Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS
Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS
Fraunhofer MEVIS MR Sequence Developer
© Fraunhofer MEVIS
MR sequence developer at work in the MR lab(oratory) run/managed by Fraunhofer MEVIS and the University of Bremen.

© Fraunhofer MEVIS

gammaSTAR

Generalized MRI Pulse Sequence Programming

© Fraunhofer MEVIS
gammaSTAR uses generalized MRI pulse sequences that allow harmonized MR imaging across different MRI models and vendors.

We provide a generalized format for scanner-agnostic MRI sequences (acquisition techniques), enabling cross-vendor and cross-scanner portability of MRI sequences to overcome the lack of cross-scanner integration in today’s marketplace. This will ultimately accelerate transfer of research technology into clinics and save costs that are currently invested in technology transfer to other MRI scanners. We can provide our software for large imaging studies that require comparable images between multiple devices. The ability to conduct studies with different MRI scanners instead of purchasing identical hardware would reduce the cost of arranging such a study. Additionally, using generalized MRI sequences reduces the effort needed to harmonize imaging protocols and post-processing. Our technology is embedded in a user-friendly web frontend that limits the expertise needed to explore and implement MRI techniques. 

 

We look forward to talking with you about the benefits of gammaSTAR and its possible applications.

Generalized, Scanner-Agnostic MRI Sequences

A central part of our technology is a novel description language of MRI sequences. Combined with a slim hardware driver that can easily be translated to MRI scanners of different models or vendors, it can provide manufacturer-independent MRI techniques with high complexity. It allows more efficient sequence development and implementation, providing a breakthrough in MRI image harmonization.

State-Of-The-Art Database of MRI Pulse Sequences

In addition to classic MRI techniques for morphological imaging, our sequence library also includes state-of-the-art techniques for dynamic, physiological imaging with an initial focus on contrast-free perfusion imaging. We support modern acceleration techniques to reduce scanning time as well as advanced motion correction complemented by different k-space trajectory schemes such as Cartesian, spiral, and radial acquired in 2D or 3D.

Dynamically Changing Sequence Structure and Parameters During the Scan

Dynamically adapting MR imaging sequences during acquisition is often used in advanced MR techniques. In contrast to other solutions, gammaSTAR does not use pre-defined execution orders or code compilation prior to the scan. Upcoming events are dynamically calculated during a real-time event stream, which enables sequence changes during the scan triggered by a universal interface to external devices.

User-friendly web frontend

© Fraunhofer MEVIS
gammaSTAR offers a user-friendly web-frontend for pulse-sequence development with on-the-fly plotting and other convenient features as for example a k-space trajectory view.

gammaSTAR offers a user-friendly MRI pulse sequence programming environment. Rapid prototyping is supported by on-the-fly updates to the MRI sequence plots and convenient functionalities like a k-space trajectory viewer or the module editor. The developer backend can be downloaded for implementing custom gammaSTAR sequences. Curious how your MRI sequence sounds? You can hear it using our web frontend.

We offer different layers of complexity. There is no longer a need to exhaust walls of code. gammaSTAR consists of a modular tree concept with capsulated, easy-to-read event calculations.

Visit our open web frontend and explore gammaSTAR: https://gamma-star.mevis.fraunhofer.de

Application Areas

  • Rapid prototyping of MRI pulse sequences across various MRI models
  • Harmonization of MRI multi-center, multi-vendor studies
  • Dynamic MRI control during interventions, for prospective motion correction, or other adaptive MRI sequences
  • Education

Research Highlights

  • Cordes C, Konstandin S, Porter D, Günther M. Portable and platform‐independent MR pulse sequence programs. Magn Reson Med (2020) 83:1277–1290
  • Hoinkiss DC, Cordes C, Konstandin S, Günther M. Event-Based Traversing of Hierarchical Sequences Allows Real-Time Execution and Arbitrary Looping in a Scanner-Independent MRI Framework. Proc ISMRM (2020) 1043
  • Cordes C, Konstandin S, Mensing D, Archipovas S, Wilke RN, Günther M. Configuring, Viewing, Exploring and Exporting Reproducible, Vendor-Independent MRI Pulse Sequences. Proc ISMRM (2019) 4826
  • Hoinkiss DC, Cordes C, Konstandin S, Huber J, Wilke RN, Günther M. Real-Time Sequence Control for Prospective Motion Correction in a Dynamic, Platform-Independent MRI Framework. Proc ESMRMB (2019) S14.02
  • Konstandin S, Cordes C, Günther M. Dynamic platform-independent MRI vs. Manufacturer’s implementations. Proc ISMRM (2019) 4841
  • Cordes C, Honroth T, Hoinkiss D, Archipovas S, Porter DA, Günther M. Parameter dependency in modular MR sequences using directed graphs. Proc ISMRM (2016) 3198
  • Honroth T, Cordes C, Archipovas S, Hoinkiss D, Günther M, Porter DA. Platform-independent, rapid prototyping of MR sequences without code compilation. Proc ISMRM (2016) 3207