MRI T1 Imaging Compensation for Incomplete Magnetization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI technologies face challenges in accurately obtaining T1 distribution images of the heart, which are crucial for identifying myocardial infarction, due to incomplete inversion or saturation of longitudinal magnetization, leading to suboptimal image contrast and diagnostic accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus employs a processing circuit to compensate for incomplete inversion or saturation by applying inversion recovery or saturation pulses in synchronization with biological signals, such as ECG, and varying the timing of data acquisition to improve the accuracy of T1 distribution image generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inversion recovery pulse or saturation pulse is applied to acquire magnetic resonance signal, then T1 distribution image can be obtained for myocardial infarction identification, but incomplete inversion or saturation of longitudinal magnetization occurs leading to reduced image contrast and diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curve fitting with inversion efficiency compensation where the processing circuit iteratively adjusts the inversion efficiency parameter to match the acquired signal data. The curve fitting process provides feedback on the actual inversion performance, allowing the system to compensate for incomplete inversion and accurately determine T1 values even when inversion efficiency is less than 100%.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by introducing inversion efficiency as a variable parameter in the curve fitting model. Instead of assuming perfect inversion, the system models the actual inversion efficiency as a parameter to be determined, allowing accurate T1 measurement despite imperfect pulse application. This parameter change transforms the problem from one requiring perfect inversion to one that can accommodate realistic pulse imperfections.
2Measurement precision
If inversion recovery pulse or saturation pulse is applied to acquire magnetic resonance signal, then T1 distribution image can be obtained for myocardial infarction identification, but incomplete inversion or saturation of longitudinal magnetization occurs leading to suboptimal image contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The curve fitting process provides feedback on the actual magnetization state after pulse application. By comparing the acquired signal with the modeled recovery curve that includes inversion efficiency as a parameter, the system can determine the actual contrast characteristics and adjust the T1 calculation to reflect the true tissue properties despite imperfect pulse application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the image contrast problem by changing from assuming ideal pulse parameters to modeling actual pulse performance parameters. The inversion efficiency parameter captures the real-world deviations in pulse application, allowing the system to calculate accurate T1 values and maintain optimal image contrast for distinguishing infarcted from normal myocardium.
3Ease of manufacture
If curve fitting is performed without inversion efficiency compensation, then processing is simpler, but T1 distribution image accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the curve fitting model by adding inversion efficiency as an additional parameter. This parameter change allows the model to account for imperfect pulse application while maintaining a relatively simple computational approach. The processing circuit performs curve fitting with this additional parameter to accurately determine T1 values without requiring complex alternative processing methods.
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 accuracy of T1 distribution imaging by compensating for inefficiencies in pulse applications, allowing for clearer differentiation between normal and infarcted myocardial tissue, thereby improving diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
acquire a magnetic resonance signal after applying an inversion recovery pulse or a saturation pulse
Implementation Method 2
compensating an incomplete saturation of a longitudinal magnetization resulting from a saturation efficiency of the saturation pulse
Implementation Method 3
a static field magnet, a gradient coil, at least one radio frequency coil and a processing circuit
Implementation Method 4
a static field magnet, a gradient coil, at least one radio frequency coil and a processing circuit
Implementation Method 5
magnetically excites nuclear spins of an object set in a static magnetic field with RF (radio frequency) signals having the Larmor frequency and reconstructs images based on MR (magnetic resonance) signals generated due to the excitation
Implementation Method 6
processing for compensating an incomplete inversion of a longitudinal magnetization resulting from an inversion efficiency of the inversion recovery pulse
Implementation Method 7
processing for compensating an incomplete saturation of a longitudinal magnetization resulting from a saturation efficiency of the saturation pulse
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a data acquiring part and a processing circuit. The data acquiring part is configured to acquire a magnetic resonance signal after applying an inversion recovery pulse or a saturation pulse. The processing circuit generates magnetic resonance examination data based on the magnetic resonance signal, by data processing including processing for compensating an incomplete inversion of a longitudinal magnetization resulting from an inversion efficiency of the inversion recovery pulse or processing for compensating an incomplete saturation of a longitudinal magnetization resulting from a saturation efficiency of the saturation pulse.