MRI T1 Map Acquisition Using Cine Imaging During Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The MOLLI method for acquiring T1 maps in MRI requires multiple heartbeats for longitudinal magnetization recovery, leading to inefficiencies in cardiac examination time and patient burden due to unnecessary wait times without data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A single imaging protocol that utilizes the wait time after relaxation measurement for acquiring cine images from a second slice, which does not overlap with the region of interest of the first slice, allowing for simultaneous T1 map and cine image acquisition without extending examination time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the MOLLI method is used to acquire T1 maps with sufficient precision, then measurement precision is improved, but examination time increases due to required wait times for longitudinal magnetization recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates idle wait times by continuously acquiring cine image data during the longitudinal magnetization recovery period. Instead of leaving the system idle during the T1 recovery phase, the imaging system continuously collects data from a second slice, ensuring that every moment of the examination contributes to useful diagnostic information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the imaging protocol by acquiring data from multiple slices at different time points. While the first slice undergoes T1 recovery, the system simultaneously acquires cine data from a second slice, effectively utilizing the time dimension to gather additional diagnostic information without extending the overall examination duration.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate protocols are used for T1 map acquisition and cine imaging, then measurement precision for each is maintained, but device complexity and examination time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate imaging protocols (T1 map acquisition and cine imaging) into a single integrated protocol. By combining these protocols, the system maintains the measurement precision of both techniques while reducing overall complexity and eliminating the need for separate examination sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system performs multiple functions simultaneously within a single protocol execution. The first slice acquisition serves T1 map purposes while the second slice acquisition provides cine imaging, making the protocol universal and multi-functional rather than requiring specialized separate sequences for each diagnostic goal.
3Measurement precision
If wait time is inserted for longitudinal magnetization recovery, then T1 measurement precision is secured, but productivity decreases due to inability to acquire data during wait time
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous data acquisition throughout the entire examination period, including during the longitudinal magnetization recovery phase. By acquiring cine image data from a second slice during what would traditionally be idle wait time, the system ensures uninterrupted productive operation and maximizes data collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging protocol serves itself by using the recovery period of the first slice to acquire additional diagnostic data from a second slice. The system effectively utilizes its own idle time resources to generate additional useful output, improving overall productivity without requiring external intervention or extending examination time.
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 reduces the total examination time by half, enhancing examination efficiency and reducing patient load by integrating T1 map and cine image acquisition within the same protocol, eliminating the need for prolonged breath-holds.
Implementation Method 1
when a group of target atomic nucleus spins is placed in a magnetic field, the target atomic nucleus spins resonate with a radio frequency magnetic field that rotates at a specific frequency (resonance frequency) corresponding to an inherent magnetic moment of the target atomic nucleus spins and an existing magnetic field intensity
Implementation Method 2
a wait time of plural heartbeats needs to be inserted for sufficiently waiting for recovery of longitudinal magnetization after acquisition in one-time Look-Locker
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes control circuitry. The control circuitry executes, by a single protocol, acquisition of a distribution of a T1 relaxation time with a first slice as a target, and acquisition of a different kind from the distribution of the T1 relaxation time with a second slice as a target which neither overlaps nor crosses a region of interest of the first slice.