MRI Thermometry Bubble Detection for Accurate Ablation Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging techniques, such as MRI, face challenges in accurately determining temperature during thermal procedures due to the formation of bubbles which cause phase shifts and distortions, leading to inaccurate temperature measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for detecting and correcting temperature determination by identifying the presence of bubbles using a bubble image library and compensating for their distortion in MRI images, allowing for precise temperature measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI imaging is used to determine temperature during thermal procedures, then temperature measurement capability is provided, but bubble formation causes phase shifts and distortions leading to inaccurate temperature measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent detects bubble-induced phase shifts and magnitude changes in MRI signals, then uses this harmful distortion information to identify bubble locations and correct temperature measurements in affected regions, converting the harmful artifact into useful diagnostic information for improving measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that separates bubble-induced signal variations from true temperature-related signal variations by comparing magnitude and phase information, allowing accurate temperature determination despite the presence of bubbles
2Reliability
If thermal ablation therapy is applied to destroy tissue, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but bubble formation distorts MRI images reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where MRI images are continuously acquired during thermal ablation, bubble-induced distortions are detected in real-time, and temperature measurements are corrected based on detected bubble locations, allowing the therapeutic process to proceed with accurate monitoring despite bubble formation
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
Enables accurate temperature determination by correcting for bubble-induced distortions, ensuring reliable thermal procedures like ablation can be performed with precision.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field gradient coil adapted for spatial encoding of the magnetic spins of nuclei within the imaging volume
Implementation Method 2
a radio frequency system adapted for acquiring magnetic resonance data
Implementation Method 3
a bubble may form in a subject during an ablation procedure. During the ablation procedure, the formation of a bubble may allow or require a determination of a temperature in an area of the bubble and/or adjacent to the bubble. The bubble, and a phase shift in selected image modalities (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging), may create a distortion or artifacts
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system and method to analyze image data. The image data may be used to assist in determine the presence of a feature in the image. The feature may include a bubble.