Simultaneous Echo Refocusing for MRI Calibration Data Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques require lengthy data acquisition procedures, which can be uncomfortable for patients and inefficient for hospitals, due to the need for calibration data that is prone to corruption by patient motion and physiological changes, leading to artifacts in image reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
The method employs simultaneous echo refocusing (SER) to acquire calibration data, allowing multiple slices to be excited with single-band pulses and readout gradients to shift k-space signals, enabling efficient separation and reducing the impact of motion-related artifacts, thereby accelerating data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional calibration data acquisition methods are used, then calibration data can be obtained for image reconstruction, but the acquisition time is lengthy and the data is prone to corruption by patient motion and physiological changes
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration data acquisition is divided into multiple segments acquired simultaneously at different time points using parallel imaging techniques. Instead of acquiring all calibration data sequentially, the method segments the acquisition process into concurrent measurements that can be completed faster, reducing overall acquisition time while maintaining calibration accuracy through proper combination of the segmented data.
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary action by acquiring motion correction data and calibration data in a coordinated manner before the main imaging sequence. By preparing and acquiring reference data and motion parameters in advance or simultaneously, the system reduces the need for repeated calibration measurements, thereby reducing total acquisition time while preserving calibration accuracy.
2Reliability
If conventional calibration data acquisition methods are used, then calibration data can be obtained, but patient motion and physiological changes corrupt the data leading to artifacts in image reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The method implements feedback by using acquired motion data and physiological information to adjust and correct calibration measurements in real-time. The system continuously monitors patient motion and physiological changes, then uses this feedback to compensate for their effects on calibration data, maintaining reliability even during longer acquisition periods or in moving patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of motion reference data and physiological synchronization markers before and during calibration data collection. This preliminary action establishes a baseline for motion correction that allows subsequent calibration data to be corrected for motion artifacts, improving reliability without requiring excessively long acquisition times.
3Productivity
If faster data acquisition methods are used, then patient throughput increases, but calibration accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The method merges multiple functions into a single integrated acquisition sequence that simultaneously collects calibration data, motion reference data, and physiological synchronization information. By combining these previously separate acquisition processes into one coordinated sequence, the system maintains calibration accuracy while reducing total acquisition time, thereby increasing patient throughput without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The acquisition sequence is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it acquires calibration data for parallel imaging reconstruction, collects motion reference data for artifact correction, and synchronizes with physiological cycles for functional imaging. This universal approach allows a single acquisition to fulfill multiple requirements, maintaining accuracy while improving productivity.
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 shortens the data acquisition time, improves calibration accuracy, and reduces the impact of motion-related artifacts, enhancing image quality and patient throughput in MRI procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the examination object (a patient, in the case of medical magnetic resonance imaging) is exposed to a strong and constant basic magnetic field (called the B0 field)... The MR scanner also has a gradient coil arrangement that is operated in order to activate gradient fields that spatially encode the magnetic resonance signals. The magnetic resonance signals are produced by the radiation of radio-frequency (RF) pulses from an RF radiator
Implementation Method 2
The MR scanner also has a gradient coil arrangement that is operated in order to activate gradient fields that spatially encode the magnetic resonance signals
Implementation Method 3
The magnetic resonance signals are produced by the radiation of radio-frequency (RF) pulses from an RF radiator, such as one or more antennas, in the MR scanner. These RF pulses excite nuclear spins in the examination object, and are therefore often called excitation pulses. The excitation of the nuclear spins at an appropriate frequency causes the nuclear spins to deviate, by an amount called the flip angle, from the alignment of the nuclear spins that was produced by the basic magnetic field.
Implementation Method 4
As the nuclear spins relax, while returning to alignment in the basic magnetic field, they emit MR signals (which are also RF signals), which are received by suitable RF reception antennas in the MR scanner
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and apparatus for acquiring magnetic resonance (MR) data, comprising an MR data acquisition scanner is operated, while a subject is situated therein, to acquire calibration data, and raw data for conversion into image data, by executing an accelerated echo planar imaging data acquisition sequence. The calibration data are acquired by executing a simultaneous echo refocusing sequence in which multiple slices of the examination subject are simultaneously excited. The calibration data and the acquired raw data are entered into an electronic memory during operation of said MR data acquisition scanner, and made available from a processor in electronic form, as at least one data file.