MRI T1 Map Correction Using Stand-Alone Phantom and Heart Rate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for correcting T1 measurement errors in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using attachable phantoms are inefficient in clinical environments due to the need for precise patient positioning, resulting in a lower success rate.
Innovation Solution
A method employing a stand-alone phantom and heart rate interval to measure and correct T1 values using modified look-locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) and inversion recovery turbo spin echo sequences, with correction functions calculated through polynomial regression to generate a T1 map, allowing pixel-by-pixel error correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an attachable phantom is used to correct T1 measurement errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for precise patient positioning and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the correction function from the attachable phantom approach and embeds it into the MRI system itself. The system automatically acquires phantom images, calculates correction functions based on measured T1 values, and applies these corrections to patient images without requiring manual positioning or alignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The MRI system performs self-correction by automatically acquiring phantom images, calculating correction functions, and applying corrections to patient data. The system serves itself by integrating the correction process into the existing imaging workflow without requiring additional manual intervention or specialized positioning procedures.
2Measurement precision
If an attachable phantom is used to correct T1 measurement errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional positioning and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The MRI system is designed to perform multiple functions using the same hardware components. The phantom imaging capability is integrated into the existing MRI scanner, allowing the system to both image patients and acquire correction data without requiring separate specialized equipment or additional positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the complex positioning and alignment requirements from the correction process by extracting the correction function calculation and application into the MRI system's software. This eliminates the need for additional mechanical positioning devices or alignment tools while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If a stand-alone phantom is used instead of an attachable phantom, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to lack of synchronized imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the measured phantom T1 values to calculate correction functions that are then applied to patient images. The phantom serves as a reference standard, and the system continuously adjusts corrections based on the measured values, ensuring accuracy even when the phantom is positioned separately from the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The phantom imaging and correction function calculation are performed as preliminary actions before patient image correction. By acquiring phantom data first and calculating correction functions in advance, the system ensures that accurate corrections are available when processing patient images, maintaining measurement precision without requiring synchronized imaging.
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 accurately corrects T1 measurement errors in MRI systems using a general type of stand-alone phantom, improving the success rate in clinical environments by considering heart rate intervals.
Implementation Method 1
a T1 map generated by mapping a recovery time according to a reference recovery rate of protons in heart tissues of a subject inverted by a radio frequency (RF) pulse
Implementation Method 2
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been considered as one of the most powerful and non-invasive diagnostic means because it may provide a very excellent anatomical image based on an interaction between molecules surrounding a tissue lattice and a hydrogen atom (proton)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for correcting a magnetic resonance imaging error using a heart rate interval may include: measuring T1 of a stand-alone phantom for correcting the error; obtaining a T1 map generated by mapping a recovery time according to a reference recovery rate of protons in heart tissues of a subject inverted by a radio frequency (RF) pulse in pixel units into a two-dimensional space; calculating a correction function based on the measured T1 of the phantom; and correcting an error of the T1 map based on the calculated correction function.