MRI Saturation Pulse Positioning Using Subject Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional local excitation methods for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) require manual adjustment of excitation thickness and position of saturation pulses based on visual inspection, complicating the workflow and potentially leading to suboptimal excitation profiles due to varying subject sizes and imaging areas.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus and method that utilizes one-dimensional projection data to measure subject thickness and automatically calculate the excitation thickness and position of saturation pulses, optimizing the OVS pulse application for precise local excitation without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the excitation thickness of the saturation pulse is increased to simplify workflow, then the complexity of manual setting is reduced, but the excitation profile deteriorates resulting in insufficient signal suppression near the imaging area
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the excitation thickness and position of the saturation pulse by acquiring one-dimensional projection data and calculating optimal parameters, enabling the system to self-adjust without operator intervention while maintaining optimal excitation profile
Solution Approach 2:
The excitation thickness and position parameters are dynamically adjusted based on measured subject thickness and imaging area position, allowing the system to optimize the excitation profile for each specific case rather than using fixed manual settings
2Manufacturing precision
If manual visual inspection is used to set excitation parameters, then the excitation profile can be optimized, but the workflow becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The manual visual inspection process is replaced by an automated system that acquires one-dimensional projection data and calculates optimal excitation parameters, eliminating the need for operator visual assessment while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of one-dimensional projection data and automatic calculation of excitation parameters before the main imaging process, preparing optimal settings in advance to eliminate time-consuming manual adjustment during the workflow
3Ease of operation
If fixed excitation parameters are used for all subjects, then the workflow is simplified, but the excitation performance deteriorates due to varying subject sizes and imaging positions
Solution Approach 1:
The excitation parameters transition from fixed static values to dynamic values that are automatically adjusted based on measured subject characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to varying subject sizes and imaging positions while maintaining workflow simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the excitation thickness and position parameters based on measured subject thickness and imaging area location, ensuring optimal excitation performance for each specific subject configuration rather than using universal fixed parameters
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 workflow by automating the setting of excitation parameters, ensuring optimal suppression of signals outside the imaging area and improving the excitation profile, regardless of subject size or position.
Implementation Method 1
a saturation pulse applied outside an imaging area within the subject in the phase encoding direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3(A)~3(C)
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (100) according to an embodiment includes an acquisition unit (17b), a measurement unit (17c) and a calculation unit (17d). The acquisition unit (17b) acquires one-dimensional projection data in a phase encoding direction of a subject to be a target of main imaging. The measurement unit (17c) measures a subject thickness in the phase encoding direction using the one-dimensional projection data. The calculation unit (17d) calculates, based on the subject thickness, an excitation thickness and an excitation position of a saturation pulse applied outside an imaging area within the subject in the phase encoding direction when performing the main imaging.