University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed TPI-SENSE, a parallel-imaging pulse sequence for efficient three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on patients. This technology non-invasively performs proton or non-proton (e.g., sodium) MR imaging on tissues with very short T2 relaxation times (T2<10ms), enabling early diagnosis of diseases such as stroke and cancer.
Description
TPI-SENSE is a novel pulse sequence that samples the k-space in a spherical volume using twisted projection imaging (TPI) trajectory. This intrinsic three-dimensional sampling scheme produces isotropic resolution in all spatial directions, suitable for visualizing tissues at different view angles. The sequence minimizes short T2-induced MR signal decay by using very short radiofrequency (rf) excitation pulses (<0.5ms) and very short data acquisition delays (<0.2ms). Multiple coils provide additional spatial encodings, compensating for missed TPI lines. TPI-SENSE can be installed in clinical multi-channel MRI scanners at magnetic fields of 1.5 Tesla or higher without additional hardware requirements.
Applications
- Early diagnosis of stroke and cancer
- Clinical MRI imaging
- Research in medical imaging
Advantages
TPI-SENSE offers several significant advantages over conventional MRI techniques. Firstly, it provides higher scan time efficiency for real three-dimensional imaging, achieving a five-fold or greater improvement. This efficiency allows for faster imaging, which is crucial in clinical settings where time is of the essence. Secondly, TPI-SENSE delivers a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), with a 37% improvement compared to traditional methods. This enhanced SNR results in clearer and more detailed images, which can improve diagnostic accuracy. Lastly, TPI-SENSE reduces MR signal loss due to its decreased slew rate requirements and shorter readout times. This reduction in signal loss ensures that the images captured are of high quality, even for tissues with very short T2 relaxation times, making it particularly effective for early diagnosis of conditions such as stroke and cancer.
Invention Readiness
The invention has successfully completed several stages of development. Initially, the concept and design of the TPI-SENSE pulse sequence were established. This was followed by the development of the pulse sequence and extensive computer simulations to validate its performance. In vivo experiments were conducted on phantoms and human subjects to test the efficacy of the sequence. These experiments demonstrated the ability of TPI-SENSE to achieve high-quality imaging with improved scan time efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio. Further human experiments are scheduled to optimize parameters for data acquisitions and coil configurations, ensuring the technology is ready for broader clinical application.
