Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
08:51
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
9.0K
Declutter the MRI protocol tree: Managing and comparing sequence parameters of multiple clinical Siemens MRI systems
Pim Pullens1, Pieter Devolder2, Nele Van de Velde2
1Department of Medical Imaging, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Ghent Institute for Functional and Metabolic Imaging, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium; IBITech/Medisip, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
Summary
Managing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) protocols is crucial for consistent patient care and efficient workflow. This study introduces open-source tools to detect and reduce MRI protocol variations, standardizing libraries across scanners.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging Informatics
- Radiology Workflow Optimization
Background:
- Clinical MRI systems utilize extensive protocol trees with numerous parameters per sequence.
- Protocol variation and errors can lead to financial losses and suboptimal patient outcomes.
- Undetected variations clutter protocol trees, reducing the efficiency of radiological MRI workflows.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a method and open-source software tools for managing MRI protocols at the sequence parameter level.
- To detect deviations and variations within MRI protocol trees.
- To facilitate the creation of standardized MRI protocol libraries across multiple scanners.
Main Methods:
- Development of a method for managing MRI protocols focusing on sequence parameters.
- Implementation of open-source software tools for offline analysis of protocol trees.
- Utilizing the tools to identify deviations and variations without disrupting clinical workflow.
Main Results:
- The developed tools effectively detect protocol deviations and variations.
- The method allows for offline management, preventing interference with clinical operations.
- Standardization of protocol libraries across multiple MRI scanners is achievable.
Conclusions:
- The introduced method and tools significantly reduce MRI protocol variation and errors.
- Standardized protocol libraries enhance the efficiency of radiological MRI workflows.
- Optimized MRI protocols deliver greater value to both patients and healthcare institutions.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Steady Flow of a Fluid Stream
Consider a control volume, such as a pipe with solid boundaries, through which fluid flows and changes direction due to the impulse exerted by the resulting force from the pipe walls. In steady flow, the mass of fluid entering the control volume at a given time, t, with velocity v1, is equal to the mass leaving after infinitesimal time dt, with velocity v2.
During this process, the momentum of the fluid within the control volume remains constant over the time interval dt. By applying the...
During this process, the momentum of the fluid within the control volume remains constant over the time interval dt. By applying the...
01:14Conservation of Mass in Moving, Nondeforming Control Volume
Stormwater detention basins are essential in managing runoff during heavy rainfall, particularly in urban areas where impervious surfaces increase the risk of flooding. Understanding the conservation of mass in these systems allows engineers to optimize basin performance, balancing inflow, outflow, and water storage.
In the context of a detention basin, the conservation of mass states that the total mass of water entering the basin must equal the mass leaving the basin plus any accumulation of...
In the context of a detention basin, the conservation of mass states that the total mass of water entering the basin must equal the mass leaving the basin plus any accumulation of...
01:30Typical Model Studies
Fluid mechanics model studies often utilize scaled-down systems to predict fluid behavior in full-scale environments, such as river flows, dam spillways, and structures interacting with open surfaces. Maintaining Froude number similarity in river models is crucial, as it replicates surface flow features like wave patterns and velocities.
01:21Design Example: Creating a Hydraulic Model of a Dam Spillway
Scaled hydraulic models of dam spillways provide a practical way to replicate and study the intricate flow dynamics of these structures. Often built to a 1:15 ratio, these models allow for observing critical water behavior, such as velocity distribution, flow patterns, and energy dissipation.
01:29Gradually Varying Flow
Gradually varying flow (GVF) in open channels describes situations where water depth changes slowly along the channel due to factors like non-uniform bed slope, channel shape variations, or obstructions. This flow type occurs when the depth adjusts gradually to balance gravitational forces, shear forces, and energy requirements, resulting in a low rate of depth change.Characteristics of Gradually Varying FlowGVF is commonly observed in natural streams, rivers, and canals, where flow depth...
01:24Rapidly Varying Flow
Rapidly varying flow (RVF) in open channels is characterized by abrupt changes in flow depth over a short distance, with the rate of depth change relative to distance often approaching unity. These flows are inherently complex due to their transient and multi-dimensional nature, making exact analysis difficult. However, approximate solutions using simplified models provide valuable insights into their behavior.Key Features of Rapidly Varying FlowRVF is commonly observed in scenarios involving...