MRI Scan Parameter Optimization Using Preliminary Reference Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are typically longer than other imaging techniques, which can lead to reduced image quality in shorter scans and increased time required to treat multiple patients.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two MRI scans: a high-quality first scan to obtain initial image data, which is then used to determine parameters for a lower-quality second scan, reducing the data volume needed and potentially shortening the scan time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-quality MRI scan is performed, then image quality is improved, but scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
A preliminary high-quality MRI scan is performed to obtain reference image data and determine anatomical structures. This preliminary action enables subsequent scans to use optimized parameters and reduced data acquisition, thereby reducing scan time while maintaining diagnostic quality through the reference information obtained in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using the initial high-quality scan data to determine optimized scanning parameters for subsequent scans. These parameter changes include adjusting field of view, matrix size, and acquisition settings based on the preliminary anatomical information, enabling reduced scan time while maintaining necessary image quality
2Productivity
If scan time is reduced, then patient throughput increases, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The initial high-quality scan serves as a preliminary action that establishes reference data for subsequent scans. This allows follow-up scans to use reduced parameters and shorter acquisition times while still providing diagnostic information, thereby increasing patient throughput without significant loss of image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the initial high-quality scan as a reference copy to guide subsequent scanning. By copying anatomical information and using it to plan reduced-parameter scans, the system maintains diagnostic quality while reducing scan time, thus improving patient throughput
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 the efficiency of MRI scans by allowing for lower-quality scans in follow-up procedures, thereby reducing overall scan time and improving the throughput of patient imaging.
Implementation Method 1
To trigger so-called nuclear magnetic resonances, radio-frequency excitation pulses are radiated into the scanning target. Every radio-frequency excitation pulse causes certain nuclear spins of the scanning target to deviate from the basic magnetic field by an amount that is also known as the flip angle.
Implementation Method 2
the scanning target is positioned in a strong, static and homogeneous basic magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner
Implementation Method 3
Magnetic gradient fields can be superimposed on the basic magnetic field for spatial encoding of the nuclear magnetic resonances of the scanning target
Data Source
AI summary
A method of scanning an organ structure of a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, includes scanning, in a first scanning process, the patient to obtain first image data indicative of at least the organ structure of the patient. The method further includes determining, based on the first image data, one or more parameters obtain second image data indicative of at least the organ structure of the patient. The first scanning process includes a first quality of imaging scan, the second scanning process includes a second quality of imaging scan, and the first quality of imaging scan is higher than the second quality of imaging scan.