MRI Scan Nesting Optimization via Magnetization Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI scan nesting methods are not optimized, leading to suboptimal imaging results due to unpredictable inter-slice interference and varying longitudinal magnetization strengths, which affect the quality and consistency of MRI scans.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the optimal MRI scan nesting manner by simulating various nesting patterns, calculating longitudinal magnetization strengths after relaxation for each slice, and selecting the pattern with the smoothest magnetization distribution using a turbo spin echo sequence, ensuring the highest mean value and smallest variance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a nested scan manner is used to reduce scan time, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to unpredictable inter-slice interference and varying longitudinal magnetization strengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary simulation of different nesting manners before actual scanning to predict longitudinal magnetization strengths and identify the optimal nesting pattern. This preliminary calculation of magnetization values for each slice under various nesting schemes allows selection of the best pattern before actual image acquisition, ensuring both efficiency and quality consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the nesting parameters (incremental slice numbers, grouping patterns) to optimize the scan manner. By calculating and comparing different nesting parameter configurations, the system identifies the pattern that produces the smoothest longitudinal magnetization distribution, thereby maintaining imaging quality while improving scan efficiency.
2Loss of time
If nested scanning is performed without optimization, then scan time is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inter-slice interference affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses calculated longitudinal magnetization strength values as feedback to evaluate different nesting manners. By comparing the magnetization values obtained from simulations of various nesting patterns, the system provides feedback on which pattern produces the most uniform magnetization distribution, thereby selecting the reliable optimal pattern for actual scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of nesting patterns through simulation and calculation of magnetization strengths before actual scanning. This preliminary action identifies the optimal nesting manner that minimizes interference effects, ensuring reliable image quality while achieving time reduction through nested scanning.
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 allows for the identification of the optimal MRI scan nesting manner, reducing inter-slice interference and enhancing the quality and consistency of MRI scans by selecting the nesting pattern that minimizes variations in longitudinal magnetization strengths, thereby improving imaging results.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency (RF) pulse of a specific frequency is applied to a human body in a static magnetic field, such that hydrogen protons in the human body are excited and experience the phenomenon of magnetic resonance
Implementation Method 2
a 180° phase refocusing pulse is emitted after an interval of a few milliseconds to a few tens of milliseconds, then an echo signal is measured
Implementation Method 3
The generation of a spin echo uses a 180° complex phase pulse. With regard to gradient echo generation, forward/reverse switching of the readout gradient field direction is used after one RF excitation to generate a gradient echo
Implementation Method 4
after one RF excitation, successive forward/reverse switching of the readout gradient field is utilized, and one gradient echo is generated each time switching is performed
Implementation Method 5
The T1 relaxation time describes the speed at which the two-energy-level population in the spin system goes to thermal equilibrium from the start
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and system for determining an optimal MRI scan nesting manner, selectable nesting manners are determined according to a preset number of simulated scan slices; one nesting manner from all the selectable nesting manners is sequentially selected; based on the selected nesting manner, a simulated MRI scan is performed using a preset pulse sequence, and a longitudinal magnetization strength after relaxation of each slice when scanning ends is calculated; when all nesting manners have been selected, based on the longitudinal magnetization strength after relaxation of each slice when scanning ends corresponding to each nesting manner, a nesting manner for which the longitudinal magnetization strength after relaxation is smoothest is selected, and the nesting manner is used as an optimal nesting manner for performing an MRI scan of the tissue.