MRT Parameter Dataset Optimization via Dynamic Coil Channel Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Setting optimal parameters for magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) examinations is time-consuming and requires significant expertise, and existing methods are inefficient due to limited system resources and safety constraints, leading to potential equipment wear and prolonged examination times.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that imports intended parameters, calculates required system resources, and dynamically modifies them to ensure feasibility within current system constraints, particularly by reducing coil channels to meet memory and power limits, using a prepare function and modifying function to determine a valid parameter dataset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If parameters are set manually by medical personnel, then parameter optimization can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires significant expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary simulation of the MRT sequence execution before the actual examination to determine valid parameter datasets in advance. The processor simulates the sequence run with imported parameters, checks system resource requirements, and identifies feasible parameter combinations before the patient arrives, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual parameter setting during the examination process
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically imports parameters, simulates sequence execution, calculates system resource requirements, and determines valid parameter datasets without requiring manual intervention by medical personnel. The automated process includes importing parameters, simulating sequence runs, checking memory space requirements, and outputting optimized parameter datasets independently
2Reliability
If simulation-based parameter determination is performed, then parameter validity can be ensured, but the repeated searching for optimal parameters is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the simulation and parameter validation in advance before the actual MRT examination. By determining valid parameter datasets beforehand through simulated sequence runs, the system ensures parameter reliability while avoiding time-consuming repeated searches during the actual examination process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the simulated sequence execution to identify which parameter datasets are valid and which are not. The simulation provides feedback on memory space requirements and system resource usage, allowing the system to automatically adjust and identify feasible parameter combinations without repeated trial-and-error searches
3Productivity
If multiple coil channels are used, then acquisition time is reduced, but system resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of coil channels based on available system resources. The simulation determines the optimal number of coil channels that can be used given the current memory space availability, allowing the system to maximize acquisition speed while staying within resource constraints. The parameter dataset is adapted dynamically to match system capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters such as the number of coil channels, repetition time, and echo time based on the simulation results and available system resources. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes the balance between acquisition speed and memory space requirements, ensuring that faster acquisition methods are used only when system resources permit
4Adaptability or versatility
If parameters exceed limit values, then examination flexibility is improved, but equipment wear and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system checks parameter validity against safety limits and equipment constraints in advance through simulation. By determining whether parameters exceed limit values before the actual examination, the system prevents equipment wear and safety risks while maintaining examination flexibility within safe operating parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action to prevent harmful effects by checking parameters against defined limit values before execution. The simulation identifies parameter combinations that would exceed safety limits or cause equipment wear, and these are excluded from the valid parameter datasets, preventing harmful effects before they can occur
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus are provided for determining a valid parameter dataset for a protocol for an MRT examination by a MRT facility. The apparatus includes an input facility for importing a set of parameters to be used for performing the MRT examination; an interface for capturing at least one system value which represents an availability of a system resource for the MRT examination; a processor for calculating system resources required to perform the MRT examination using the imported parameters, and for executing a prepare function, which checks whether, with regard to the captured system values, the imported parameters are implementable in the MRT examination. If the parameters are not implementable, the processor is configured to calculate a modifying function for modifying the imported parameters based on the current system values and the required system resources and modify the imported parameters in accordance with the calculated modifying function.