Description:
- Medical imaging
- MRI scanners
- Oncology
Abstract
USC researchers have developed a direct reconstruction method – a method that directly reconstructs the tracker-kinetic (TK) parameter maps. This method provides improved image quality and high under-sampling rates (up to 100x) over a large coverage area (e.g. the entire brain). These improvements are achieved by using an efficient gradient-based technique to reconstruct the image. Use of this method could help DCE-MRI become the clinical standard for evaluating tumor progression and treatment response.
Benefit
- Improved ease-of-use
- High under-sampling rate (up to 100x)
- Allows for a larger coverage area
Market Application
Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is an imaging technique used most often to evaluate cancer and provide information about tumors or other diseases. Conventional DCE-MRI techniques provide limited resolution and coverage that could result in missing tiny tumors (e.g. 2 mm or smaller) or scattered tumors. Newer DCE-MRI techniques claim to provide better resolution, but they still result in poor image quality and low under sampling rates. Higher under-sampling rates are required for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. In order to help grow the MRI market, which is projected to be worth $7.19 billion by 2021, this issue must be addressed.
Publications
Direct Estimation of Tracer-Kinetic Parameter Maps From Highly Undersampled Brain Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI, ISMRM 2016.
Stage of Development
- Experimentally validated
- Available for licensing