MRI Adjustment Prescan for Faster ROI Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures require multiple prescans for determining geometric and physical parameters, which increase time and resource consumption, and can compromise image quality due to patient movement and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment prescan is performed at low resolution to determine both physical and geometric parameters, allowing for automated image reconstruction and localization of the region of interest (ROI), thereby reducing the need for additional localizer images and optimizing patient positioning to enhance image quality and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple prescans are performed to determine physical and geometric parameter values, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment prescan for determining physical parameter values with the specification of geometric parameter values into a single integrated prescan procedure. This merging eliminates the need for separate prescans, thereby reducing total examination time while maintaining the precision required for both physical and geometric parameter determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment prescan is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: determining physical parameter values for image reconstruction and establishing geometric parameter values for positioning the examination region. This multi-functionality allows a single prescan to accomplish tasks that traditionally required multiple separate scans.
2Measurement precision
If multiple prescans are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the determination of physical and geometric parameter values into a single prescan procedure, the patent reduces the complexity of the overall imaging workflow. Instead of managing multiple separate prescans with different protocols, the system uses one integrated procedure that accomplishes both tasks.
3Measurement precision
If examination time is prolonged, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to patient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces total examination time by combining parameter determination tasks into a single prescan. This time reduction minimizes the opportunity for patient movement during the scanning procedure, thereby maintaining image quality and measurement reliability.
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 speeds up the MRI process, reduces resource utilization, improves patient comfort, and enhances image quality by minimizing the number of prescans and optimizing patient positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a rapidly switched magnetic field, referred to as the gradient field, is in most cases superimposed on a static basic magnetic field B0, which serves for initial alignment and homogenization of magnetic dipoles that are to be examined
Implementation Method 2
the dephasing or relaxation time following a deflection of the magnetization from the initial alignment is measured so that different material-typical relaxation mechanisms or relaxation times can be identified
Implementation Method 3
The deflection is produced mostly by means of a number of RF pulses (the abbreviation RF stands for radiofrequency), also referred to as excitation pulses
Implementation Method 4
the spatial resolution is based in this case on a temporally specified manipulation of the deflected magnetization with the aid of the gradient field in a pulse sequence
Implementation Method 5
The amount of magnetization (in particular the transverse magnetization in a plane at right angles to the above-described basic magnetic field) at a specific position of the examination subject can be determined from the data of the readout point with the aid of a Fourier transform
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of an examination subject may include performing an adjustment prescan of the examination subject, where the adjustment prescan may be performed using a MRI process. The method may include determining adjusted physical parameter values of the MRI scan based on the adjustment prescan and specifying geometric parameter values of the MRI scan based on the adjustment prescan.