Abstract: A method for tracking a device used in an imaging system is provided. The method includes using a trigger for initiating a determination of multiple device locations. The scan parameters are then adjusted using the multiple device locations. Finally, a dynamically corrected image is acquired, where the adjusted scan parameters provide an offset for at least one scan parameter.

Abstract: The present invention related to devices and methods for using ferrite alignment keys in wireless remote sensor assemblies. In one aspect, the invention provides wireless resonant sensor assemblies comprising a pick-up coil, a ferrite alignment key positioned in and extending from the pick-up coil, and wireless resonant sensor having a receiving element wherein the pick-up coil and the wireless resonant sensor align upon insertion of the ferrite alignment key into the receiving element. The ferrite alignment key may also be part of a resonant sensor such that insertion of a pick-up coil into a receiving element of the alignment key results in a configuration where the alignment key is positioned in and extended from the pick-up coil. Methods of measuring one or more parameters of a monitoring system are also provided. The insertion of the ferrite alignment key aligns the pick-up coil and wireless resonant sensor thereby increasing sensing of the wireless resonant sensor by the pick-up coil.

Abstract: An imaging and interventional system and methods are provided. The system comprises an imaging device for acquiring volumetric image data for an anatomical region of interest, a catheter for acquiring electrophysiological (EP) measurements of the anatomical region of interest, the catheter having at least one tracking coil for detecting signals indicative of a position of the catheter, and, a processor coupled to the catheter for receiving the EP measurements and signals indicative of the position of the catheter. The position of the catheter and EP measurements are combined and superimposed on a resultant image. The method comprises acquiring volumetric image data for an anatomical region of interest, acquiring position data for a catheter inserted in the region of interest, obtaining electrophysiological (EP) measurements for the region of interest and combining the image data, position data and EP measurements into a resultant image for use in the interventional procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for correcting magnetic resonance temperature measurements is disclosed. In one aspect, the method identifies monitoring regions of interest outside a therapeutic region of interest. Next, a pulse sequence sensitive to changes in T1 and proton density is used to measure the temperature changes in these regions. Next, the PRFS is measured in these same regions. The PRFS in these regions will be caused both by the desired shift from temperature change, and the undesired shift from background magnetic field changes. Using the measured temperature changes from the T1-method, the component of the PRFS due to actual temperature changes is subtracted from the PRFS method, leaving only the component caused by the unwanted magnetic field changes. This analysis is performed separately for each region. At the end of this step, one has measured the change in background magnetic field within each region.

Abstract: A system and method for active MR tracking includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system having a plurality of gradient coils positioned about a bore of a magnet, an RF coil assembly positioned in the bore, and a pulse module. The MRI system also includes a polarization reversal switch controlled by the pulse module to transmit RF signals to the RF coil assembly coupled to the polarization reversal switch and an RF switch controlled by the pulse module to transmit the RF signals to the polarization reversal switch.

Abstract: A system and method for active MR tracking includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system having a plurality of gradient coils positioned about a bore of a magnet, an RF coil assembly positioned in the bore, and a pulse module. The MRI system also includes a polarization reversal switch controlled by the pulse module to transmit RF signals to the RF coil assembly coupled to the polarization reversal switch and an RF switch controlled by the pulse module to transmit the RF signals to the polarization reversal switch.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present technique an electrode pad for medical use is provides. The electrode pad comprises a support layer a plurality of electrodes mounted on the support layer and electrically insulated from one another, and a plurality of leads electrically coupled to the electrodes for selectively placing the electrodes at a desired electrical potential.

Abstract: An imaging and interventional system and methods are provided. The system comprises an imaging device for acquiring volumetric image data for an anatomical region of interest, a catheter for acquiring electrophysiological (EP) measurements of the anatomical region of interest, the catheter having at least one tracking coil for detecting signals indicative of a position of the catheter, and, a processor coupled to the catheter for receiving the EP measurements and signals indicative of the position of the catheter. The position of the catheter and EP measurements are combined and superimposed on a resultant image. The method comprises acquiring volumetric image data for an anatomical region of interest, acquiring position data for a catheter inserted in the region of interest, obtaining electrophysiological (EP) measurements for the region of interest and combining the image data, position data and EP measurements into a resultant image for use in the interventional procedure.

