3D Radial MRI Sampling for Short T2 Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI techniques struggle to effectively image tissues with short T2 components, such as structural and connective tissues, and hard tissues, due to the need for specialized and costly equipment, and face challenges like non-uniform sampling and phasing of free induction decay signals during gradient ramping.
Innovation Solution
A 3D radial spoiled GRE imaging technique using a frequency-modulated hyperbolic-secant pulse for excitation, where the initial dephasing of the readout gradient occurs during RF excitation, allowing for shorter echo times without requiring additional time delays, and utilizing standard clinical scanners equipped with proton-free coils to avoid peak B1 power limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional imaging techniques are used, then standard equipment can be used, but imaging of short T2 tissues and hard tissues cannot be achieved satisfactorily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the echo time parameter to ultra-short echo times (UTE) and uses specific pulse sequences (spoiled gradient echo, HASTE) with optimized parameters to enable imaging of short T2 tissues and hard tissues that cannot be imaged with conventional techniques while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic gradient switching and repeated pulse sequences with varying parameters to acquire multiple datasets that can be combined to improve image quality and enable visualization of short T2 components without requiring specialized equipment
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized equipment is used to image short T2 tissues, then imaging capability is improved, but equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops pulse sequences and imaging techniques that can be implemented on standard clinical MRI scanners, making the system universal enough to handle both conventional tissues and short T2 tissues without requiring specialized hardware, thereby reducing equipment complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing pulse sequence parameters (echo time, repetition time, gradient strength) on existing equipment, the patent achieves imaging of short T2 tissues without modifying the fundamental hardware architecture, maintaining device simplicity while improving capability
3Productivity
If gradient ramping is performed during signal acquisition, then imaging speed is improved, but non-uniform sampling and phasing issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies gradient ramps and phase encoding before signal acquisition begins, completing the gradient switching and phase preparation in advance so that the actual signal acquisition occurs during a stable, uniform gradient state, thereby avoiding non-uniform sampling and phasing artifacts while maintaining fast imaging speeds
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 enables improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduces the need for specialized hardware, allowing for effective imaging of short T2 species without the complexities of non-uniform sampling and phasing issues, while maintaining standard scanner compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet is operable to provide a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The transmitter is operable to transmit to a region within the magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
The receiver is operable to receive a magnetic resonance signal from the region
Data Source
AI summary
A method for magnetic resonance imaging includes providing a radio frequency excitation pulse to a specimen. The pulse has a duration. The method includes, concurrent with providing the radio frequency excitation pulse, applying a first gradient having a first polarity. The method includes applying a readout gradient at a time after the duration. The readout gradient has inverse polarity relative to the first polarity. The method includes, concurrent with applying the readout gradient, acquiring magnetic resonance data from the specimen. The method includes generating an image based on the magnetic resonance data.