Phase-Modulated MRI Multitasking for Faster Multi-Slice Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI techniques face inefficiencies in combining simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) and multitasking imaging, leading to prolonged scan times and limited accuracy in resolving cardiac motion at slice locations near the apex due to separate data collection and additional reference scans.
Innovation Solution
The proposed SMS multitasking imaging technique applies phase modulation to multiple slice locations during readout, allowing simultaneous acquisition of auxiliary and imaging signals to generate target images, thereby eliminating the need for additional reference scans and improving scanning efficiency and data quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional MRI techniques are used to acquire data from multiple slice locations separately, then data quality can be maintained, but scan time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate MRI acquisitions into a single simultaneous multi-slice acquisition. Multiple slice locations are excited and read out at the same time using phase-modulated RF pulses, merging what would traditionally be multiple sequential scans into one consolidated measurement, thereby reducing total scan time while maintaining data quality through coordinated phase encoding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase modulation as an additional encoding dimension to distinguish between multiple slice locations. By applying different phase shifts to different slices during the RF excitation, the system creates phase-encoded signal variations that allow simultaneous separation of slice signals in the frequency domain, enabling multi-slice imaging without increasing time requirements
2Measurement precision
If additional reference scans are performed to improve accuracy at slice locations near the apex, then measurement precision improves, but scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary phase modulation encoding during the main acquisition scan itself, rather than requiring separate reference scans afterward. By pre-encoding phase information in the RF pulses during the primary simultaneous multi-slice acquisition, the system prepares all necessary data for accurate reconstruction at all slice locations including the apex, eliminating the need for additional reference scans
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the simultaneous multi-slice acquisition serve multiple functions: it simultaneously performs the primary imaging task and the reference data collection task. The same phase-modulated RF pulses that excite multiple slices for imaging also encode the phase information needed for accurate apex region reconstruction, making a single scan perform what would traditionally require multiple separate scans
3Productivity
If SMS technique is applied to accelerate scanning, then scan time decreases, but difficulty in resolving cardiac motion at certain slice locations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different phase modulation patterns to different slice locations based on their specific requirements. Slice locations with significant cardiac motion (such as the apex) receive specialized phase encoding that enhances motion resolution, while other slices use standard encoding. This localized optimization ensures that cardiac motion is accurately resolved at problem areas without compromising the overall speed benefits of SMS imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic phase modulation that can adapt to the specific motion characteristics of different slice locations. By making the phase encoding dynamic rather than static, the system can optimize the phase patterns in response to the actual cardiac motion at each slice, improving motion resolution at the apex while maintaining the accelerated scan time benefits of simultaneous multi-slice imaging
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 reduces scan time and enhances data quality by simultaneously imaging multiple slice locations, improving dynamic tracking and accuracy, especially at the heart's apex, while maintaining the benefits of both SMS and multitasking techniques.
Implementation Method 1
During the application of the MRI pulse sequence, phase modulation may be applied to at least one of the plurality of slice locations so that the plurality of slice locations have different phases during the readout of at least one of the plurality of imaging signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system for MRI. The system may obtain a plurality of auxiliary signals and a plurality of imaging signals collected by applying an MRI pulse sequence simultaneously to a plurality of slice locations of a subject. For each of at least one target slice location of the plurality of slice locations, the system may generate at least one target image of the target slice location based on the plurality of auxiliary signals and the plurality of imaging signals. During the application of the MRI pulse sequence, phase modulation may be applied to at least one of the plurality of slice locations so that the plurality of slice locations have different phases during the readout of at least one of the plurality of imaging signals.