MRI Scan Sequencing via Patient Sleep State Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patient motion during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) leads to image artifacts, resulting in poor image quality, missed small lesions, and the need for repeated scans, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A control system for MRI that includes a monitor module to track a patient's sleep state using sensor data, and a sequencing module that dynamically adjusts the scan sequence based on the patient's sleep state and a sleep-appropriateness score for each scan, thereby optimizing image quality and reducing scan time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If patient motion is addressed by external sensors or data-driven motion detection, then image quality is improved, but scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the patient's own sleep state to solve the motion problem. By monitoring physiological parameters (breathing, heart rate) and determining sleep state automatically, the system enables the patient to remain still naturally through sleep rather than requiring external intervention or active cooperation, thereby improving image quality without extending scan time
Solution Approach 2:
The scan sequence is dynamically adjusted based on real-time sleep state monitoring. The system transitions from static pre-planned sequences to dynamic sequencing that adapts to the patient's sleep state, performing scans during sleep periods when motion artifacts are minimized, thus improving image quality while maintaining efficient scan timing
2Manufacturing precision
If patient motion is minimized by immobilization or sedation, then image quality is improved, but device complexity or patient safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for staff intervention in positioning or sedation by having the patient fall asleep naturally during the scan. The automated sleep state monitoring and dynamic sequencing allow the examination to proceed with minimal staff involvement, improving image quality while reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Physical immobilization devices or sedation protocols are replaced with a physiological approach using natural sleep. The system substitutes mechanical or pharmacological constraints with a biological state (sleep) that naturally reduces motion, thereby improving image quality without adding device complexity or safety risks
3Manufacturing precision
If scans are repeated due to motion artifacts, then image quality is maintained, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sleep state assessment and planning before the actual scanning begins. By evaluating the patient's sleep propensity and pre-arranging the scan sequence to coincide with expected sleep periods, the system ensures that scans are acquired during optimal conditions, improving image quality while maintaining high productivity through careful advance planning
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a control system (126) for a magnetic resonance imaging system (100). The control system comprises a control module (250) configured to control the magnetic resonance imaging system to perform an examination comprising multiple scans. The control system further comprises a monitor module (252) configured to monitor a sleep state of a patient on the basis of sensor data received from a patient state sensing system (102) of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The control system further comprises a sequencing module (254) configured dynamically to determine at least part of a sequence in which the control module is to control the magnetic resonance imaging system to perform the scans, the determination being made according to the monitored sleep state of the patient and according to a sleep-appropriateness score associated with one or more of the scans. A corresponding method is also provided.