Simultaneous Multi-Slice Diffusion MRI via Frequency Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diffusion imaging techniques require excessive time to complete, increasing imaging costs and reducing the likelihood of successful patient treatment or research due to the sequential excitation of cross sections.
Innovation Solution
A diffusion imaging method that simultaneously excites multiple cross sections using a wideband RF signal with multiple frequency bands, applying diffusion and spatial encoding gradients to acquire magnetic resonance signals, and computationally determining diffusion images based on the gyromagnetic ratio of nuclei types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential excitation of cross sections is used, then imaging precision is maintained, but imaging time becomes excessive and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process by assigning different frequency bands to different cross sections. Each frequency band is selectively excited to image a specific cross section, allowing simultaneous acquisition of multiple slices without interference. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple cross sections while maintaining individual imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency dimension to differentiate between multiple cross sections. By mapping spatial position (cross section location) to frequency bands, the system can simultaneously excite and acquire signals from multiple cross sections along the frequency axis, transforming a sequential spatial process into a parallel frequency-multiplexed process.
2Reliability
If sequential excitation of cross sections is used, then signal quality is maintained, but imaging time increases and loss of time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic resonance signal into multiple frequency bands, where each band corresponds to a specific cross section. This segmentation allows simultaneous excitation and acquisition of multiple cross sections in parallel, dramatically reducing total imaging time while preserving signal quality through dedicated frequency allocation for each slice.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous acquisition of multiple cross sections simultaneously through frequency-multiplexed excitation. Instead of sequentially completing one cross section before moving to the next, the system performs useful imaging actions on multiple cross sections concurrently, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive operation throughout the imaging sequence.
3Productivity
If wideband RF signals are used to simultaneously excite multiple cross sections, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal wideband RF transmission system that can simultaneously generate and transmit multiple frequency bands through a single apparatus. This multi-functional RF system eliminates the need for separate excitation systems for each cross section, reducing overall device complexity while enabling simultaneous multi-cross-section imaging and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses frequency bands as intermediaries to manage the complexity of simultaneous multi-cross-section imaging. By introducing frequency as an intermediary dimension, the system can systematically organize and separate signals from different cross sections, simplifying the control architecture and signal processing requirements while enabling parallel acquisition.
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 significantly reduces imaging time, enhances diagnostic efficiency, and allows for more accurate and complete observation of physiological activities by simultaneously acquiring MR images for different nuclei types, thereby improving clinical precision and disease tracking.
Implementation Method 1
applying an excitation radio frequency signal and a selection gradient. The excitation radio frequency signal includes a first set of frequency bands selected to simultaneously excite a first nuclei type in a plurality of cross sections
Implementation Method 2
applying a diffusion gradient during formation of a magnetic resonance signal
Implementation Method 3
while acquiring the magnetic resonance signal, applying a separation gradient to change a frequency separation between portions of the magnetic resonance signal
Data Source
AI summary
A diffusion imaging method is provided. The diffusion imaging method includes performing a plurality of data collection sequences. Each data collection sequence includes applying an excitation radio frequency signal and a selection gradient. The excitation radio frequency signal includes a first set of frequency bands selected to simultaneously excite a first nuclei type in a plurality of cross sections of a subject. Each data collection sequence further includes applying a diffusion gradient during formation of a magnetic resonance signal, applying a spatial encoding gradient during formation of the magnetic resonance signal, and while acquiring the magnetic resonance signal, applying a separation gradient to change a frequency separation between portions of the magnetic resonance signal. The diffusion imaging method further includes computationally determining a diffusion image of each of the plurality of cross sections.