MRI Apparatus Navigator Echo Motion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI technologies face challenges in obtaining high-speed MRI images due to low scan speed and the need to stop and restart processes caused by subject movement, particularly breathing, which limits real-time imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus repeatedly obtains navigator images to track breathing and heartbeat, extracts MRI data at paused moments, and updates criteria in real-time to maintain image accuracy without stopping processes, allowing for faster data acquisition and image generation during a single heartbeat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MRI scanning is performed, then detailed images can be obtained, but the scanning time is too long for real-time imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting subject movement using navigator echoes acquired before the actual imaging sequence. This prediction allows the system to pre-calculate correction parameters and prepare for motion compensation, enabling faster imaging without sacrificing image quality. The navigator echoes provide advance information about breathing and cardiac motion that is used to guide the main imaging acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by acquiring navigator echoes continuously throughout the imaging process and using them to dynamically adjust imaging parameters. This continuous monitoring and adjustment allows the system to maintain high scanning speed while compensating for motion in real-time, eliminating the need to stop and restart scans due to subject movement.
2Productivity
If MRI scanning is performed during subject breathing, then scanning can proceed continuously, but image accuracy deteriorates due to motion
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback by continuously monitoring subject motion through navigator echoes and using this information to adjust imaging parameters in real-time. The navigator echoes provide feedback about breathing and cardiac motion, which is fed back into the control system to modify the imaging sequence timing and parameters, thereby maintaining image accuracy during continuous scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes imaging parameters dynamically based on detected motion. The timing of radio frequency pulses and gradient switching is adjusted according to the phase and amplitude of breathing and cardiac motion detected by navigator echoes. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain image quality while scanning continuously during subject movement.
3Measurement precision
If the MRI scanning process is stopped and restarted due to subject movement, then image accuracy is maintained, but scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful effect of subject motion into a beneficial signal by using navigator echoes to detect and characterize the motion. Instead of treating motion as a problem that requires stopping the scan, the system uses the motion itself as information to guide real-time corrections, thereby maintaining both image accuracy and scanning continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary motion assessment using navigator echoes acquired before each imaging segment. This preliminary action allows the system to predict motion patterns and pre-adjust imaging parameters, preventing the need to stop and restart scanning while maintaining image accuracy throughout the continuous acquisition process.
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 enables the generation of high-speed MRI images by obtaining more data within a heartbeat period and adapting to subject movement, reducing delays and ensuring accurate imaging without stopping processes.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) generates an image by exposing an atomic nucleus of biological tissue of a subject to a magnetic field and applying resonance thereto. Resonance of the atomic nucleus refers to a phenomenon in which a particular high frequency signal is incident on the atomic nucleus that is in a state magnetized by an external magnetic field.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and apparatus for obtaining a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image of a subject. Typically, MRI image processing that incorporates fat suppression takes a large amount of time to complete. According to various aspects, image processing that incorporates fat suppression may be postponed until MRI data is repeatedly obtained. By doing so, for example, more MRI data may be obtained during a time period of a heartbeat.