Abstract: An RF coil assembly for use in a multiple receive-channel MRI system is provided. The RF coil assembly is configured as a multi-turn-element RF coil assembly to operate as a surface-coil array in cooperation with the MRI system which is configured to operate in a multiple-channel receive mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an image from an extended volume of interest within a subject using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system are provided. The method comprises translating the volume using a positioning device along an axis of the MRI system. A plurality of MR signals are detected from at least one radiofrequency (RF) coil array for a given field-of-view within the MRI system as the positioning device is translated. The plurality of MR signals are sent to a plurality of receivers wherein the receivers are each adapted to adjust their respective center frequencies at a rate commensurate with a rate of translation of the positioning device. A plurality of respective sub-images corresponding to the plurality MR signals for each of the plurality of receivers are combined to form a composite image of the volume of interest.

Abstract: A method of and system for parallel imaging using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is provided. The method comprises acquiring a plurality of magnetic resonance (MR) signals from a receiver coil array placed about a subject in the MRI system, where the receiver coil array has a plurality of receiver elements arranged in rows and, during application of a readout gradient in a frequency encoding direction, shifting receiver frequencies by a selectable amount for each row of the array in order to shift a limited field of view (FOV) in the frequency encoding direction.

Abstract: A method of and system for parallel imaging using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is provided. The method comprises acquiring a plurality of magnetic resonance (MR) signals from a receiver coil array placed about a subject in the MRI system, where the receiver coil array has a plurality of receiver elements arranged in rows and, during application of a readout gradient in a frequency encoding direction, shifting receiver frequencies by a selectable amount for each row of the array in order to shift a limited field of view (FOV) in the frequency encoding direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an image from an extended volume of interest within a subject using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system are provided. The method comprises translating the volume using a positioning device along an axis of the MRI system. A plurality of MR signals are detected from at least one radiofrequency (RF) coil array for a given field-of-view within the MRI system as the positioning device is translated. The plurality of MR signals are sent to a plurality of receivers wherein the receivers are each adapted to adjust their respective center frequencies at a rate commensurate with a rate of translation of the positioning device. A plurality of respective sub-images corresponding to the plurality MR signals for each of the plurality of receivers are combined to form a composite image of the volume of interest.

Abstract: A medical device positioning system and method for use during a medical procedure on a subject performed during imaging are provided. The system comprises a medical device adapted for internal use within the subject for performing the medical procedure and an imaging device for acquiring image data of a region of interest within the subject. Additionally, the system includes a medical device monitoring subsystem for monitoring position of the medical device relative to a target region of interest within the subject and for providing feedback to an interface unit when the position of the medical device deviates from the target region of interest.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking the location of a device within the field of view of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system are provided. The method comprises computing a centroid of signal intensity in a region centered about a location of maximum signal intensity, Lmax of acquired magnetic resonance (MR) signals corresponding to the device.

Abstract: An incubator arrangement and radiofrequency (RF) coil are provided for use in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. The incubator arrangement comprises an enclosure adapted to support a subject in a magnet of the MRI system during imaging and a radiofrequency coil disposed within the enclosure. The RF coil is adapted to provide visual and physical access to the subject, and further adapted to obtain a selected signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking the location of a device within the field of view of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system are provided. The method comprises computing a centroid of signal intensity in a region centered about a location of maximum signal intensity, Lmax of acquired magnetic resonance (MR) signals corresponding to the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an image from an extended volume of interest using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system are provided. The apparatus comprises a magnet assembly, a gradient coil assembly, at least one radiofrequency coil, a positioning device for translating the volume using along an axis of the MRI system and a plurality of receivers. A plurality of MR signals are detected from the radiofrequency (RF) coil, as the positioning device is translated, and are sent to the plurality of receivers. Each of the receivers are configured to be adjusted in either phase or frequency in response to the positioning device being translated. A plurality of respective sub-images are computed corresponding to the plurality of MR signals for each of the receivers and for the given field-of-view (FOV) at each of the incremented positions. A composite image of the volume of interest is formed by combining the respective sub-images.

Abstract: Secondary data set information is incorporated into a primary data set (such as a digital image) retaining a desired dynamic range and retaining the original primary set data quality. The secondary data set information is ‘smuggled’ into the least significant bits of the primary data set to result in an enhanced data set. If desired, the primary data word can be shifted toward the most significant bit. The enhanced data set may be viewed as if it were the original primary data set with existing playback devices, however it now includes additional ‘smuggled’ information which may be played back in coordination with the primary data set information. One example is flow-direction information ‘smuggled’ into an angiographic image. The least significant bits of the enhanced data words may be used to select the color map and color code the images. A user-adjustable intensity threshold can also be employed to select between color maps.

Abstract: A self-localizing receive coil system for use with a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system comprises at least one surface coil assembly for placement adjacent to a region of interest to be imaged and a plurality of tracking devices attached to the surface coil assembly for use in indicating location and orientation of the surface coil assembly during imaging.