Semi-Automated Non-Contrast MRA System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for performing magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) require tedious adjustments of tag pulse regions, venous suppression pulse regions, and blood travel time (BBTI) parameters for each patient, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automated non-contrast MRA system that automatically detects patient anatomy using scout images and histograms to position tag and venous suppression pulse regions, and calculates BBTI parameters based on patient-specific data such as age and heart rate, reducing the need for manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of tag pulse regions, venous suppression pulse regions, and BBTI parameters is performed for each patient, then patient-specific accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects patient anatomy using scout images and histograms, and calculates BBTI parameters based on patient-specific data (age, heart rate) without requiring manual adjustment. The MRI system performs self-measurement and self-adjustment, eliminating the need for operator intervention in parameter optimization while maintaining patient-specific accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated detection of anatomical structures and calculation of optimal parameters before the actual MRA imaging. By pre-determining tag pulse region positions, venous suppression pulse region positions, and BBTI values based on scout images and patient data, the system eliminates time-consuming manual adjustments during the imaging process
2Productivity
If automated detection and parameter calculation is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a unified automated workflow that handles multiple functions: anatomical structure detection, histogram analysis, tag pulse region positioning, venous suppression pulse region positioning, and BBTI calculation. This multi-functional automated system replaces multiple separate manual adjustment procedures, improving efficiency while managing complexity through integration
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with automated computational processes. Instead of operators physically adjusting parameters based on visual inspection, the system uses computer-based histogram analysis and automated calculation algorithms to determine optimal settings, substituting manual operations with automated information processing
3Manufacturing precision
If consistent and accurate placement of pulse regions is achieved through automation, then image quality improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to reduced manual control
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from scout images and histogram analysis to automatically determine optimal pulse region placements. By continuously analyzing patient-specific anatomical data and adjusting parameters accordingly, the system achieves consistent accurate placement without requiring manual intervention, while still allowing operator review and modification if needed
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system semi-automatically performs non-contrast magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). An operator display and control input port configures the MRI system to effect semi-automated non-contrast MRA imaging with spatially selective tag and venous suppression RF pulses and/or black blood time interval (BBTI) parameters in a non-contrast MRA data acquisition sequence where such parameters are automatically determined within predetermined, respectively corresponding, spatial regions of patient anatomy. Such automatically determined non-contrast MRA imaging parameters may be entirely automatically set and used or, alternatively, may be displayed to an operator for acceptance and/or change before being used.