MRI Time Management for Contrast Imaging Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatuses cannot efficiently manage time and imaging conditions to combine multiple imaging series or switch between patients during contrast medium imaging, leading to idle time wastage and increased patient burden.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus incorporates a time management system that measures and displays the lapse time after contrast medium injection, allowing for the division of imaging series into sub-series and automatic control of imaging start times, enabling the insertion of additional imaging series during idle time and efficient patient switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional MRI apparatus performs time management and imaging condition management separately for each series, then each series can be managed independently, but the total imaging time increases and idle time cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges time management and imaging condition management into a unified system that handles multiple series simultaneously. The management device integrates scheduling information from multiple series and automatically determines optimal start times by considering both time constraints and imaging conditions, thereby eliminating idle time and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts imaging start times based on real-time scheduling information and constraints. Rather than fixed separate management, the system continuously optimizes the timing of multiple series by considering absorption timing of contrast media and imaging conditions, allowing flexible insertion of series during previously idle periods.
2Ease of operation
If conventional MRI apparatus cannot insert imaging series into other series, then imaging conditions for each series can be maintained, but the burden on patients increases and total imaging time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple series that can be independently managed and inserted into appropriate time slots. By dividing the overall imaging protocol into separable series with specific start time requirements, the system can rearrange and overlap series to reduce patient waiting time while maintaining required imaging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous utilization of imaging resources by eliminating idle time between series. Through automatic scheduling that considers contrast media absorption timing and imaging conditions, the apparatus continuously performs useful imaging actions without unnecessary interruptions or patient waiting periods.
3Extent of automation
If MRI apparatus requires manual time management with stopwatch, then flexibility in managing multiple patients is possible, but operational complexity increases and time management accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The management device performs self-service by automatically calculating optimal start times for multiple series based on input scheduling information and constraints. The system autonomously determines timing without requiring manual stopwatch operations, reducing operational complexity while improving accuracy through automated computation of absorption timing and series scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the management device receives scheduling information from multiple series, processes constraints and conditions, and outputs optimized start times. This closed-loop approach allows the system to adapt to different imaging scenarios while maintaining automated time management, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that performs a contrast medium imaging, comprising a time management part that measures and manages a lapse time after injection of a contrast medium, a setting part that sets a start time of a second-half imaging in the form of a lapse time after injection of contrast medium, the second-half imaging being performed a predetermined idle time after a first-half imaging and the first-half imaging being performed after injection of the contrast medium, and a display part that displays at least the lapse time measured by the time management part and the start time set by the setting part.