MRI Simultaneous Multi-Slice Imaging Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simultaneous multi-slice imaging in MRI struggles to improve noise levels without compromising image contrast, particularly in applications like echo-planar diffusion imaging and functional imaging, due to limitations in repetition time and signal separation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves acquiring MR data from multiple volume elements simultaneously by specifying planned and additional volume elements, increasing the distance between them to enhance signal separation and reduce noise, using techniques like Hadamard coding, simultaneous echo refocusing, broadband data acquisition, and parallel imaging, while optimizing acquisition parameters to maintain image quality and contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the repetition time TR is reduced to acquire multiple slabs simultaneously in shorter time, then productivity is improved, but image contrast deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total measurement time by introducing multiple measurement passes, where each pass acquires data for a subset of slabs. This allows the repetition time TR to be maintained at appropriate lengths for contrast while still achieving accelerated overall acquisition through parallel processing across multiple passes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic measurement passes, repeating the acquisition process multiple times with different slab combinations. This periodic structure allows maintaining proper TR intervals within each pass for contrast preservation while achieving faster total acquisition through the periodic repetition of optimized measurement sequences.
2Productivity
If the number of simultaneously acquired slabs is increased, then productivity is improved, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the set of simultaneously acquired slabs into smaller groups within each measurement pass. By limiting the number of slabs excited simultaneously in each pass while using multiple passes to cover all slabs, the noise level from simultaneous acquisition is reduced while still achieving accelerated overall measurement through the segmented multi-pass approach.
3Manufacturing precision
If the repetition time TR is made comparable to T1, then image contrast is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total acquisition into multiple measurement passes, each acquiring data for fewer slabs with properly optimized TR times for contrast. This segmentation allows maintaining TR comparable to T1 within each pass while reducing the total number of sequential measurements needed, thereby improving overall productivity without sacrificing contrast quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary planning of measurement passes to optimize the distribution of slab acquisitions across multiple passes. This preliminary organization allows maximizing the use of each measurement pass with appropriately timed TR intervals, achieving both contrast preservation and reduced total acquisition time through optimized scheduling.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the acquisition of MR data from a volume segment of a study object (13) using a magnetic resonance imaging system (10). A set of several planned volume elements (1-8) within the volume segment is specified, and MR data are to be acquired from each of these planned volume elements (1-8). Furthermore, conditions (TR, T) are specified that must be met when acquiring the MR data from the planned volume elements (1-8). Depending on the planned volume elements (1-8) and the conditions (TR, T), a set of additional volume elements (X1-X4) is determined. The MR data are acquired by simultaneously acquiring the MR data from at least two volume elements (X1, 5; X2, 6; 3, X3; 4, X4), wherein the at least two volume elements comprise one volume element (3-6) from the set of planned volume elements (1-8) and one volume element (X1-X4) from the set of additional volume elements (X1-X4).In a preferred embodiment, a simultaneous multi-slice imaging (SMS) method is performed.