MRI Pulse Sequence Modification for Acoustic Noise Habituation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices generate acoustic noise due to gradient coil vibrations, which can be stressful for patients, especially newborns, and previous noise reduction methods interfere with optimal scan quality.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating an MRI device that habituates patients to acoustic noise by modifying pulse sequences to include a demo-sequence for acoustic sound simulation, while maintaining the original sequences for medical readings, using a control unit to manage gradient and RF coils, and optimizing noise levels based on time and frequency parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the current in gradient coils is increased to shorten measuring time and improve image quality, then productivity and measurement precision are improved, but acoustic noise level increases causing patient stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a demo-sequence before the actual medical pulse sequences. This demo-sequence generates acoustic noise in advance to habituate the patient, so that when the high-current medical sequences are executed later, the patient is already desensitized to the noise levels, reducing stress responses while maintaining optimal scan parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful acoustic noise into a beneficial habituation effect. By deliberately exposing the patient to controlled acoustic noise through the demo-sequence, the harmful noise becomes a tool for reducing patient stress. The noise that would normally be detrimental is transformed into a conditioning stimulus that decreases patient sensitivity to subsequent noise exposure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pulse sequences are modified to reduce acoustic noise, then patient stress is reduced, but scan quality and optimal scan requirements are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pulse sequence protocol into two distinct parts: a demo-sequence for noise habituation and separate medical pulse sequences for actual imaging. This segmentation allows the demo-sequence to be optimized purely for noise exposure purposes while the medical sequences maintain their optimal parameters for image quality, eliminating the need to compromise scan quality for noise reduction
3Measurement precision
If gradient coil currents are rapidly changed to improve image quality, then measurement precision is improved, but acoustic noise and patient stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The demo-sequence performs preliminary action by establishing patient habituation to acoustic noise before the high-performance medical imaging sequences are executed. This allows the gradient coils to operate at full capacity with rapid current changes for optimal image quality, while the patient's stress response is mitigated by prior exposure
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
Effectively reduces patient stress from acoustic noise while maintaining optimal scan quality by gradually habituating patients to the noise levels, ensuring safer and more effective imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Given the presence of a basic magnetic field, these currents in the gradient coils cause vibrations due to Lorentz forces, which cause an acoustic-noise, by vibrating components of the apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device for habituating a patient and/or user to acoustic-noise of the device's operation. The method includes: listing a required set of the pulse-sequences (RSPS) for the patient, modifying the RSPS to a new set of sequences (NSPS) further comprising at least one demo-sequence, and operating, by means of generating the pulse-sequences, according to the NSPS. The demo-sequence is a redundant sequence, used solely for acoustic-sound habituation, while the originally listed RSPS are used for medical readings, thereby habituating the patient and/or user to the acoustic-noise of the operation.