Imaging Physics

 

Physiological Imaging: An Outlook into the Future

Competences

 

Sequence Development

We are active in a wide range of sequence development projects including simultaneous multi-slice imaging, compressed sensing, and ultra-short echo time sequences for X-nuclei imaging and short T2* tissues. We provide novel sequence concepts such as time-encoded arterial spin labeling and develop image-based prospective motion correction techniques for various MRI sequences.

Sequence development at MEVIS is performed using the in-house developed, hardware-agnostic development framework gammaSTAR.

Microstructural Imaging – Diffusion Imaging

Diffusion-weighted imaging is frequently affected by long-term subject motion. Prospective motion correction significantly improves image quality during measurements with long scan times. Our portfolio includes real-time prospective motion correction without scan time penalty leading to improved image quality in high angular resolution diffusion imaging and diffusion tensor imaging protocols.

Physiological Imaging – Arterial Spin Labeling

We are among the leading groups in developing arterial spin labeling (ASL) sequences, a perfusion imaging method that does not require contrast agent. Our time-encoded pseudo-continuous ASL sequences in combination with single-shot 3D-GRASE readout provide shorter scan time and higher SNR than conventional ASL methods.

MRI and Ultrasound Motion Tracking

Modalities such as ultrasound and MR imaging allow for real-time observation and compensation of patient motion. We develop and apply real-time ultrasound and MR tracking solutions for motion compensation during therapy. We are one of few sites hosting a prototypical MR-compatible ultrasound device for multi-source information integration.

Automatic Image Quality Assessment in MRI

The combination of image acquisition expertise with profound knowledge of image processing allows us to develop tools for automatic analysis of MR images. Modular test algorithms describe general image quality and detect artifacts in image or frequency domain. The results can be accessed by a dedicated, user-friendly framework. A selection of these tools is regularly used in the German National Cohort.

Highlights

Arterial Spin Labeling

Hybrid MRI-US – Image Fusion and Motion Correction by Ultrasound Tracking

Data Management and Automated QA for German National Cohort