Head motion correction based on Pilot Tone signals – a referenceless method

Motivation: Motion remains a problem in clinical MRI largely because all existing effective methods come with a penalty, whether constraints on pulse sequences, expensive/bulky equipment, or extra steps in the workflow. Goal(s): To develop a motion correction method that is effective yet highly practical. Approach: A new model was developed based on Pilot Tone signals, to achieve sizable reductions in motion artifacts. The approach shares the burden of motion correction between sensors (Pilot Tone) and software (iterative reconstruction). Results: As tested in nineteen motion scans in four volunteers, the proposed approach is effective at suppressing motion artifacts, at little to no impact on workflow. Impact: The proposed approach is effective at reducing motion artifacts, and it was designed to be translatable to clinical practice, as it does not affect workflow.