MRI Saturation Pulse Positioning from Automatic Subject Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional local excitation methods for MRI, such as the OVS method, require manual adjustment of excitation thickness and position based on visual inspection, complicating the workflow and potentially leading to suboptimal excitation profiles due to varying subject sizes and positions.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus and method that automatically measures subject thickness in the phase encoding direction using one-dimensional projection data to calculate the excitation thickness and position of a saturation pulse, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and ensuring optimal excitation settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of excitation thickness and position is performed based on visual inspection, then the workflow becomes complicated and time-consuming, but the excitation profile can be optimized for each subject
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines excitation parameters by having the subject perform self-positioning actions (breath-holding or motion) during projection data acquisition. The subject's own motion characteristics are used to calculate the excitation thickness and position without operator intervention, eliminating manual adjustment while maintaining optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes excitation parameters (thickness and position) based on measured subject characteristics from projection data. Instead of fixed manual settings, the parameters are adaptively adjusted according to the actual subject position and thickness, achieving optimization automatically.
2Ease of operation
If a large excitation thickness is set for the saturation pulse, then the workflow complexity is reduced, but the excitation profile deteriorates and signal suppression near the imaging area becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the optimal excitation thickness by measuring subject characteristics, eliminating the need for operators to manually choose between simplicity and quality. The subject's own anatomical dimensions guide the parameter selection, ensuring both ease of operation and profile quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The excitation thickness parameter is dynamically adjusted based on measured subject data rather than using fixed large values. This allows the system to achieve thin excitation profiles when needed for quality while maintaining workflow simplicity through automation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the excitation thickness is set too thin, then the excitation profile is improved, but it becomes difficult to accommodate variations in subject size and position
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed excitation thickness to dynamic adaptive thickness. The excitation parameters are adjusted in real-time based on measured subject characteristics, allowing thin profiles for small subjects while automatically adapting to larger subjects, thus maintaining both quality and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The excitation thickness parameter is changed based on measured subject data, enabling the system to optimize for each individual subject's size and position. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains thin profiles when appropriate while adapting to variations in subject anatomy.
4Measurement precision
If visual inspection is required for setting excitation parameters, then accurate subject assessment is possible, but the operator workload and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual visual inspection with automated projection data acquisition and analysis. Instead of operators visually assessing subjects, the system uses imaging data to objectively measure subject characteristics and automatically determine excitation parameters, maintaining accuracy while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-assessment by automatically analyzing projection data to determine subject characteristics and excitation parameters without operator intervention. This eliminates the need for visual inspection while maintaining accurate subject assessment through automated measurement.
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 enabling accurate and efficient setting of excitation parameters, improving the excitation profile and reducing signal suppression near the imaging area, regardless of subject size or position.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
Implementation Method 2
applying an RF pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires one-dimensional projection data in a phase encoding direction of a subject to be a target of main imaging. The processing circuitry measures a subject thickness in the phase encoding direction using the one-dimensional projection data. The processing circuitry 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.