The Need

Real-time and free-breathing MRI applications, particularly in cardiovascular imaging, require high temporal resolution to capture rapid physiological dynamics. However, optimal temporal resolution is often patient- and application-specific and may not be known before the scan. Existing Cartesian MRI sampling approaches force this choice upfront and trade temporal flexibility for robustness, while non-Cartesian methods introduce implementation complexity and sensitivity to system imperfections. A clinically robust MRI acquisition method that enables post‑acquisition adjustment of temporal resolution remains a significant unmet need.

The Technology

OSU engineers have developed CArtesian sampling with Variable density and Adjustable temporal resolution (CAVA), a novel MRI data acquisition strategy that combines the robustness of Cartesian sampling with the flexibility of retrospective temporal resolution adjustment. CAVA uses a deterministic yet incoherent sampling pattern that preferentially samples central k-space while maintaining uniform coverage over time. A single acquisition can be retrospectively re-binned to achieve multiple temporal resolutions, enabling clinicians and researchers to tailor image reconstruction to specific diagnostic or analytical needs after data collection.

Benefits/Advantages

• Retrospective flexibility: Temporal resolution can be adjusted after acquisition without rescanning
• Clinical robustness: Maintains Cartesian acquisition advantages, including compatibility with existing workflows
• High acceleration capability: Enables real-time imaging at acceleration levels typically associated with non-Cartesian methods
• Efficient implementation: Computationally lightweight sampling pattern generation suitable for clinical systems