qCEST MRI for Intervertebral Disc pH Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing lower back pain associated with intervertebral disc degeneration are invasive, painful, and lack precision, particularly in identifying the source of pain, and existing MRI techniques like gagCEST struggle with pH detection due to confounding factors.
Innovation Solution
A method using quantitative chemical exchange saturation transfer (qCEST) MRI sequences to measure labile proton exchange rates and pH values in intervertebral discs, correlating these with pain and inflammation markers to diagnose and monitor discogenic pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive procedures like discography are used to diagnose discogenic pain, then the source of pain can be identified through direct testing, but the procedure causes additional pain, accelerates disc degeneration, and carries procedural risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive diagnostic procedures (discography involving needle insertion and pressure application) with a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based qCEST method that uses radiofrequency pulses to detect pH and labile proton exchange rates, thereby eliminating mechanical trauma while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pH value and labile proton exchange rate as intermediary biomarkers that indirectly indicate discogenic pain and inflammation status, allowing diagnosis without direct mechanical stimulation of the disc, thus avoiding the harmful effects of invasive procedures
2Loss of information
If standard MRI techniques are used to image intervertebral discs, then structural degeneration can be visualized, but the technique cannot accurately detect pH changes due to confounding factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using qCEST MRI sequences that specifically measure labile proton exchange rates and pH values, rather than relying on standard MRI structural imaging, thereby enabling accurate pH detection despite the presence of confounding factors like GAG concentration variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism by comparing measured pH and labile proton exchange rate values against reference ranges to determine the presence and severity of discogenic pain, allowing for quantitative assessment and monitoring of treatment response
3Reliability
If invasive diagnostic procedures are performed to determine pain source, then definitive diagnosis can be obtained, but patient discomfort and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex invasive mechanical procedures with a non-invasive MRI-based qCEST imaging technique that maintains diagnostic reliability through objective measurement of pH and metabolic biomarkers while dramatically improving ease of operation and patient comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the disc tissue to provide diagnostic information through its own metabolic properties (pH and labile proton exchange rates) that can be detected non-invasively, eliminating the need for external mechanical stimulation or patient participation in painful procedures
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 non-invasive, precise diagnosis and monitoring of intervertebral disc degeneration and pain by accurately measuring pH and labile proton exchange rates, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures and improving treatment planning.
Implementation Method 1
Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is an emerging MR (magnetic resonance) technique to measure pH-dependent signal changes. This technique exploits the constant chemical exchange, which is pH-sensitive, between water protons and solute protons in certain molecules.
Implementation Method 2
imaging a region of a subject's body with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner
Implementation Method 3
The solute protons are first magnetization-saturated with a series of frequency selective radiofrequency (RF) pulses, and after exchanging with water protons, the saturation is indirectly detected in the water signal.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, the invention teaches systems and methods for magnetic resonance imaging. In some embodiments, the invention teaches systems and methods for determining the source of pain in intervertebral discs by measuring one or more physiological biomarkers associated with disc pain and/or disc degeneration.