Adoption & Commercialization of the Novel Techniques: Vendors' Perspective

Fresh Blood Imaging (FBI): Idea to product

In this presentation, we introduce how the technical advancements are adopted and commercialized in products. One of examples, the development of fresh blood imaging (FBI) using ECG-gated 3D half-Fourier FSE [1,2] in non-contrast MRA is illustrated. Particularly, the process of an initial idea of T2 blurring effect [3], artery and vein T2 blurring simulation using a point-spread function [4], and experiment design to confirm the idea is briefly explained. After the confirmation, pre-release of the prototype technique to the collaboration sites, evaluation of the technique by collaborators, further improvement, and final productization follow. While in the trial-and-error period, challenges are resolved internally first and then later by collaborating with radiologists, technologists, scientists, and engineers. In addition, a gradient moment nulling [5] in FSE permits and produces an idea of flow-sensitized spoiler gradients in the read-out (RO) direction to separate artery from vein in peripheral non-contrast MRA as a byproduct [6].

Acknowledgements

The author thanks her collaborators, Dr. Nakamura and Dr. Yamamoto of Kyoritsu Tobata, Dr. Urata, Mr. Wada, and Mr. Okigawa of Saiseikai Kumamoto, and Dr. Abe and Mr. Tateishi of Kumamoto Central for their guidance and supports.