2d Navigator Technique in Mri

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a new method and system for producing magnetic resonance (MR) images of the heart that are corrected for breathing motion. During an MRI scan, special two-dimensional (2D) "navigator" images are continuously recorded in each cardiac cycle, alongside regular 3D imaging data. These 2D images help detect and measure respiratory movement in two directions, allowing the system to automatically correct MR images for breathing artifacts, resulting in clearer and more accurate heart images.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Routine cardiac MRI exams where patients breathe freely (without breath-holding)
• Dynamic (CINE) imaging of the heart to assess cardiac function
• Cardiac MR angiography or coronary vessel imaging
• MRI scans in pediatric, elderly, or critically ill patients unable to hold their breath
• Automated and faster cardiac MRI workflows in clinical and research settings

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces artifacts in heart MRI images caused by patient breathing
• Provides clearer and more accurate images for diagnosis and treatment planning
• Automates the correction process, reducing manual intervention and potential for human error
• Enables cardiac MRI for patients unable to hold their breath
• Allows for more efficient and potentially faster MRI scans by eliminating the need for repeated images due to motion
• Enables more comprehensive motion tracking by capturing movement in two spatial dimensions

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Patent Abstract

In a method and apparatus for producing respiration-corrected MR images of an examination volume containing the heart of a patient during respiratory movement of MR signals are recorded continuously during multiple cardiac cycles, each cardiac cycle having multiple time segments. One 2D navigator image data record per cardiac cycle is recorded during a time segment of that cardiac cycle, with k-space being filled along a Cartesian trajectory such that a spatial resolution is achieved in two spatial directions of the examination volume. Also, multiple 3D image data records are recorded in the other time segments of that cardiac cycle, with Cartesian filling of raw data space such that a spatial resolution is achieved in all three spatial directions of the examination volume. The respiratory movement is then determined from these navigator data records. The determined respiratory movement is corrected in the recorded MR signals.