MRI Propeller Imaging with Chi Map Artifact Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans face challenges with motion artifacts during longer scans, leading to image blurs and artifacts, which existing technologies struggle to fully address using the PROPELLER protocol and parallel imaging techniques.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging system and method that utilizes a processor to acquire and reconstruct MRI data using multiple antenna elements, constructing a Chi map to assess artifact reliability, and performing modified PROPELLER motion correction with a low-resolution Chi map to improve image accuracy and reduce artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If parallel imaging techniques are used to accelerate data acquisition, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to aliasing artifacts and image folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into multiple blades acquired in different orientations, with each blade processed separately through unfolding operations. This segmentation allows parallel imaging to be applied to individual blades while maintaining overall image quality through subsequent composite reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements iterative refinement where initial images are reconstructed, artifacts are identified and corrected, and the process is repeated. The Chi map provides feedback on artifact locations, guiding targeted corrections that improve measurement precision while maintaining the accelerated acquisition benefits of parallel imaging.
2Reliability
If PROPELLER protocol is used to correct motion artifacts, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The PROPELLER protocol processes data in discrete blades with standardized acquisition and reconstruction steps for each blade. This modular segmentation makes the complex motion correction process more manageable and systematic, improving reliability through consistent application of correction algorithms across multiple blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines PROPELLER motion correction with parallel imaging techniques and Chi map-based artifact removal into an integrated processing pipeline. By merging these methods, the system achieves comprehensive motion correction while streamlining the overall process rather than applying separate complex procedures.
3Productivity
If multiple antenna elements are used for parallel imaging, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to coil sensitivity mapping requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs coil sensitivity mapping and calibration before the actual imaging acquisition. This preliminary action establishes the necessary parameters for parallel imaging processing, enabling accelerated data acquisition without adding complexity during the main imaging process. The sensitivity maps are pre-computed and stored for use in reconstructing images from multiple antenna elements.
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
The solution effectively reduces motion artifacts and improves image quality by accurately accounting for subject translation and rotation, resulting in more reliable and artifact-free MRI images.
Implementation Method 1
Radio Frequency (RF) pulses generated by a transmitter coil cause perturbations to the local magnetic field, and RF signals emitted by the nuclear spins are detected by a receiver coil
Implementation Method 2
Radio Frequency (RF) pulses generated by a transmitter coil cause perturbations to the local magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides for a magnetic resonance imaging system (100) configured for acquiring magnetic resonance data (142) from an imaging zone (108) according to a PROPELLER magnetic resonance imaging protocol. The pulse sequence is configured such that the pulse sequence data for each of the multiple blades of magnetic resonance data comprises coil specific magne tic resonance data (146, 146', 146", 146" ') acquired for each of multiple antenna elements simultaneously (126, 126', 126", 126" '). The magnetic resonance imaging system is further configured to perform the following for each blade: reconstruct (214) a blade image (150, 150') from the coil specific magnetic resonance data for each antenna element according to a parallel imaging magnetic resonance imaging protocol, construct (218) a Chi map (154, 154') for the blade image using the set of coil sensitivities, the blade image, and the coil specific magnetic resonance data.