safety, thus resolving the contradiction between patient safety and examination time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If overhead camera is used to estimate patient body shape, then burn risk monitoring is improved, but system complexity and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveburn risk monitoringVSAvoidsystem setup

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes the localizer scan images that are already acquired as part of the standard MR examination protocol to estimate patient body shape and arm position. By repurposing existing imaging data for burn risk assessment, the system eliminates the need for separate cameras or additional setup procedures, thereby maintaining high reliability in burn risk monitoring while avoiding increased system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If protective pad is positioned between patient and bore, then burn prevention is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveburn preventionVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback regarding burn risk based on estimated patient body shape and arm position from localizer scans. This feedback mechanism allows the system to warn operators of potential burn risks and suggest positional adjustments or setting modifications, enabling burn prevention through information rather than physical barriers, thus maintaining patient comfort while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12484802B2Body shape estimation from localizer scan in magnetic resonance medical imaging

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

In magnetic resonance imaging, shape estimation is used to limit patient burns. A localizer image or scout scan is used to determine some of the patient shape and corresponding position. A missing part, such as the arm not in the scout scan field of view, is inferred from the localizer image. The position of the inferred body part is used to predict the risk of burn, allowing generation of a warning to reposition the patient and/or change the scan settings.