Peripheral Nerve 3D Reconstruction via Liquid Immersion Micro-MRI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for three-dimensional reconstruction of peripheral nerve fascicular structure are inaccurate and labor-intensive, often causing sample deformation and making it difficult to obtain precise, reusable images for clinical and surgical applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving immersion of a fresh peripheral nerve sample in a liquid, followed by Micro-MRI scanning to acquire image data, allowing for precise three-dimensional reconstruction without sample deformation, using optimized scan parameters for high-quality image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional histological methods with serial sectioning are used, then detailed fascicular structure can be observed, but manual operations increase work intensity and reduce reconstruction accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (serial sectioning, image registration, contour acquisition) with automated Micro-MRI scanning and computer-based three-dimensional reconstruction. This substitution eliminates manual work intensity while maintaining or improving reconstruction accuracy through standardized imaging protocols and automated processing algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If iodine agent pretreatment combined with freeze drying is used for Micro-CT imaging, then nerve structure can be visualized, but sample deformation occurs and physical and chemical properties change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging modality from Micro-CT (which requires iodine agent and freeze drying) to Micro-MRI, which can image fresh nerve samples without chemical pretreatment or freezing. This parameter change in the imaging approach allows visualization of fascicular structure while preserving sample integrity and physical-chemical properties for potential reuse.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fresh peripheral nerve samples are scanned by Micro-MRI without pretreatment, then sample integrity is preserved, but image quality may be insufficient without contrast enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces liquid contrast agents (gadolinium-based or iodine-based solutions) as intermediaries to enhance the MRI signal from fresh nerve samples. These contrast agents penetrate the nerve tissue and provide sufficient contrast for high-quality fascicular structure visualization while maintaining sample integrity, as the contrast enhancement occurs in liquid state without freezing or drying.
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 method provides accurate, high-quality three-dimensional structural models of peripheral nerves with minimal sample distortion, enabling precise analysis and potential for clinical guidance and personalized 3D printing of nerve grafts.
Implementation Method 1
immersing the peripheral nerve sample into a liquid; setting scan parameters of Micro-MRI, and scanning the peripheral nerve sample by Micro-MRI, to acquire image data
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for three-dimensional reconstruction of fascicular structure of human peripheral nerve, which comprises the steps of: obtaining human peripheral nerve and preparing a peripheral nerve sample; immersing the peripheral nerve sample into a liquid; setting scan parameters of Micro-MRI, scanning the peripheral nerve sample by Micro-MRI, to acquire image data of the peripheral nerve sample in the liquid environment; and three-dimensional reconstructing a structural model of the peripheral nerve sample based on the image data. By means of the method according to the present invention, high-quality scanned images are obtained without destroying the morphology and physical and chemical properties of peripheral nerve, so as to obtain a precise three-dimensional visualization model of peripheral nerve fascicle.