MRI Magnetization Control via Trigger Signal Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data sets from moving examination regions, such as those caused by heartbeat and breathing, often result in artifacts due to phase errors and saturation issues, particularly when saturation pulses intersect with trigger signals, leading to suboptimal magnetization states.
Innovation Solution
A method where a control apparatus actively manages the timing of trigger signals and saturation pulses to ensure optimal magnetization saturation, using navigator echoes and breathing curve analysis to determine the best moment for data recording, thereby minimizing movement and saturation artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If saturation pulses are emitted to maintain steady-state magnetization, then magnetization saturation is improved, but movement phase accuracy deteriorates when pulses intersect with trigger signals
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus checks whether a saturation pulse is currently being emitted before responding to a trigger signal, and only initiates data recording if no saturation pulse is active. This preliminary check prevents the intersection of saturation pulses with trigger signals, thereby maintaining both magnetization saturation and movement phase accuracy.
2Productivity
If data recording is initiated immediately upon trigger signal, then recording speed is improved, but magnetization state becomes undefined leading to artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
Before initiating data recording in response to a trigger signal, the control apparatus performs a preliminary check to determine whether a saturation pulse is currently being emitted. This ensures that recording only starts when the magnetization state is properly established, preventing artifacts while maintaining efficient recording timing.
3Measurement precision
If navigator echoes are recorded to detect movements accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but signal saturation in image region occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the movement detection function from the main imaging sequence by using dedicated navigator echoes recorded in predetermined orientations. This extraction allows accurate movement detection to be performed independently, preventing signal saturation in the main image region while maintaining movement detection accuracy.
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 allows for accurate recording of MRI data sets with reduced artifacts by synchronizing saturation pulses with movement phases, maintaining desired magnetization states and optimizing data acquisition timing.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a saturation pulse to at least partly saturate the magnetization of the examination region
Implementation Method 2
recording at least one measuring signal for the magnetic resonance data set
Data Source
AI summary
A method for recording a magnetic resonance data set relating to a region that is moved at least partly and periodically includes prompting a trigger signal. The method also includes emitting a saturation pulse to at least partially saturate magnetization of an examination region as a function of the trigger signal.