Abstract: At least a portion of a body (10) of a patient positioned in an examination volume of a MR device (1). A portion of the body (10) is subject to a calibration sequence including RF pulses and switched magnetic field gradients controlled in such a manner that a calibration signal data set is acquired by a multi-point Dixon technique at a first image resolution. Calibration parameters are derived from the calibration signal data set. The MR device (1) is controlled according to the derived calibration parameters. The portion of the body (10) is subject to an imaging sequence including RF pulses and switched magnetic field gradients controlled in such a manner that a diagnostic signal data set is acquired at a second image resolution which is higher than the first image resolution. A diagnostic MR image is reconstructed from the diagnostic signal data set.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method that improves the sensitivity and localization capabilities of Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) by using combinations of time-varying and static magnetic fields. Combinations of magnetic fields can be used to distribute the signals coming from the magnetic particles among the harmonics and other frequencies in specific ways to improve sensitivity and to provide localization information to speed up or improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of imaging and/or eliminate the need for saturation fields currently used in MPI. In various embodiments, coils can be provided to extend the sub-saturation region in which nanoparticles reside; to provide a static field offset to bring nanoparticles nearer to saturation; to introduce even and odd harmonics that can be observed; and/or to introduce combinations of frequencies for more-defined observation of signals from nanoparticles.

Abstract: method of comparing a secondary oil recovery process with a tertiary oil recovery process, the secondary oil recovery process and the tertiary oil recovery process being applied to a substantially fluid-saturated porous medium containing an oil phase and an aqueous phase. The method comprising using relaxation time measurements in the calculation of a wettability index modification factor for the oil phase or the aqueous phase, thereby comparing the tertiary oil recovery process with the secondary oil recovery process.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a radio frequency magnetic coil is coupled to a wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit allows control or monitoring of individual channels or other functions of a coil.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging scan using a MR scanner receives via a user interface a MR imaging protocol categorizable into a MR scan type of a predefined set of MR scan types. Further, a database is queried by providing to the database scan information permitting the database to identify the MR scan type of the MR imaging protocol. Statistical information on the MR scan type which can include statistics on modifications of individual scan parameters of the MR scan type is received from a database, and the statistical information is provided to the user interface. Modifications of the MR imaging protocol can be received from the user interface, resulting in a modified MR imaging protocol, according to which the MR imaging scan can be performed.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and method (a) acquires k-space data for a patient ROI over a predetermined band of RF frequencies using RF excitation pulses having respectively corresponding RF frequencies incrementally offset from a nuclear magnetic resonant (NMR) Larmor frequency for free nuclei over a predetermined range of different offset frequencies in which target macromolecule responses are expected and to process such acquired data into spectral data for voxels in the ROI; (b) analyzes the acquired spectral data to provide spectral peak width data corresponding to tissue values in the ROI for macromolecules participating in magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) effects producing said spectral data; and (c) stores and/or displays data representative of tissue values of the ROI which values are different for different tissues.

Abstract: A rotatable protective cover functioning as a door, that both opens and closes off, an entrance opening of a patient bore in an MRI device is disclosed. The rotatable protective cover comprises a semi-permeable barrier material, MRI shielding, and physical shielding; and is at least partially transparent.

Abstract: A local coil for magnetic resonance applications includes a rigid housing that radially surrounds a substantially cylindrical examination volume. Arranged in the rigid housing is a transmitting coil, by which an excitation signal may be applied to the examination volume. An object to be examined arranged in the examination volume may be excited by the excitation signal for emitting a magnetic resonance signal. The local coil includes a size-variable structure, in which an antenna assembly for receiving the magnetic resonance signal emitted by the object to be examined is arranged. The size-variable structure is arranged in the examination volume and is connected to the rigid housing. The size-variable structure is soft and flexible.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and method (a) acquires k-space data for a patient ROI over a predetermined band of RF frequencies using RF excitation pulses having respectively corresponding RF frequencies incrementally offset from a nuclear magnetic resonant (NMR) Larmor frequency for free nuclei thus causing chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) effects and to process such acquired data into Z-spectra data for voxels in the ROI; (b) analyzes the acquired Z-spectra data to provide spectral peak width data corresponding to T2/T2* tissue values in the ROI for macromolecules participating in magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) effects producing said Z-spectra data; and (c) stores and/or displays data representative of T2/T2* tissue values of the ROI which values are different for different tissues.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a forward spatial encoding polarity magnetic resonance (MR) coil image and a reverse spatial encoding polarity MR coil image generated from data obtained with a magnetic field gradient that is reversed with respect to the magnetic field gradient with which the forward spatial encoding polarity MR coil image is acquired. The method also includes performing an iterative shift map calculation algorithm to determine a pixel shift map corresponding to a minimized difference between the forward and reverse spatial encoding polarity MR coil images, converting the pixel shift map into a magnetic field shift map by determining a magnetic field value corresponding to each pixel in the pixel shift map, and providing the magnetic field shift map as an input to a shim calculation process that includes determining a level of at least one shim current.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus is proposed. The magnetic resonance apparatus has a magnet unit and a housing unit surrounding the magnet unit. The housing unit has a first housing shell unit and a second housing shell unit. The second housing shell unit is arranged between the magnet unit and the first housing shell unit.

