Magnetic Resonance Imaging Apparatus for Low Flow Rate Angiography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D UTE imaging methods struggle to effectively render blood vessels with low flow rates in Non-Contrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography (NC-MRA) using the Time-SLIP method, as they fail to suppress background signals adequately.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that divides the k-space into segments and applies a tag pulse sequence, changing the range of the tag pulse application for each segment, allowing repeated acquisitions at the k-space center, combined with 3D UTE acquisition and Time-SLIP methods to enhance image rendering of blood vessels with low flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the 3D UTE acquisition is combined with the Time-SLIP method, then background signals are suppressed and high flow rate blood vessels are rendered, but low flow rate blood vessels cannot be adequately rendered
Solution Approach 1:
The k-space is divided into a plurality of segments, and the tag pulse application range is changed for each segment. This segmentation allows different regions of k-space to be acquired with optimized tag pulse ranges, enabling adequate rendering of both high and low flow rate blood vessels while maintaining background suppression
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse sequence is executed repeatedly with dynamic changes in tag pulse application ranges for each segment. This dynamic adjustment of acquisition parameters allows the system to adapt to different flow rates by optimizing the tag pulse application for each k-space segment, thereby rendering both high and low flow rate vessels effectively
2Measurement precision
If the tag pulse application range is changed for each k-space segment, then low flow rate blood vessels are rendered effectively, but the imaging sequence complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the k-space acquisition and applying different tag pulse ranges to each segment, the patent achieves effective low flow rate vessel rendering. The segmentation allows systematic management of the complex pulse sequence by dividing it into manageable segments with specific acquisition parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes acquisition parameters (tag pulse application ranges) for each k-space segment to optimize vessel rendering. This parameter variation is systematically controlled through the segmented acquisition approach, managing complexity while achieving the desired imaging quality
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 effectively renders blood vessels in images even at low flow rates, improving image quality by suppressing background signals and enhancing contrast, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method for angiography
Implementation Method 2
applying a tag pulse while using a Time-Spatial Labeling Inversion Pulse (Time-SLIP) method
Implementation Method 3
three-dimensional ultrashort echo time (3D UTE) imaging method... signals have high sensitivity because the echo time (TE) is short
Data Source
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AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (100) according to an embodiment includes sequence controlling circuitry (120) and processing circuitry (150). The sequence controlling circuitry (120) executes, while a k-space is divided into a plurality of segments, a pulse sequence by which a tag pulse is applied and subsequently acquisition is performed. The processing circuitry (150) generates an image based on the pulse sequence executed by the sequence controlling circuitry (120). The pulse sequence is a pulse sequence by which the acquisition is repeatedly performed at the center of the k-space. The sequence controlling circuitry (120) executes the pulse sequence, while changing the range to which the tag pulse is applied, for each of the plurality of segments.