Magnetic resonance imaging motion correction technology

Summary

Motion artifacts are a major hindrance in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications, especially when highly sensitive and time consuming measurements are required, such as those required for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Laborious registration and other post-processing methods must precede any meaningful comparison of images. Often it is not clear that a series of measurements is unusable until after the experiment is over, causing much inconvenience and wasting time and resources.

Current solutions to this problem include, among others, physical restraint of the imaged body part, as well as the use of navigator echoes. Physical restraint of patients can be an uncomfortable and frightening experience. Navigator echoes are effective, but they require the use of the full MRI imaging system, thus significantly reducing the efficiency of data acquisition.

Researchers at the NRC have developed a versatile, laser ranging method for the simultaneous measurement of body part rotation and translation in three dimensions. This capability allows motion correction without compromising patient comfort and without reducing the efficiency of data acquisition.

Advantages

• Increased speed and accuracy of motion detection in MRI
• Data acquisition efficiency is uncompromised because the NRC method is independent of MRI imaging apparatus
• Patient comfort and safety are not compromised
• Motion correction can be performed online or following data acquisition

Opportunity

The opportunity lies in the development of specialized instrumentation and in the provision of clinical diagnostic services. The technology is available for exclusive or non-exclusive license.

Contact

Scott Ferguson
Telephone: 613-990-5948
Email: Scott.Ferguson@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca