MRI Prepulse Region Calculation for Motion Artifact Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional MRI techniques require complex setting of imaging conditions for prepulses, including presaturation and inversion recovery pulses, which can be time-consuming and burdensome, especially when dealing with motion artifacts from respiratory movements or pulsations, potentially leading to erroneous diagnoses due to image artifacts.

Innovation Solution

An MRI apparatus and method that automatically calculates the application region for prepulses based on image data, reducing the operator's burden by determining the region of interest and optimizing the imaging conditions for improved image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple prepulses are applied to suppress motion artifacts and improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but the complexity of setting imaging conditions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidimaging condition setting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The MRI apparatus automatically determines the application regions for multiple prepulses based on the imaging region and motion artifact sources, eliminating the need for manual setting by operators. The system self-configures the presaturation pulse application region to cover motion artifact sources and the inversion recovery pulse application region to cover the imaging region, thereby reducing setting complexity while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary determination of prepulse application regions before actual imaging. By automatically calculating and setting the application regions for presaturation and inversion recovery pulses in advance based on the imaging parameters and detected motion artifacts, the system prepares optimal imaging conditions without requiring complex manual configuration during the imaging process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If manual setting of prepulse application regions is required, then flexibility in adjusting imaging conditions is maintained, but the time required for examination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexamination throughputVSAvoidtime for setting imaging conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The MRI apparatus automatically determines the application regions for presaturation and inversion recovery pulses without operator intervention. The system uses the imaging region information and motion artifact detection to self-configuring the prepulse parameters, eliminating the time operators would spend on manual setting and thereby increasing examination throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts prepulse application region parameters based on the imaging conditions and detected motion artifacts. By automatically modifying these parameters according to the specific imaging scenario, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual parameter setting while maintaining optimal image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If presaturation pulses are applied to suppress motion artifacts, then image quality is improved, but the complexity of determining application regions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidapplication region determination difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the imaging region as an intermediary to determine the presaturation pulse application region. By basing the presaturation region determination on the already-defined imaging region and adding a predetermined margin, the system simplifies the complexity of directly detecting and measuring motion artifact sources, while still achieving effective artifact suppression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simplifies the setting of imaging conditions, enhances image quality by reducing motion artifacts, and improves the throughput of MRI examinations by automating the process of determining the application region for prepulses.

Implementation Method 1

MRI is an imaging method which magnetically excites nuclear spin of an object set in a static magnetic field with an RF (radio frequency) signal having the Larmor frequency and reconstructs an image based on nuclear magnetic resonance signals (hereinafter referred to as MR signals) generated due to the excitation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear magnetic resonance:

Implementation Method 2

apply a prepulse such as a presaturation pulse which saturates nuclear spin in an application region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic saturation: Magnetic Saturation

Data Source

PatentUS8781185B2Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method

Publication Date: 2014.07.15 TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an MRI apparatus includes an imaging unit and an application region calculating unit. The application region calculating unit automatically calculates an application region of a prepulse according to a region of interest of magnetic resonance imaging based on image data including the region of interest that are acquired before the application of the prepulse. The imaging unit performs magnetic resonance imaging of an object involving the application of the prepulse.