Susceptibility Weighted Imaging and Mapping for Orientation-Independent MRI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for quantifying local magnetic susceptibility in MRI are plagued by ill-posed problems, orientation dependence, and require multiple scans or accurate geometry knowledge, leading to complex and time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
A direct inverse approach using magnetic resonance phase information from a single orientation, regularizing the inverse function, oversampling k-space, removing external phase noise, and applying high-pass filtered phase data to generate orientation-independent susceptibility maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a least squares approach is used to quantify local magnetic susceptibility, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase due to requiring accurate geometry knowledge and multiple scans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the magnetic resonance phase information from a single orientation scan, discarding the need for complex geometry knowledge and multiple orientation scans. This extraction of essential information (phase data from one scan) resolves the contradiction by achieving susceptibility quantification without the complexity of least squares approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from using multiple parameters (geometry information, multiple orientation data) to using a single key parameter (phase information from one orientation). This parameter simplification maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity and processing requirements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple orientation scans are performed to improve susceptibility quantification, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional data collection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential susceptibility information from phase data of a single orientation scan, eliminating the need to perform multiple orientation scans. This extraction approach maintains quantification precision while reducing total scan time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary processing steps (phase filtering, noise removal) to the single orientation phase data to extract sufficient susceptibility information, making preliminary use of available data rather than collecting additional data through multiple scans.
3Productivity
If the direct inverse approach is used with single orientation phase data, then productivity is improved through rapid processing, but measurement precision may be compromised due to the ill-posed nature of the problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary filtering and noise removal processing to the phase data before performing the inverse transformation. This preliminary action prepares the data to handle the ill-posed nature of the problem, enabling rapid processing while maintaining acceptable measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified, computationally inexpensive inverse approach that does not require complex regularization or iterative solutions. This disposable-like simplicity in the mathematical approach enables rapid productivity while achieving sufficient precision for practical applications.
4Reliability
If susceptibility data is used instead of filtered phase data to create SWI images, then reliability is improved through orientation independence, but device complexity increases due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts susceptibility information from phase data through a streamlined processing pipeline, then uses this extracted susceptibility data to generate orientation-independent SWI images. This extraction approach achieves reliability improvement while keeping the added processing complexity minimal compared to traditional methods.
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 method enables the rapid generation of superior quality susceptibility maps that are independent of object orientation, reducing noise and artifacts, and improving the robustness of susceptibility weighted imaging results.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring phase data, φ(r), from a gradient echo magnetic resonance scan of the object
Implementation Method 2
The ability to quantify local magnetic susceptibility is tantamount to being able to measure, the amount of iron in an object or body
Implementation Method 3
Fourier transforming φ(r)new and generating k-space data (φ(k)) corresponding to phase, therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating a susceptibility map of an object utilizes a regularizing inverse function, oversampling k-space, removing external phase noise and rapid phase change effects, accounting for the known geometry of the object, and using modified SWI phase data to generate reasonable susceptibility maps and digital images therefrom, such as SWI images. The inventors refers to the inventive methods set forth herein as Susceptibility Weighted Imaging and Mapping (SWIM).