Wearable MR Phantom for Brain Imaging Distortion Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and quantifying image distortions in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during stereotactic radiosurgery, especially in frameless treatments, are inadequate as they fail to accurately account for scanner-specific and patient-specific distortions, leading to compromised positional accuracy and radiation shot placement.
Innovation Solution
A wearable apparatus made of non-magnetic, rigid materials with embedded magnetic resonance (MR) fiducial markers that can be scanned with the patient during MRI, allowing for the measurement and analysis of three-dimensional distances to quantify geometrical distortions, and is designed to fit within a brain MR coil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional frameless stereotactic radiosurgery methods are used, then patient comfort and ease of treatment are improved, but image distortion identification and quantification capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a phantom object with known geometric dimensions as an intermediary tool. This phantom contains fiducial markers that can be visualized in MRI scans, serving as a reference standard to measure and quantify image distortions. By placing this intermediary object in the patient's field of view during imaging, the system enables accurate distortion measurement without requiring invasive head frames on the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the phantom object's geometric structure through MRI imaging. The phantom's known physical dimensions are replicated in the digital image space, allowing software algorithms to compare expected versus actual marker positions and quantify distortions. This copying approach enables objective measurement of scanner-specific and patient-specific distortions.
2Productivity
If scanner-specific and patient-specific distortions are not accounted for, then imaging workflow simplicity is maintained, but treatment planning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs distortion measurement and quantification as a preliminary step before treatment planning. By scanning the phantom object first and using its known geometry to characterize distortions in the patient's MRI images, the system prepares correction data in advance. This preliminary action enables subsequent treatment planning to account for distortions without complicating the overall workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the phantom scan results are used to generate distortion correction information that feeds back into the treatment planning process. The measured distortions from the phantom are compared with expected values, and any deviations are used to adjust or correct the patient imaging data before final treatment planning, ensuring accuracy while maintaining workflow efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If fiducial markers are placed on a rigid structure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and patient comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function from the patient contact interface. Instead of using a complex rigid head frame, the system uses a simple phantom object with embedded fiducial markers that can be placed in the patient's field of view. The segmentation allows the rigid measurement reference (phantom with markers) to be separate from the patient contact element, reducing complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a phantom object that can be flexibly positioned in the MRI field without requiring rigid attachment to the patient's head. The phantom's flexible nature allows it to be placed and removed easily, avoiding the complexity of rigid head frames while still providing stable fiducial markers for precise measurement. The thin-film or flexible structure of the phantom reduces patient discomfort and simplifies the overall system.
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
Enables accurate identification and quantification of image distortions, ensuring precise target localization and radiation delivery by accounting for scanner-specific and patient-specific distortions, improving the reliability of MRI image sets for stereotactic radiosurgery and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic resonance fiducial markers on the structure are configured to cover the image volume of the brain of the patient, thereby permitting the measurement of three-dimensional distances between the markers when the patient undergoes a magnetic resonance imaging procedure
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for identifying and quantifying image distortions within a patient magnetic resonance image set comprises a structure of magnetic resonance compatible materials with a high level of rigidity, where the structure is configured to cover the whole image volume of the brain region of the patient and sized to fit within a brain magnetic resonance coil when worn by a patient. A plurality of magnetic resonance fiducial markers is placed on the structure, thereby permitting the measurement of three-dimensional distances between the markers when the patient undergoes a magnetic resonance imaging procedure. Also presented is a process for identifying and quantifying image distortions within a patient magnetic resonance image set using the apparatus where the geometrical distortion is quantified and compared with a set threshold or a standard image.