Multiband DENSE MRI for Simultaneous Multi-Slice Tissue Motion Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D DENSE MRI techniques require prolonged scan times, making them impractical for clinical use, while 2D DENSE imaging lacks volumetric spatial coverage, and conventional multi-slice 2D imaging is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Combining 2D Displacement Encoding with Stimulated Echoes (DENSE) imaging with simultaneous multiband imaging techniques to acquire data from multiple slices simultaneously, using specially designed RF excitation pulses and coil sensitivity information for image reconstruction, achieving scan times equivalent to single-slice 2D imaging with volumetric coverage similar to 3D imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D DENSE MRI technique is used to achieve complete volumetric assessment of tissue motion, then measurement precision and spatial coverage are improved, but scan time increases making it impractical for clinical use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the volumetric imaging task into multiple 2D slices that can be acquired simultaneously using multiband excitation. Instead of acquiring a complete 3D volume sequentially, the method divides the volume into discrete slice groups that are excited and acquired in parallel, maintaining quantitative accuracy while reducing scan time to match single-slice acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential 3D volumetric acquisition to simultaneous multi-slice 2D acquisition by adding the multiband dimension. This allows multiple spatial locations to be imaged at the same time, effectively converting a time-consuming 3D problem into a parallel 2D problem that achieves volumetric coverage without the time penalty.
2Productivity
If conventional 2D DENSE imaging is used to reduce scan time, then productivity is improved, but volumetric spatial coverage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple 2D slice acquisitions into a single simultaneous multi-slice experiment using multiband RF excitation. By combining several 2D DENSE sequences into one acquisition, the method achieves volumetric spatial coverage comparable to 3D imaging while maintaining the fast scan times characteristic of 2D techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiband excitation to add a temporal dimension to 2D imaging, allowing multiple slices to be acquired in parallel rather than sequentially. This dimensional change enables simultaneous multi-slice acquisition that provides volumetric coverage without sacrificing the speed advantage of 2D methods.
3Volume of stationary object
If multiple 2D slices are acquired sequentially to provide spatial coverage, then volume of stationary object is improved, but scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spatial coverage requirement into multiple slice groups that can be acquired simultaneously. By dividing the total volume into discrete slice sets and exciting them in parallel using multiband techniques, the method achieves complete spatial coverage without the time penalty of sequential acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces parallel acquisition capability by using multiband RF excitation, which allows multiple slice locations to be imaged at the same time. This dimensional change from sequential to parallel acquisition maintains volumetric spatial coverage while dramatically reducing the time required to acquire all slices.
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 allows for rapid and accurate quantitative assessment of tissue displacement, deformation, and mechanics indices, such as strain, twist, and torsion, while maintaining short scan times and providing comprehensive spatial coverage, enhancing clinical applications like heart and brain motion analysis.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring, by the processor, a multiband calibration scan with a radio-frequency (RF) excitation pulse, to individually excite each of the plurality of prescribed slices one at a time
Implementation Method 2
Displacement Encoding with Stimulated Echoes (DENSE) is an MRI technique for quantitative imaging of tissue motion. This technique encodes tissue displacement into the phase of the magnetic resonance (MR) signal.
Implementation Method 3
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used for this purpose
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique in which the two-dimensional (2D) Displacement Encoding with Stimulated Echoes (DENSE) imaging technique and the multiband technique are combined to provide a 2D multi-slice quantitative assessment of displacement, deformation, and mechanics indices of tissue. The scan time is equivalent to the short scan time of the conventional single slice 2D imaging while providing spatial volumetric coverage similar to three-dimensional (3D) imaging. The techniques are combined in both the sequence (i.e., data acquisition) and reconstruction sides. Quantification of tissue displacement and motion is achieved through the combination and further evaluation of tissue mechanical properties is provided by calculating different indices based on the displacement and motion values.