T2 Prep Motion Tracking Integration MRI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current MRI techniques face challenges in accurately tracking motion during T2-weighted imaging, particularly in areas with respiratory or cardiac motion, due to the brief acquisition window following the T2 Prep module, which limits image quality and requires lengthy repetition of imaging sequences.

Innovation Solution

Integrating motion tracking elements into the T2 preparation module, allowing for the insertion of readouts between RF pulses to collect motion information without degrading T2 contrast, enabling the use of projections, radial readouts, or multi-echo techniques for precise motion tracking and correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If motion tracking is performed using conventional navigator techniques, then motion information can be obtained, but the imaging window duration is reduced and scan time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion tracking accuracyVSAvoidscan time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines motion tracking and T2-weighted imaging into a single integrated sequence. Motion tracking readouts are inserted between the RF refocusing pulses of the T2 Prep module, allowing both functions to occur simultaneously within the same time window. This eliminates the need for separate navigator acquisitions and extends the effective imaging window duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated sequence serves multiple functions: it performs T2-weighted imaging, motion tracking, and T2 contrast preparation all within a single sequence execution. The readouts between RF pulses serve dual purposes by providing motion information while maintaining the T2 preparation timeline, making the sequence multi-functional and time-efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the acquisition window is extended to improve motion tracking, then motion information quality improves, but T2 contrast degrades due to the brief acquisition window

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion tracking qualityVSAvoidT2 contrast accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the k-space acquisition into multiple portions that are interleaved with motion tracking readouts. Instead of acquiring all imaging data continuously, the sequence acquires alternating lines or segments of k-space separated by motion tracking readouts inserted between RF pulses. This segmentation allows extended motion tracking while maintaining T2 contrast by keeping each imaging segment within the optimal T2 window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sequence employs periodic motion tracking readouts inserted at regular intervals between RF refocusing pulses. This periodic structure allows continuous motion monitoring throughout the T2 preparation period while maintaining periodic imaging data acquisition that preserves T2 contrast. The rhythmic alternation between motion tracking and imaging segments optimizes both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 allows for accurate motion tracking and correction during T2-weighted imaging, potentially doubling the imaging window duration and reducing overall scan time by eliminating the need for conventional navigators, while maintaining image quality and T2 contrast.

Implementation Method 1

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an indispensible modality in medical imaging primarily for its ability to distinguish among a wide array of human tissues

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear magnetic resonance:

Implementation Method 2

Transverse magnetizations are generated and allowed to decay under T2, and refocusing pulses are used to prevent incoherence buildup among spins

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectT2 decay:

Implementation Method 3

T2 Prep uses the radiofrequency manipulation of transverse magnetizations to enhance T2 contrast

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF manipulation:

Implementation Method 4

Integrating motion tracking elements into the T2 preparation module, allowing for the insertion of readouts between RF pulses to collect motion information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion tracking:

Implementation Method 5

data acquisition measures the transverse magnetizations in the spatial frequency transform space (the 'k-space')

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectData acquisition:

Data Source

PatentUS9799100B2Integration of T2-preparation and motion tracking in magnetic resonance imaging

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

AI summary

An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides concurrent measurement of motion during T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The present invention combines T2 preparation, a module used to impart T2 contrast, and motion measurement, tracking, and/or correction. The present invention provides for the expedition of more efficient motion compensation during T2-weighted imaging. The proposed invention can be used to provide a variety of measurements of motion, with no overhead in imaging time. The proposed invention also enables T2 contrast imaging to be executed while a subject is breathing freely, without the additional time cost associated with the standard motion tracking methodologies.