Training activity information
Details
Perform a simple pulse-sequence development task using the manufacturer-supplied or an open-source development environment. Evaluate the results using either simulations or tests on an MRI scanner
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Pulse-sequence programming environments from manufacturer or third party (e.g. SequenceTree, PyPulseSeq, Pulseq, TOPPE)
- Pulse sequence structure
- Range of pulse sequences
- Preparation modules to change the contrast (e.g. FatSat, IR/DIR Prep, Sat Prep, iMSDE)
- Addition of gradients and or rf pulses to modify sequences
- Automatic vs user controlled parameters
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- Are there any specific pulse-sequence elements or parameters you should focus on for your development task? Are there recommended development environments?
- What do you need to know before embarking on the activity? What is your understanding of basic MRI pulse sequence building blocks (e.g., RF pulses, gradients)?
- Are you familiar with any pulse-sequence development environments or simulation tools?
- Consider the specific insights you hope to gain from engaging with the activity. How are basic pulse sequence elements combined to achieve desired imaging characteristics?
- What are the practical considerations in implementing a pulse sequence?
- How can simulation or scanner testing be used to evaluate sequence performance?
- Think about what you already know about the task / activity. Do you have any prior experience with programming or MRI physics beyond standard clinical sequences?
- Discuss the training activity with your training officer to gain clarity of understanding. What is the scope of the pulse-sequence development task?
- What resources are available for the chosen development environment? What criteria should you use to evaluate the results of your sequence?
- Consider possible challenges you might face during the activity, and think about how you might handle them. How will you approach the task of designing even a simple pulse sequence?
- How will you troubleshoot potential errors in your implementation? How will you interpret the simulation or scanner testing results?
- Identify how you feel about embarking on this training activity. Are you curious about the technical aspects of pulse sequence design?
- What are your initial thoughts on the complexity of this task?
In action
- Pay attention to your actions.
- How are you approaching the pulse-sequence development task?
- What elements of the sequence are you designing or modifying?
- What decisions are you making regarding the timing, amplitude, and type of gradient and RF pulses within your sequence?
- How are you planning to evaluate the results?
- What aspects of pulse sequence design feel intuitive based on your understanding of basic sequences, and what requires more conscious application of MRI physics principles and programming skills?
- How effective are your actions in developing the intended pulse sequence and obtaining meaningful results through simulation or scanner testing?
- What challenges are you facing during the development process (e.g., understanding the programming environment, predicting the sequence behaviour, troubleshooting implementation issues)?
- What can you learn about the practical aspects of pulse sequence design and the relationship between sequence parameters and image characteristics?
- How does this activity connect to your deeper understanding of MRI physics and the building blocks of pulse sequences?
- Are there alternative approaches you could be considering in your sequence design or evaluation method?
- What support or guidance might you need in this moment, such as tutorials on the development environment or advice on interpreting simulation or scan results?
- Are you ensuring your sequence development task is feasible and aligned with the learning objectives of this activity?
On action
- What were the key steps involved in developing the simple pulse sequence using the chosen environment?
- How did you approach the evaluation of the developed sequence using simulations or tests on the MRI scanner?
- What were the strengths and limitations of the developed pulse sequence that you observed during your evaluation?
- What did you learn about the basic building blocks and programming of MRI pulse sequences?
- Did you gain a better understanding of the development environment and the process of testing new sequences?
- What did you learn about the challenges and complexities involved in pulse sequence design?
- How will this experience influence your understanding of more complex clinical pulse sequences?
- What specific aspects of pulse sequence development will you be interested in learning more about?
- How might this initial experience contribute to your ability to troubleshoot or optimise existing pulse sequences in the future?
Beyond action
- Have you since engaged in further pulse sequence development or modification tasks, perhaps exploring more complex sequence designs or parameter variations?
- Have you observed or been involved in the development or optimisation of clinically novel pulse sequences within your department or through collaborations?
- Have you discussed the principles of pulse sequence design and their impact on image characteristics with experienced MRI physicists or application specialists?
- How has this activity provided you with a foundational understanding of the building blocks of MRI pulse sequences and how they are constructed?
- Has this experience improved your ability to understand the parameters and functionality of existing clinical sequences and to appreciate the trade-offs involved in their design?
- How has the learning from this training activity influenced your ability to troubleshoot sequence-related issues or to understand the limitations of specific pulse sequences for certain applications?
- How will your initial experience in pulse sequence development support your ability to evaluate and potentially implement new or research sequences within your clinical practice?
- What clear actions for continued development in your knowledge of MRI physics, pulse sequence programming, or advanced sequence design principles have you identified?
- How might this experience contribute to your ability to collaborate on research projects involving sequence development or optimisation, or to contribute to the education of others in MRI physics?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 |
Outcome
Model signals and perform image reconstruction. |