Multiband MRI System for Non-Rigid Target Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques lack sufficient accuracy for determining the position and non-rigid transformation of therapeutic targets, especially when treating or imaging organs like the pancreas that deform significantly during breathing, as they primarily rely on navigators which provide insufficient information for precise positioning and deformation analysis.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging system that applies a multiband sequence to simultaneously acquire data from multiple slices, using prior knowledge of the structure and its surroundings to determine if the target is within a predefined region of interest, allowing for both rigid and non-rigid transformation detection, and guiding therapy through precise positioning and shape estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a navigator is used to obtain information of the subject's breathing phase, then some information about the position of a structure of interest is provided, but the information is insufficient when higher accuracy of position determination is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring task into multiple independent slice acquisitions. Instead of using a single navigator, the system acquires multiple slices at different locations simultaneously, each providing independent position information. This segmentation allows for more comprehensive and accurate position determination of the structure of interest throughout the region of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point navigator monitoring to multi-slice spatial monitoring. By acquiring multiple slices at different locations along the patient's body, the system adds spatial dimensionality to the position monitoring, enabling more accurate three-dimensional position determination of the structure of interest.
2Measurement precision
If a navigator is used for motion gating, then information about breathing phase is obtained, but non-rigid transformation information is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the region of interest into multiple slices and acquires them simultaneously. By comparing the positions and shapes of anatomical structures across multiple slices, the system can detect non-rigid transformations and deformations that a single navigator cannot capture. This is particularly important for organs like the pancreas that undergo complex deformations during breathing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in multiple parameters across multiple slices, including position, shape, and orientation of anatomical structures. By tracking these parameter changes simultaneously in multiple locations, the system can detect and analyze non-rigid transformations that occur during breathing and other physiological motions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple slices are acquired simultaneously using multiband sequence, then position determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multiband imaging sequence that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acquires multiple slices at different locations, provides position information, detects motion, and enables real-time monitoring. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate imaging sequences and navigators into a single unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous simultaneous acquisition of multiple slices throughout the imaging process. This continuous multi-slice monitoring provides uninterrupted position and motion information, eliminating the need for intermittent navigator acquisitions and enabling real-time adaptive gating and tracking throughout the procedure.
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 enhances the accuracy of position determination and deformation analysis, enabling more precise targeting and treatment delivery by allowing for real-time adjustment and selection of therapy plans based on the target's position and shape, reducing treatment delivery times and ensuring adequate dose distribution while minimizing exposure to organs at risk.
Implementation Method 1
applying a multiband magnetic resonance imaging sequence in order to simultaneously acquire a first slice of magnetic resonance data from a first slice location and a second slice of magnetic resonance data from a second and different slice location
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining whether a structure of interest is within a predefined region of interest. An example embodiment of a method includes applying a multiband magnetic resonance imaging sequence in order to simultaneously acquire a first slice of magnetic resonance data from a first slice location and a second slice of magnetic resonance data from a second and different slice location. The first slice is positioned near a first side of the region of interest and the second slice is positioned near a second side of the region of interest. The method further includes determining based on the first and second slice of magnetic resonance data and prior knowledge about at least one of the structure of interest and its surroundings whether the structure of interest is within the region of interest.