Time-SLIP MRI Cine Sub-Sequence for BBTI Parameter Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Selecting an appropriate black-blood inversion time (BBTI) parameter value for time-SLIP MRI techniques is challenging due to patient-specific variations, affecting the accuracy of myocardial perfusion imaging, as the 'tagged' blood flow bolus may not reach or have passed the imaged region of interest by the time MR image data is acquired.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a variably positionable cine sub-sequence into time-SLIP MRI sequences allows for the selection of a range of BBTI parameters, controlling the duration of the cine sub-sequence and recovery time, enabling the determination of the optimal BBTI value for improved temporal resolution and accurate myocardial perfusion signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed BBTI parameter is used in time-SLIP MRI sequences, then the imaging protocol is simple and quick to implement, but the accuracy of myocardial perfusion imaging deteriorates due to patient-specific variations causing the tagged blood flow bolus to miss the region of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The MRI sequence is divided into two segments: a cine sub-sequence for determining optimal BBTI and a time-SLIP sequence for myocardial perfusion imaging. This segmentation allows the system to first identify the correct timing parameter through the cine segment, then apply that parameter in the time-SLIP segment, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cine sub-sequence is executed beforehand to determine the optimal BBTI value before the actual time-SLIP myocardial perfusion imaging begins. This preliminary action of timing calibration ensures that when the main imaging sequence runs, it uses the pre-determined optimal timing parameter, achieving high accuracy without making the main protocol inherently complex.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the duration of cine sub-sequence is extended to capture multiple BBTI values, then the range of detectable blood flow timing increases, but the total imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duration of the cine sub-sequence is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The system can adapt the cine sub-sequence duration based on patient-specific blood flow characteristics observed during the scan, allowing optimal coverage of BBTI values for each patient while minimizing unnecessary scanning time. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between capturing sufficient timing ranges and maintaining efficiency.
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 enables the precise determination of BBTI, ensuring that the 'tagged' blood flow is effectively captured during the cardiac cycle, providing clear myocardial perfusion signal intensity changes and improving the accuracy of myocardial blood flow assessment.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques
Implementation Method 2
spatial labeling inversion pulse (SLIP) techniques
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system using an MRI gantry and controlling computer system includes at least one programmed computer configured to effect a cardiac-triggered time-SLIP (spatial labeling inversion pulse) MRI data acquisition sequence for imaging blood perfusion in imaged patient tissue and employing therewithin an MRI cine sub-sequence. The sub-sequence is positioned in the time domain to encompass at least part of a predetermined (e.g., diastolic) cardiac time interval of the patient. Processing acquired data from the time-SLIP data acquisition sequence generates a sequence of MRI cine frame images having respectively associated different effective BBTI (black blood time to inversion) time intervals. Identifying one of the MRI cine frame images as acceptable, thereby effectively also determines an appropriate BBTI time interval for the patient. The system then outputs a time-SLIP image based on the determined appropriate BBTI time interval to at least one of (a) a display, (b) a remote system or (c) a non-transitory storage medium.