MRI Apparatus Predicted SAE Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in managing Specific Absorbed Energy (SAE) during long examinations, particularly when upper limit values are exceeded, leading to interruptions or the need for users to recognize SAR values in real-time for safety compliance.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus equipped with processing circuitry to calculate and display predicted values of Long MR Examination Specific Absorbed Energy (SAE) over multiple imaging sequences, allowing users to monitor and manage SAE levels effectively, preventing exceedance of safety reference values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple imaging sequences are executed consecutively to improve examination completeness, then the total SAE accumulates and may exceed safety limits, but stopping examinations early preserves safety margins

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexamination completenessVSAvoidSAE accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates and displays predicted SAE values for remaining imaging sequences before they are executed. This allows users to see the cumulative SAE effect in advance and make informed decisions about whether to proceed with additional sequences, thus preventing SAE exceedance while maintaining examination completeness when safe

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback on cumulative SAE values during the examination by displaying predicted SAE for each remaining sequence. This feedback loop enables continuous monitoring and dynamic decision-making about examination continuation, allowing users to stop before exceeding safety limits while maximizing safe examination duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If real-time SAE monitoring is implemented to prevent safety exceedance, then examination safety improves, but system complexity and computational burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety complianceVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system uses the existing SAR values stored in the imaging apparatus's memory and automatically calculates predicted SAE values without requiring external monitoring equipment. The system serves itself by utilizing its own operational data (SAR values from executed sequences) to generate safety predictions, reducing additional hardware complexity while maintaining reliable safety monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If predicted SAE values are calculated for all remaining imaging sequences, then users can make informed decisions about examination continuation, but calculation time and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSAE information availabilityVSAvoidcalculation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates predicted SAE values in advance for all remaining imaging sequences before the user needs to make decisions. By performing these calculations preliminarily using stored SAR data and sequence parameters, the system makes SAE information immediately available without causing delays during critical decision-making moments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of performing complex real-time simulations, the system uses stored SAR values from executed sequences as copies of actual energy absorption data. These copied values are combined with planned sequence parameters to generate predicted SAE values, significantly reducing computational time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Enables users to recognize potential SAE exceedance before and during examinations, allowing for timely adjustments in imaging protocols, improving safety compliance and examination efficiency by providing accurate and real-time SAE monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

SAE (Specific Absorbed Energy) is an indicator representing a total amount of SAR in a certain period of time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpecific Absorbed Energy (SAE):

Implementation Method 2

a display device configured to display information on the predicted value with respect to a predetermined safety reference value of the Long MR Examination specific absorbed energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy measurement and display:

Data Source

PatentUS11331050B2Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

In one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus configured to sequentially execute plural imaging sequences includes: processing circuitry configured to calculate a predicted value of Long MR Examination specific absorbed energy which is an accumulated SAR (Specific Absorption Ratio) value over the plural imaging sequences; and a display configured to display information on the predicted value with respect to a predetermined safety reference value of the Long MR Examination specific absorbed energy.