MR Image Contrast by Means of Ultrasound

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

The patent describes a method and apparatus that enhances magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by using synchronized pulses of ultrasound within the MRI scan area. When soft matter (such as tissues or biological materials) is subjected to both the MRI's electromagnetic fields and these ultrasound pulses, the ultrasound induces movement or pressure variations in the matter. This movement is then captured as an additional image contrast within the MRI, allowing new types of tissue properties, like viscosity, to be visualized. The system includes a specially shielded ultrasound emitter integrated within the MRI hardware, allowing precise, safe, and synchronized operation with standard MR sequences.

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

• Medical diagnostics for soft tissue, especially where standard MRI provides low contrast (e.g., distinguishing tissues with similar relaxation times and proton densities)
• Early detection and characterization of anomalies such as tumors, fibrosis, or lesions based on mechanical properties like viscosity
• Research into tissue rheology (mechanical properties), enabling studies on abnormal tissue stiffness or fluid viscosity inside the body
• Non-invasive tracking of injected particles or contrast agents by moving them with ultrasound during MRI scanning
• Enhancement of functional MRI by providing an additional contrast mechanism sensitive to tissue movement and microstructure
• Upgrade kits for existing MRI scanners to add this hybrid contrast capability

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Adds a new contrast mechanism to MRI without requiring chemical contrast agents, reducing potential health risks
• Enables visualization of tissue properties (e.g., viscosity, movement) previously hard or impossible to distinguish with conventional MRI or ultrasound alone
• Improves diagnostic accuracy and tissue differentiation in challenging cases
• Compatible with existing MRI hardware and protocols; can be retrofitted to many systems
• Non-invasive and safe due to low ultrasound energy and shielding
• Enhances research capabilities, facilitating deeper understanding of soft tissue mechanics and diseases

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Patent Abstract

Disclosed is a method for creating a contrasting effect in the image representation of a magnetic resonance imaging process and/or system. In said method, soft matter (16) is exposed to the influence of a high-frequency pulse signal area of a magnetic resonance tomograph, and ultrasonic signals are injected and emitted into said high-frequency pulse signal area. In order to be able to influence the contrast of the pictorial representation of an MRI process, an ultrasonic signal pulse sequence is injected or emitted in a synchronized fashion into an image pulse series or sequence generated by the magnetic resonance tomograph in such a way that the ultrasonically induced movement of the soft matter (16) is and/or can be represented as an image contrast (21) in the image representation of the magnetic resonance tomograph.