BART Streams: Real-time Reconstruction Using a Modular Framework for Pipeline Processing

TL;DR

This paper introduces a modular streaming framework for BART enabling real-time MRI reconstruction with low latency, facilitating rapid development of interactive imaging applications.

Contribution

A new streaming protocol for multidimensional arrays integrated into BART allows flexible, low-latency real-time MRI reconstruction pipelines.

Findings

Latency of ~30 ms for processing and transfer

End-to-end latency of ~200 ms including acquisition and display

Modular scripting enables rapid prototyping of advanced MRI applications

Abstract

Purpose: To create modular solutions for interactive real-time MRI using reconstruction algorithms implemented in BART. Methods: A new protocol for streaming of multidimensional arrays is presented and integrated into BART. The new functionality is demonstrated using examples for cardiac interactive real-time MRI based on radial FLASH, where iterative reconstruction is combined with advanced features such as dynamic coil compression and gradient-delay orrection. We analyze the latency of the reconstruction and measure end-to-end latency of the full imaging process. Results: Reconstruction pipelines with iterative reconstruction and advanced functionality were built in a modular way using scripting. Latency measurements demonstrate latency sufficient for interactive real-time MRI, on the order of 30 ms for BART processing and network transfer time, or 200 ms for end-to-end latency including acquisition, vendor processing, and display. Conclusion: With the new streaming capabilities, real-time reconstruction pipelines can be assembled using BART in a flexible way, enabling rapid prototyping of advanced applications such as interactive real-time MRI.