Reference Image Selection for Accurate Contrast Bolus MRI Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI systems face challenges in accurately timing contrast-enhanced scans due to operator-dependent methods for initiating post-contrast acquisitions, which can lead to inadvertent timing errors and missed scans, especially when subjects exhibit unusual contrast kinetics.
Innovation Solution
A scan interface that combines live 2D images and an automatically-generated contrast plot in a single view, allowing for operator-initiated and auto-triggered scan initiation, with adjustable ROI settings, to improve timing accuracy and reduce cognitive load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operator-dependent methods are used to initiate post-contrast acquisitions, then flexibility in scan initiation is maintained, but timing accuracy deteriorates due to inadvertent timing errors and missed scans
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects contrast bolus arrival using image processing algorithms and triggers post-contrast acquisitions without operator intervention. The processing system monitors contrast agent concentration in real-time and autonomously initiates scanning when threshold criteria are met, eliminating timing errors caused by operator dependency while maintaining scan quality through automated precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors contrast agent concentration in real-time using image processing and provides feedback to automatically trigger post-contrast acquisitions when predetermined criteria are met. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate timing by adapting to actual contrast kinetics rather than relying on operator estimation, thereby improving timing precision while reducing operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If automated contrast plot generation is implemented, then timing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system performs multiple functions including contrast plot generation, bolus arrival detection, and automatic scan triggering using a unified algorithmic framework. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional processing pipeline rather than separate systems, the patent improves timing accuracy through automated contrast monitoring while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity through functional integration.
3Productivity
If real-time visualization and automated triggers are combined, then scan efficiency is enhanced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes predetermined criteria for bolus arrival detection and contrast thresholds before scanning begins. These pre-set parameters enable real-time automated triggering without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thereby enhancing scan efficiency through rapid automated response while maintaining measurement precision through predefined, validated detection criteria that ensure accurate contrast bolus identification.
Data Source
AI summary
For a given MR image having an anatomical landmark and a frame of reference, a method includes automatically selecting one or more series of MR images from a plurality of series of MR images previously acquired and having the anatomical landmark and the frame of reference. The method includes automatically selecting one or more candidate groups from the one or more series of MR images that were selected, wherein selection of the one or more candidate groups is based on predetermined rules. The method includes automatically selecting a respective reference image from each candidate group, wherein selection of each respective reference image is based on the predetermined rules. The method further includes automatically displaying the respective reference image selected for each candidate group, wherein each respective reference image is displayed in reference viewports on a user interface on a display based on the predetermined rules.