Perfusion Imaging Arterial Input Function Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current perfusion imaging techniques for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) are inadequate for studying large organs or the entire body due to limitations in acquisition fields, leading to non-reproducible results and increased patient exposure to radiation or contrast agent toxicity.
Innovation Solution
A method that constructs a common arterial input function from perfusion data across multiple stations, allowing for the estimation of hemodynamic parameters with improved reproducibility and reduced contrast agent usage, enabling the analysis of large organs like the spinal cord.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional perfusion imaging techniques are used with limited acquisition fields, then imaging of small organs is feasible, but imaging of large organs or entire body becomes inadequate with non-reproducible results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large organ or body into multiple stations, each acquired separately by the MRI device. The table moves the patient through different positions to acquire perfusion data from multiple stations sequentially. This segmentation allows coverage of large areas while maintaining reproducible results at each station through consistent acquisition protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent constructs a common arterial input function from perfusion data of at least one station before estimating hemodynamic parameters for other stations. This preliminary construction of the arterial input function ensures consistency across all stations, improving reproducibility of results throughout the entire organ or body.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple injections of contrast agent are administered for multi-station acquisitions, then perfusion data from multiple stations can be obtained, but patient exposure to contrast agent toxicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single injection of contrast agent that circulates through the body continuously, allowing perfusion data to be acquired from multiple stations sequentially. The table moves the patient through different positions while the contrast agent remains in circulation, enabling continuous acquisition without additional injections. This reduces patient exposure to contrast agent toxicity while maintaining comprehensive perfusion data coverage.
3Device complexity
If each station is analyzed independently without a common arterial input function, then processing is simpler, but results are non-reproducible across stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent constructs a common arterial input function that serves all stations for hemodynamic parameter estimation. This universal arterial input function is derived from perfusion data of at least one station and then applied consistently across all stations. This approach maintains processing efficiency while ensuring reproducible and comparable results across all acquired stations through the unified arterial input function.
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 provides reproducible and comparable hemodynamic parameter estimates across multiple stations, reducing patient exposure to radiation and contrast agent toxicity, while enabling effective perfusion imaging of large organs beyond conventional acquisition fields.
Implementation Method 1
the device applies a combination of high-frequency electromagnetic waves to the body part in question and measures the signal re-emitted by certain atoms, such as, but not limited to, hydrogen for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging
Implementation Method 2
k is a constant dependent on the relationship between paramagnetic susceptibility and the concentration of the contrast agent in the tissue
Data Source
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Figure 5A~6
AI summary
The invention concerns a system and a method for estimating an amount of interest on the basis of perfusion-related data resulting from the acquisition of a plurality of volumes or stations of a patient. A method of this type may involve a step for triggering the restoration of said amount of interest in the form of a chart consolidated by means of a suitable man-machine interface.