MRI Respiratory Feedback Control for 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques face inefficiencies in data collection due to respiratory motion, leading to inadequate spatial resolution, prolonged examination times, and registration errors in 3D imaging, particularly in coronary artery imaging, as subjects struggle to maintain consistent breathing patterns or have difficulty understanding their respiratory levels during multi-breath holding methods.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that includes a collection unit for applying static, radio-frequency, and gradient magnetic fields, a detection unit for monitoring respiratory levels, an informing unit to notify the subject when their respiratory level is within an allowable range, and a control unit to synchronize data collection with the subject's breathing, ensuring consistent imaging conditions across multiple slabs with a unified allowable range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multi-breath holding method is used to image three-dimensional data, then data collection can be performed in synchronization with repetitive breath holding, but the subject has difficulty understanding their respiratory level and the monitor signal may not fall within the allowable range, leading to data not being collected and extended examination time
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the subject through display units showing whether the monitor signal is within the allowable range. This feedback mechanism enables the subject to understand and adjust their respiratory level, ensuring data collection occurs at appropriate breathing phases while maintaining efficient examination timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the monitor signal and determines in advance whether it falls within the allowable range before data collection. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for data collection only when respiratory conditions are suitable, avoiding unnecessary delays and ensuring high-quality data acquisition.
2Stability of the object's composition
If abdominal belt is used to fix the abdominal to suppress respiratory motion, then respiratory motion can be reduced to some extent, but the examination time is still prolonged due to fluctuating respiratory level, and increased fixing strength enlarges burden on the subject
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback to the subject about their respiratory level status, enabling them to self-regulate their breathing without requiring strong mechanical restraint. This reduces the burden on the subject while maintaining respiratory level stability through voluntary cooperation rather than forceful fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The subject is empowered to self-manage their respiratory level based on visual feedback from the display unit. Instead of relying entirely on external mechanical restraint, the subject actively participates in maintaining appropriate breathing patterns, reducing the need for strong abdominal fixation and improving comfort.
3Reliability
If fixed threshold values are used for monitor signal range, then data collection can be performed systematically, but when respiratory level gradually changes beyond the threshold, imaging time becomes long or examination cannot be terminated
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the allowable range based on the relationship between the upper and lower threshold values. When the difference between thresholds exceeds a predetermined value, the system modifies the lower threshold to maintain an appropriate range width, allowing the system to adapt to gradual respiratory level changes while maintaining reliable data collection and preventing excessive imaging time.
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 enhances data collection efficiency, reduces registration errors, and improves the quality of 3D images by ensuring that data is collected when the subject's respiratory level is within a consistent range, thereby shortening examination times and minimizing subject discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
a method of using a three-dimensional (3D) steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequence to perform imaging in a breath holding state or a voluntary breathing state
Implementation Method 2
a collection unit which applies a uniform static magnetic field to a subject and also applies a radio-frequency magnetic field and a gradient magnetic field to the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a collection unit which applies a uniform static magnetic field to a subject and also applies a radio-frequency magnetic field and a gradient magnetic field to the subject in accordance with a predetermined pulse sequence to collect a magnetic resonance signal from the subject, a imaging unit which images the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal collected by the collection unit, a detection unit which detects a respiratory level of the subject, an informing unit which informs the subject of whether the detected respiratory level falls within an allowable range, and a unit which controls the collection unit and the imaging unit in such a manner that the magnetic resonance signal for imaging is collected and the subject is imaged based on the thus collected magnetic resonance signal for imaging when the detected respiratory level falls within the allowable range.