MRI Urinary Tract Functional Assessment via Time-Resolved Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing urinary tract function, such as multi-channel urodynamic studies, are invasive, require specialized equipment and trained staff, and provide limited anatomic information, making them unsuitable for comprehensive and non-invasive evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and method that uses time-resolved, three-dimensional data to generate functional metrics through computational fluid dynamics models, providing non-invasive assessment of urinary tract function with detailed anatomic information, including metrics like bladder contractility and outlet obstruction indices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multi-channel urodynamic studies are used to assess bladder function, then pressure and flow measurements can be obtained, but the procedure is invasive and uncomfortable for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical catheter-based pressure measurement system with a magnetic resonance imaging system that uses magnetic fields and radio frequency pulses to non-invasively measure bladder pressure and urinary flow. The MRI system captures images of the bladder and surrounding structures, and computational algorithms derive pressure and flow metrics without physical contact with the patient's urinary tract.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces MRI imaging as an intermediary between the patient and the measurement process. Instead of directly inserting sensors into the bladder, the system uses magnetic resonance signals to indirectly measure bladder pressure, volume, and flow characteristics through imaging and computational analysis of tissue displacement and fluid movement.
2Measurement precision
If multi-channel urodynamic studies are performed, then functional metrics can be measured, but anatomic information is extremely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges anatomical imaging and functional measurement into a single integrated MRI-based system. The MRI scanner simultaneously captures detailed anatomical images of the urinary tract structures and functional data about bladder pressure, volume, and flow. Computational algorithms then integrate these datasets to provide both structural and functional assessment in one procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the MRI system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both anatomical imaging and functional urodynamics measurement. The same imaging hardware and software platform provides comprehensive information about urinary tract structure, bladder function, and their relationship, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment.
3Measurement precision
If multi-channel urodynamic studies are used, then bladder function can be assessed, but specialized equipment and trained staff are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing MRI system, which is already widely available in clinical settings for other purposes, to perform urodynamic studies. This eliminates the need for specialized urodynamic equipment and highly specialized staff, as radiologists and MRI technicians can perform the studies using their existing skills and the scanner's standard capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated computational algorithms that process the MRI data and generate urodynamic measurements without requiring manual intervention or specialized expertise. The system automatically segments bladder images, tracks volume changes, calculates pressure, and produces flow metrics, making the process self-sufficient and reducing dependency on specialized personnel.
4Measurement precision
If invasive procedures are used to obtain comprehensive urinary tract information, then diagnostic accuracy can be improved, but patient comfort and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical catheter insertion with non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging. The MRI system uses magnetic fields and radio frequency waves to obtain comprehensive diagnostic information about the urinary tract without physical intrusion, maintaining diagnostic accuracy while dramatically improving patient comfort and procedural accessibility.
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
The MRI-based system offers a non-invasive, comprehensive evaluation of urinary tract function, matching and exceeding the gold-standard of clinical care with detailed anatomic and functional information, facilitating clinical decision-making without the need for invasive procedures or specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet system configured to generate a static magnetic field (BO) about at least a portion of a subject
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of gradient coils configured to apply magnetic gradients to the static magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
a radio frequency (RF) system configured to apply an excitation field to the subject and acquire time-resolved, three-dimensional (3D) MR image data
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method includes receiving time-resolved images of a urinary tract of a subject as a bladder of the urinary tract begins, continues through, and completes a dynamic process involving a bladder and segmenting the time-resolved images of the urinary tract to identify boundaries of anatomical structures of the urinary tract. The method further includes performing a surface mapping of the boundaries of the anatomical structures to produce a consistent set of mapped anatomical structures across the time-resolved images, using a flow model and the consistent set of mapped anatomical structures, calculating metrics describing function of the urinary tract during the dynamic process, and generating a report using the metrics describing function of the urinary tract during the dynamic process.