MRI Parallel Recording with Gradient Echo Trains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods are time-consuming due to the need for preliminary scans and calibration data acquisition, which increases waiting time before patient-related experiments can begin, and they struggle with movement artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A method involving parallel recording of MRI datasets using multiple reception coils, incorporating a gradient echo train and navigator echoes to supplement k-space data, allowing for faster data acquisition and correction of movement artifacts, enabling simultaneous adjustment measurements and reducing waiting time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If preliminary scans and calibration data acquisition are performed using conventional sequential methods, then measurement precision and data completeness are improved, but measurement time and patient waiting time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (calibration data acquisition, adjustment measurements, and diagnostic data acquisition) into a single integrated measurement sequence. By incorporating gradient echo trains into spin echo-based sequences and using parallel recording with multiple reception coils, the system acquires calibration data, water/fat distribution information, and diagnostic data simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate preliminary scans and reducing total measurement time while maintaining data completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous data acquisition by recording gradient echoes throughout the spin echo measurement sequence without interruption. The gradient echo train continuously supplements k-space data during the entire diagnostic measurement process, ensuring that calibration and adjustment data are collected continuously alongside diagnostic data, thereby eliminating idle time and maintaining productive measurement action throughout the sequence
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate adjustment measurements are performed sequentially, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple adjustment measurement functions into a single integrated sequence by incorporating gradient echo trains that simultaneously provide calibration data, water/fat distribution information, and shimming data. This consolidation allows all necessary adjustment measurements to be performed in one continuous process rather than requiring multiple separate preliminary scans, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly improving time efficiency and productivity
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 significantly reduces the time required for MRI data acquisition by allowing for faster adjustment measures and improved data completeness, while also addressing movement artifacts through enhanced k-space data supplementation and calibration, thus shortening the pre-experiment waiting period.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic resonance method for parallel recording of a magnetic resonance dataset with a number of reception coils
Implementation Method 2
Applying a refocusing pulse, reading out an echo signal of an image dataset
Implementation Method 3
Reading out an echo signal of an image dataset while a first read gradient is present
Implementation Method 4
Applying a gradient in the phase direction, reading out an additional signal while an additional read gradient is present
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and apparatus for parallel recording of a magnetic resonance dataset with a number of reception coils, wherein the measurement data acquired by each coil are a predetermined part of a complete set of k-space data, an excitation pulse applied, followed by a refocusing pulse. The resulting echo signal of an image dataset is acquired while a first read gradient activated. A gradient in the phase direction is designed to be activated in order to acquire additional echo signal while an additional readout gradient is activated. The gradient in the phase direction is designed so that the additional echo signal contains k-space data that supplements the predetermined part of the k-space data.