Pelvic Floor MRI Apparatus for Dynamic Functional Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic imaging methods for the pelvic floor are inadequate for quickly and accurately identifying precocious trouble phases of pelvic floor diseases, leading to delayed medical-surgical therapies and increased costs due to the need for invasive procedures and complex, costly MRI systems.
Innovation Solution
A dedicated MRI apparatus and method for acquiring and processing images of the pelvic floor in both resting and dynamic evacuation conditions, using CINE RM film generation and real-time image processing to provide morphologic and functional data, allowing for early diagnosis and effective medical-surgical planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If dedicated MRI apparatus is used instead of total body MRI, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but diagnostic capability for pelvic floor diseases is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the MRI system into a dedicated pelvic floor imaging apparatus, separating it from total body MRI systems. This segmentation allows the device to be optimized specifically for pelvic floor anatomy, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining or improving diagnostic precision for the target region through specialized imaging protocols and processing algorithms designed specifically for pelvic floor pathology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by implementing region-specific optimization for pelvic floor imaging. The system uses dedicated imaging protocols, specialized image processing algorithms, and targeted analysis methods that are optimized specifically for pelvic floor anatomy and pathology, rather than using general-purpose MRI protocols. This localized approach enhances diagnostic precision for pelvic floor diseases while keeping the overall apparatus simpler and more cost-effective.
2Measurement precision
If complex algorithms are used for image processing, then diagnostic information quality is improved, but processing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-processing MRI images with optimization algorithms before full diagnostic analysis. The system performs preliminary segmentation, noise reduction, and feature extraction that prepare the images for faster subsequent analysis. This preliminary processing reduces the computational burden of complex algorithms applied later, thereby maintaining high diagnostic information quality while reducing overall processing time and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/image processing approaches with computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems that use automated algorithms. Instead of manual image analysis or simple filtering, the system employs sophisticated but automated image processing algorithms that can extract diagnostic information more efficiently. This substitution maintains high information quality while reducing processing time by eliminating manual intervention and optimizing computational workflows.
3Device complexity
If static images are analyzed, then processing simplicity is maintained, but functional assessment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static image analysis to dynamic functional assessment by implementing time-resolved MRI imaging and analysis. The system captures images across multiple time points during pelvic floor function (such as during straining, relaxation, or transition phases) and applies dynamic analysis algorithms. This allows the system to assess functional capabilities like muscle coordination, organ prolapse dynamics, and sphincter function while maintaining processing feasibility through automated temporal analysis methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the dynamic imaging system continuously monitors pelvic floor function across time and provides real-time or near-real-time functional assessment. The system uses feedback from temporal image sequences to evaluate functional status, detect abnormalities in dynamic behavior, and adjust analysis parameters accordingly. This feedback-driven approach enables comprehensive functional assessment while maintaining processing efficiency through automated temporal correlation and pattern recognition.
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
Enables precise, non-invasive, and cost-effective diagnosis of pelvic floor diseases by generating cinematographic films from MRI sequences, facilitating early detection and treatment planning without the need for ionizing radiation, reducing hospital stay and recovery time.
Implementation Method 1
Different kinds of nuclear magnetic resonance apparati are known
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining information for a diagnosis of pathologic conditions of the anatomical region of the pelvic floor by MRI imaging includes acquiring a sequence of MRI images along one or more predetermined section planes or inside a predetermined three-dimensional area, which planes intersect or which three-dimensional area contains at least a part of the pelvic floor. The image sequence is acquired for a time interval coinciding with or including at least a part of the length of the physiological process evacuating natural solids or liquids carried out on the basis both of a natural stimulation and an induced stimulation or during a simulation of physiological processes evacuating solids or liquids by introducing foreign bodies or substances simulating natural products. The method further includes generating a film of the cinematographic type by using as individual frames one or more images of the sequence and displaying the film for visually verifying the dynamic-morphologic behavior of organs of the pelvic floor.