18275816. DIXON-TYPE WATER/FAT SEPARATION MR IMAGING simplified abstract (KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.)
Contents
DIXON-TYPE WATER/FAT SEPARATION MR IMAGING
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Holger Eggers of Ellerhoop (DE)
DIXON-TYPE WATER/FAT SEPARATION MR IMAGING - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18275816 titled 'DIXON-TYPE WATER/FAT SEPARATION MR IMAGING
Simplified Explanation
The invention relates to a method of Dixon-type MR imaging, where a dual- or multi-acquisition imaging sequence is used to generate echo signals in the presence of a readout magnetic field gradient. The magnetic field gradients preceding and/or succeeding the readout gradient are temporally shifted, varied in duration, and/or varied in amplitude between time intervals to reduce acoustic noise and patient discomfort during the examination. The MR image is reconstructed based on the recorded echo signals from at least two acquisitions.
- Explanation of the patent/innovation:
- Method of Dixon-type MR imaging using a dual- or multi-acquisition sequence - Temporal shifting, variation in duration, and/or amplitude of magnetic field gradients to reduce acoustic noise - Reconstruction of MR image based on recorded echo signals from multiple acquisitions
- Potential applications of this technology:
- Improved image quality in MR imaging - Reduced patient discomfort during examinations
- Problems solved by this technology:
- Minimization of acoustic noise in MR imaging - Enhanced patient experience during MRI examinations
- Benefits of this technology:
- Improved image quality and accuracy - Enhanced patient comfort and satisfaction
- Potential commercial applications of this technology:
- Medical imaging equipment manufacturers - Healthcare facilities offering MRI services
- Possible prior art:
- Previous methods of Dixon-type MR imaging without the specific adjustments to magnetic field gradients for noise reduction
Questions:
1. How does the temporal shifting and variation of magnetic field gradients contribute to reducing acoustic noise in MR imaging? 2. What are the specific advantages of using a dual- or multi-acquisition imaging sequence in Dixon-type MR imaging compared to traditional methods?
Original Abstract Submitted
The invention relates to a method of Dixon-type MR imaging. The object () is subjected to a dual- or multi-acquisition imaging sequence comprising a series of temporally equidistant RF pulses. An echo signal is generated in the presence of a readout magnetic field gradient in each time interval (TR) between successive RF pulses, with the echo time varying between at least a first value (TE) associated with a first acquisition (ACQ) and a second value (TE) associated with a second acquisition (ACQ). The invention proposes that at least one of the magnetic field gradients preceding and/or succeeding the readout magnetic field gradient in each time interval (TR) is temporally shifted, varied in duration and/or varied in amplitude between time intervals (TR). In this way, a reduction of the acoustic noise generated by the multi-acquisition Dixon sequence and, thus, of the discomfort for patients undergoing a corresponding examination is achieved. The echo signals are recorded and an MR image is reconstructed with separating signal contributions from water and fat based on the recorded echo signals of the at least two acquisitions (ACQ, ACQ). Moreover the invention relates to an MR device () and to a computer program to be run on an MR device ().
