Real-time geometric distortion correction for interventional imaging with echo-planar imaging (EPI)

Magn Reson Med. 2009 Apr;61(4):994-1000. doi: 10.1002/mrm.21903.

Abstract

Many MR-guided interventional procedures rely on fast imaging sequences for providing images in real-time with a precise relation between the target position in the image and its true position. Echo-planar imaging (EPI) methods are very fast but prone to geometric distortions. Here, we propose a correction method designed for real-time conditions, adapting existing approaches based on dual EPI acquisition with varying echo times. The method is demonstrated with MR-thermometry for guiding thermal therapies. The proposed approach imposes a small penalty in acquisition speed but adds negligible latency to data processing, an important element for interventions of mobile organs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Artifacts*
  • Echo-Planar Imaging / methods*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted / methods*