MRI Scan Protocol Adaptation for Small-Structure Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging using magnetic resonance (MR) scanners often faces inefficiencies due to large field of view (FOV) scans that increase phase encodings and scanning time, leading to reduced imaging speed and efficiency, and overlap between anatomical structures known as wrap-around artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a target scanning protocol based on geometrical information of a smaller anatomical structure within the target subject, optimizing FOV size, phase encoding direction, and oversampling to prevent overlap, thereby reducing phase encodings and scanning time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a large field of view (FOV) is used to reduce overlap between anatomical structures, then wrap-around artifacts are reduced, but the number of phase encodings and scanning time increase, reducing imaging speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic adjustment of scanning parameters based on real-time anatomical structure detection. The system automatically adjusts FOV size, phase encoding direction, and matrix size according to the detected anatomy, transitioning from static fixed protocols to dynamic adaptive scanning that optimizes the balance between artifact prevention and scanning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple scanning parameters simultaneously including FOV size, phase encoding direction, matrix size, and receiver coil configuration. By coordinating changes across these parameters, the system achieves optimal imaging quality with reduced scanning time, resolving the contradiction between artifact reduction and scanning efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large field of view (FOV) is used to cover the entire anatomical structure, then all structures are captured, but imaging speed and efficiency decrease due to increased phase encodings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning process into multiple stages: first detecting anatomical structures with a preliminary scan, then performing targeted scanning only of the relevant regions. This segmentation allows the system to cover necessary anatomical areas while avoiding unnecessary scanning of irrelevant regions, thereby maintaining imaging speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of optimization by automatically determining the optimal phase encoding direction based on anatomical orientation. Instead of using a fixed FOV in all directions, the system adapts the scanning dimensions to match the specific anatomical structure being imaged, reducing the effective scanning volume while maintaining comprehensive coverage
3Productivity
If the field of view is reduced to improve imaging speed, then scanning time decreases, but overlap between anatomical structures occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the scanned anatomical structures and adjusts scanning parameters in real-time. If overlap is detected or anatomical structures are identified, the system automatically modifies FOV, phase encoding direction, or matrix size to prevent wrap-around artifacts while maintaining high imaging speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary anatomical structure detection and characterization before the main scanning sequence. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-determine optimal scanning parameters including FOV size and phase encoding direction, ensuring that when the main scan executes, the parameters are already optimized to prevent overlap while maximizing imaging speed
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for MRI are provided. The systems obtain a reference MR image of a target subject. The reference MR image is acquired by performing a reference MR scan on a first anatomical structure of the target subject before a target MR scan. The target MR scan is to be performed on a second anatomical structure of the target subject. The second anatomical structure is smaller than the first anatomical structure. The systems determine geometrical information of the second anatomical structure based on the reference MR image. The systems determine a target scanning protocol with respect to the target MR scan based on the geometrical information. The systems acquire a target MR image of the second anatomical structure by performing the target scan based on the target scanning protocol. In the target MR image, the second anatomical structure is not overlapped with other anatomical structures of the target subject.