MRI Prescan Skippability Based on Correction Value Magnitude
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatuses face increased imaging time due to the need for a prescan to acquire correction values for the main scan, as the same pulse sequence must be executed for both, leading to prolonged overall imaging time.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus that determines whether a prescan is skippable or reducible based on the magnitude relation of correction values acquired in a previous prescan and imaging conditions, allowing for reduced imaging time by adjusting the pulse sequence and skipping or shortening the prescan in subsequent scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a prescan is performed to acquire correction values for the main scan, then image quality is improved by correcting phase errors, but imaging time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a prescan before the main scan to acquire correction values for phase errors. This preliminary action corrects magnetic field inhomogeneities and eddy current effects, improving image quality in the subsequent main scan while accepting the time cost of the prescan as a necessary preparatory step
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes imaging parameters by performing multiple prescans with different phase encoding directions (anterior-posterior and posterior-anterior) to acquire comprehensive correction values. This parameter variation enables accurate correction of phase errors in the main scan, resolving the contradiction between thorough correction and time efficiency
2Measurement precision
If the same pulse sequence is executed for prescan and main scan, then correction values are accurately acquired, but imaging time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The correction process is segmented into multiple independent prescans with different phase encoding directions. Each prescan acquires correction values for specific directions, and these segmented results are combined to form comprehensive correction values for the main scan, maintaining accuracy while enabling parallel processing optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system executes prescans periodically with alternating phase encoding directions (anterior-posterior, then posterior-anterior). This periodic action ensures comprehensive coverage of magnetic field variations and enables accurate correction value acquisition through systematic sampling of different encoding perspectives
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 reduces the overall imaging time by eliminating or shortening the prescan in subsequent scans when correction values are within predetermined thresholds or imaging conditions are similar, thereby streamlining the MRI process.
Implementation Method 1
a static magnetic field magnet configured to generate a static magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a gradient coil configured to generate a gradient magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
excite nuclear spins of an object placed in a static magnetic field with use of a radio frequency (RF) pulse having the Larmor frequency
Implementation Method 4
reception coil configured to receive a magnetic resonance signal
Implementation Method 5
determines whether or not a prescan for calculating a correction value that corrects a phase error is skippable or reducible
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an MRI apparatus, includes a static magnetic field magnet configured to generate a static magnetic field, a gradient coil configured to generate a gradient magnetic field, a transmission and reception coil configured to transmit an RF signal and receive a magnetic resonance signal, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry determines whether or not a prescan for calculating a correction value that corrects a phase error is skippable or reducible based on an imaging condition of a main scan, and executes a scan including at least the main scan in accordance with a result of the determination.