Accelerating interventional real-time MRI

Abstract

This thesis investigates novel MRI techniques which are aimed at improving the use of MRI for treatment guidance during HIFU and radiotherapy treatments. To guide these treatments effectively, the MRI scans should encompass a large spatial coverage and have a high imaging frame rate such that motion can be compensated for. The first part of the thesis focuses on SMS MRI, a technique where multiple slices are imaged simultaneously. This is evaluated for temperature mapping during HIFU and for motion compensation during radiotherapy treatments. The second part focuses on a latency analysis of various MRI sequences. Minimizing the MRI latency is important when MRI is used as input for a real-time feedback loop, automatically adjusting the treatment based on the most current state of the anatomy.