Abstract: A transmitting device for driving a high-frequency antenna of a magnetic-resonance device using a target signal capable of being amplitude-modulated is provided. A number N of similarly embodied amplifier modules, where N is at least two, a signal-conditioning device, and a combining device for combining output signals of the amplifier modules into the target signal are provided. The signal-conditioning device generates N drive signals having a predetermined pulse frequency that consist of pulses having a length dependent on a desired target amplitude and having a phase corresponding to the desired target phase and a frequency corresponding to the desired target frequency. The pulses of the individual drive signals are mutually offset in time by, in each case, 1/N of a pulse period corresponding to the pulse frequency. Each drive signal is fed to an amplifier module.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus is proposed. The magnetic resonance apparatus has a magnet unit, magnet housing and a housing unit surrounding the magnet unit. The housing unit includes at least one support structure unit and a cladding unit. The cladding unit has at least one first layer, which includes a sound absorption element, and at least one second layer, which includes a heavy mass layer.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus is proposed. The magnetic resonance apparatus has a magnet unit and a housing unit. The housing unit has a housing shell unit. The housing shell unit surrounds the magnet unit. The housing shell unit at least partly has a flexible material. Effective noise protection for operation of the magnetic resonance apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A spectroscopic sample analysis apparatus includes an actively controlled heat exchanger in serial fluid communication with a spectroscopic analyzer, and a controller communicably coupled to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is disposed downstream of a fluid handler in the form of a stream selection unit/stream switching unit (SSU), a solvent/standard recirculation unit (SRU), and/or an auto-sampling unit (ASU). The SSU selectively couples individual stream inputs to an output port. The SRU includes a solvent/standard reservoir, and selectively couples output ports to the heat exchanger, and returns the solvent/standard sample to the reservoirs. The ASU includes a sample reservoir having a sample transfer pathway with a plurality of orifices disposed at spaced locations along a length thereof. The controller selectively actuates the fluid handler, enabling sample to flow there through to the heat exchanger, and actuates the heat exchanger to maintain the sample at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with wireless magnetic field monitoring (wMFM) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are described. One example apparatus includes a wMFM module configured to receive an MFM signal from an MFM probe and to wirelessly transmit modulated MFM signals produced from the received MFM signals to an MRI apparatus. The MRI apparatus is configured with a wireless receiver that receives and processes the modulated MFM signals into information used in an image reconstruction. The MRI apparatus includes an MRI reconstruction logic configured to produce an MR image from the MRI signal based, at least in part, on the magnetic field measurement information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for reducing artifacts in an MRI image as a result of radiation induced current in collector coils of an MRI apparatus. The method comprises the following steps. Selecting a plurality of pixels in a k-space image prior to generation of the MRI image. Analyzing each of the plurality of selected pixels to determine whether a pixel intensity is greater than a predefined global threshold. For each pixel having pixel intensity greater than the predefined global threshold, determining whether the pixel lies within a signal region of the k-space image or outside of the signal region of the k-space image. For each pixel that lies outside of the signal region, modifying the pixel intensity to be similar to a background pixel intensity, thereby creating a modified k-space image. Generating the MRI image based on the modified k-space image. A non-transitory computer readable medium and a radiation therapy system configured to implement the method are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for image processing that perform image segmentation on data sets in two- and/or three-dimensions so as to resolve structures that have the same or similar grey values (and that would otherwise render with the same or similar intensity values) and that, thereby, facilitate visualization and processing of those data sets.

Abstract: A coil for a magnetic resonance imaging device consists of multiple coil elements arranged about an imaging space. Each coil element comprise radiating structures oriented at an angle to a tangent of the imaging space. Angling the radiating structures reduces mutual coupling between coil elements and enhances the penetration of the radio frequency field to the imaging space.

Abstract: A radiation therapy system comprises a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system combined with an irradiation system, which can include one or more linear accelerators (linacs) that can emit respective radiation beams suitable for radiation therapy. The MRI system includes a split magnet system, comprising first and second main magnets separated by gap. A gantry is positioned in the gap between the main MRI magnets and supports the linac(s) of the irradiation system. The gantry is rotatable independently of the MRI system and can angularly reposition the linac(s). Shielding can also be provided in the form of magnetic and/or RF shielding. Magnetic shielding can be provided for shielding the linac(s) from the magnetic field generated by the MRI magnets. RF shielding can be provided for shielding the MRI system from RF radiation from the linac.