SMS Turbo Spin Echo Interleaved Contrast Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) MR imaging combined with turbo spin echo (TSE) protocols does not reduce total acquisition time due to increased dead time, leading to inefficient use of measurement time, especially in examinations requiring multiple contrasts like spine imaging.
Innovation Solution
Interleaving echo trains in SMS imaging allows for simultaneous acquisition of multiple contrasts within one scan by evolving magnetization for different contrasts during data acquisition, enabling more efficient use of measurement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SMS imaging is combined with TSE protocols to acquire multiple contrasts, then the variety of contrasts obtained is improved, but the dead time increases and measurement time efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The echo train is segmented into multiple sections, with different sections dedicated to acquiring different contrasts (e.g., T1-weighted and T2-weighted images). This segmentation allows the system to efficiently organize and acquire multiple contrast types within a single scan, reducing overall dead time while maintaining contrast variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic excitation pulses and refocusing pulses at optimized intervals to acquire different contrasts in an alternating or interleaved manner. This periodic action pattern allows efficient utilization of the echo train to capture multiple contrast types without excessive dead time between acquisitions.
2Speed
If SMS imaging is combined with TSE protocols to acquire multiple contrasts, then the imaging speed is improved, but the total acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the acquisition of multiple contrasts into a single integrated scan by combining SMS and TSE techniques. Multiple contrasts (T1-weighted, T2-weighted, etc.) are acquired simultaneously or in rapid succession within one scan, eliminating the need for separate scans and thereby reducing total acquisition time despite the increased imaging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The echo train is designed to continuously acquire useful data for multiple contrasts without significant interruptions or dead time. By optimizing the pulse sequence to maintain continuous signal acquisition and processing, the system achieves high imaging speed while keeping the total acquisition time short.
3Productivity
If multiple slices are excited simultaneously in SMS imaging, then the productivity is improved, but the complexity of data separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary techniques such as slice-specific phase encoding or timing offsets as mediators to distinguish signals from different slices during simultaneous excitation. These intermediary mechanisms enable the system to efficiently acquire data from multiple slices while providing clear pathways for subsequent data separation and reconstruction, managing complexity through structured differentiation.
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 reduces dead time and allows for more efficient data acquisition, enabling simultaneous acquisition of multiple contrasts in a single scan, thereby optimizing the use of measurement time without increasing total acquisition time.
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, by the operation of a basic field magnet of an MR scanner
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
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)
Data Source
AI summary
In a magnetic resonance apparatus and method for acquiring magnetic resonance data, a magnetic resonance data acquisition scanner executes a turbo spin echo (TSE) data acquisition sequence with simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) imaging wherein nuclear spins in two different slices of an examination subject are simultaneously excited so as to produce respective echo trains. The magnetic resonance data acquisition scanner is operated with the SMS imaging configured so that magnetic resonance signals from the respective slices have a different contrast, with the SMS being configured to allow evolution of magnetization of the nuclear spins for the second contrast while magnetic resonance signals with the first contrast are being detected. The respective magnetic resonance signals from the two different slices are detected and entered into an electronic memory organized as k-space, as k-space data.