Abstract: A system and method is provided for use with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system to facilitate use of a medical device during operation of the MRI system. The system includes a probe configured to be electrically coupled to a medical device configured to be inserted or implanted into a subject and an analyzer system configured to receive data from the probe and determine resonant frequencies of the medical device using the data. The system also includes a display configured to generate a report of the resonant frequencies of the medical device at least over predicted operating frequencies of the MRI system during an imaging procedure using the MRI system and in the presence of the medical device and indicating any resonant frequencies of the medical device coincident with the predicted operating frequencies of the MRI system during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A system and method for generating motion-corrected positron emission tomography (PET) images is provided. A subject is prepared to be imaged by arranging a plurality of motion tracking coils about the subject. Each of the plurality of motion tracking coil includes a conductor extending through a plurality of loops to form a coil and includes a sample material. PET coincidence events are acquired concurrently with magnetic resonance (MR) data generated using the plurality of motion tracking coils with an MR system. Motion data is determined from the MR data and is incorporated in PET reconstruction or applied to PET images to generate motion corrected PET images.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing attenuation correction on positron emission tomography (“PET”) data using images acquired with a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system are provided. Preferably, the magnetic resonance images are acquired using a pulse sequence that produces magnetic resonance signals from bone tissue that can be distinguished by variations in bone density. Images acquired in this manner can provide information about intra-subject and inter-subject variations in bone density, thereby resulting in more accurate attenuation correction in bone tissues.

Abstract: A system and method for performing quiet magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) are provided. An MRI system is directed to perform a pulse sequence that includes a magnetic field gradient s tapped through a plurality of different gradient component amplitude values in a manner that controls the difference between successive gradient amplitudes. In this way, force changes generated during the transition from one gradient component amplitude to the next are controlled, thereby resulting in a significant noise reduction. Additionally, the gradient amplitude values are ordered such that the transition of the gradient component amplitude in successive repetitions of the pulse sequence is controlled, thereby mitigating the generation of forces between pulse sequence repetitions.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for measuring volumetric, 3-D bone organic matrix density is described. The techniques includes providing a first pulse sequence fragment selected to suppress at least two fluid resonance signals and providing a second pulse sequence fragment which images at least solid signals. In one embodiment, a series of RF pulses used to suppress fluid in the bone marrow spaces, particularly in cancellous bone tissue, is combined with solid state projection reconstruction magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide a three-dimensional image of a bone in which the dominant signal arises substantially from solid organic bone matrix.

Abstract: Principles of magnetic resonance are employed to generate data, such as image intensity data, reflecting the spatial distribution of one or more isotopes carried in a solid-state specimen such as bone. The spatial distribution data can be employed, e.g., to calculate bone mineral density and/or degree of mineralization.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for characterizing bone mineral characteristics using differential cross polarization magnetic resonance methods are disclosed. According to one embodiment the method includes a step of producing a static magnetic field in a sample that includes first and second spin species where the second spin species has an unknown property. The method also includes a step of producing a state of dipolar order in spins of the first species in the sample. In addition, the method includes providing an RF field in the sample that is resonant with spins of the second species and then shifting the RF field by 180.degree.. Then a signal representative of the unknown property of the second species in the sample may be acquired. Apparatus for performing the above method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive chemical and tomographic structural analysis of an object by nuclear magnetic resonance wherein a nonmagnetic object which is substantially transparent to electromagnetic radiation at the nuclear magnetic resonance frequency is subjected to periodic motion while transverse magnetization is generated, subjected to at least one magnetic field gradient pulse of sufficiently short duration that the object does not move appreciably while the pulse is on, and a resulting free induction decay signal is detected, collected in a computer and processed by Fourier transformation to obtain the chemical shift spectrum at various positions within the object.

Abstract: A novel and improved method to detect indirectly a temperature of an object employing nuclear magnetic resonance techniques (NMR). The method involves obtaining an NMR spectrum to determine chemical shift, relaxation times, spin-spin couplings or quadrupole couplings for an element of a compound having at least one conformational isomer wherein the compound is influenced by a temperature of the object. Uniquely, the present invention may detect temperature in the body of an animal. Further, the present invention discloses a novel method to determine and monitor thermal physiological states in an animal as well as determine and monitor thermal states in an object. Because of the unique and advantageous non-invasive, non-destructive and non-ionizing properties, the present invention may be employed in an object or animal continuously.