MRI Apparatus Tissue Parameter Estimation for Contrast Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI systems face challenges in obtaining optimal contrast images efficiently, particularly for lesions, as they often require additional imaging and longer examination times due to the need to adjust multiple imaging parameters like TR, TE, and FA, which can compromise image quality, especially for high-resolution or three-dimensional imaging.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus employs processing circuitry to perform initial imaging to derive quantitative values of tissue, such as T1 and T2 relaxation times, and then uses these values to estimate and display an image that can be acquired with optimized imaging parameters, allowing for real-time adjustment and recalculation of imaging conditions to achieve desired contrast without increasing overall imaging time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple imaging parameters are adjusted to obtain optimal contrast images for lesions, then image quality is improved, but examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary imaging to acquire multiple sets of image data with different imaging parameters before final diagnosis. This preliminary action allows the calculation of tissue-specific parameters (T1, T2, proton density) in advance, so that optimal contrast images can be generated later without requiring additional scanning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates calculated images that are synthetic copies of what would be obtained from actual imaging with specific parameters. By calculating what the image would look like with optimal parameters based on preliminary data, the system avoids the need to perform additional actual imaging scans, thus saving time while maintaining image quality.
2Measurement precision
If additional imaging is performed to optimize contrast for specific lesions, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes imaging parameters (TR, TE, inversion time) based on calculated tissue-specific parameters to optimize contrast for different lesion types. By automatically adjusting these parameters according to the calculated T1, T2, and proton density values, the system achieves high diagnostic accuracy without requiring manual trial-and-error imaging sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the calculated tissue parameters to automatically determine the optimal imaging parameters for contrast optimization. The calculated T1, T2, and proton density values provide feedback that guides the selection of imaging parameters, eliminating the need for additional empirical imaging and improving imaging efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If imaging parameters are optimized for high-resolution or three-dimensional imaging, then image quality is improved, but examination time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary imaging with a reduced number of sequences to acquire sufficient data for calculating tissue parameters. This preliminary action provides the necessary information for contrast optimization without requiring the full set of high-resolution or three-dimensional imaging sequences, thus significantly reducing imaging time while maintaining image quality.
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 enables the acquisition of images with optimal contrast for lesion depiction, reducing imaging time and maintaining high image quality, even for high-resolution or three-dimensional images, by allowing for precise adjustment of imaging parameters based on calculated tissue values.
Implementation Method 1
the nuclear spins resonate with a radio frequency magnetic field that rotates at a certain frequency (referred to as a resonance frequency) corresponding to the unique magnetic moment of the nuclear spins and the intensity of a magnetic field in which the nuclear spins exist
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry performs first imaging to acquire multiple magnetic resonance signals that are used to derive a quantitative value of tissue. The processing circuitry derives a quantitative value of tissue on the basis of the multiple magnetic resonance signals. The processing circuitry displays, on a display, an estimated image obtained by estimating, through a calculation, an image to be obtained by performing second imaging different from the first imaging on the basis of the derived quantitative value of tissue. The processing circuitry acquires an image by performing the second imaging in which an imaging parameter corresponding to the estimated image is set.