Abstract: Provided is a method for rapid, 3D, dynamic, projection reconstruction bilateral breast imaging using simultaneous multi-slab volume excitation and radial acquisition of a contrast enhanced bilateral image, in conjunction with SENSE processing, using k-Space Weighted Image Contrast (“KWIC”) filtering and multi-coil arrays for signal separation in an interleaved bilateral MR bilateral breast scan that uses conventional Cartesian sampling without parallel imaging. Software was developed for the reconstruction, modeling contrast kinetics using a heuristic model, display by parametric mapping and viewer/analysis of the multidimensional, high frame-rate bilateral breast images.

Abstract: Provided is a method for rapid, 3D, dynamic, projection reconstruction bilateral breast imaging using simultaneous multi-slab volume excitation and radial acquisition of a contrast enhanced bilateral image, in conjunction with SENSE processing, using k-Space Weighted Image Contrast (“KWIC”) filtering and multi-coil arrays for signal separation in an interleaved bilateral MR bilateral breast scan that uses conventional Cartesian sampling without parallel imaging. Software was developed for the reconstruction, modeling contrast kinetics using a heuristic model, display by parametric mapping and viewer/analysis of the multidimensional, high frame-rate bilateral breast images.

Abstract: A WallPlug (interface) connects DICOM devices located at a hospital to external storage and retrieval systems. The external storage and retrieval systems can be part of the National Digital Mammography Archive. The WallPlug allows secure communications within the hospital setting, and allows only selected data to be transferred between the hospital devices and the archive. The WallPlug enables cross-enterprise distribution of medical content with proper authentication and logging of transfers. The WallPlug includes two portals connected together by a private secure network. The use of two separate devices greatly enhances the security, redundancy, and manageability of the combined device.

Abstract: The present invention offers novel equilibration methods for very high resolution, three-dimensional imaging of imaging of lung compliance and distribution of functional residual capacity (FRC) in the lung using hyperpolarized helium-3 (3He) gas (H3He), and collecting local magnetic resonance image data therefrom. Using the present methods permits many functions that have been performed on a regional level for the whole lung using non-polarized helium, to be calculated for the first time from the local MRI measurements of local H3He, such as measuring volume or compliance.

Abstract: The present invention comprises imaging and quantitative measurement of lung ventilation, particularly in a human lung. Methods for quantitative imaging of lung ventilation, and the further provided systems and algorithmic tools therefore, comprise three primary components: the combined MRI ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) imaging techniques using hyperpolarized helium-3 (3He) gas (H3He); the three-dimensional quantitative imaging of absolute lung perfusion (Q) and collection of local magnetic resonance image data therefrom to produce an absolute lung perfusion image data; and the algorithmic co-registration of the two image data sets, (HP-3He MRI image of V/Q and MR imaging of quantitative perfusion (Q) in the lung). From the data acquired in the combined data sets and their spatial co-registration, absolute ventilation (V) is computed.

Abstract: The present invention offers novel equilibration methods for very high resolution, three-dimensional imaging of imaging of lung compliance and distribution of functional residual capacity (FRC) in the lung using hyperpolarized helium-3 (3He) gas (H3He), and collecting local magnetic resonance image data therefrom. Using the present methods permits many functions that have been performed on a regional level for the whole lung using non-polarized helium, to be calculated for the first time from the local MRI measurements of local H3He, such as measuring volume or compliance.

Abstract: The present invention comprises imaging and quantitative measurement of lung ventilation, particularly in a human lung. Methods for quantitative imaging of lung ventilation, and the further provided systems and algorithmic tools therefor, comprise three primary components: the combined MRI ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) imaging techniques using hyperpolarized helium-3 (3He) gas (H3He); the three-dimensional quantitative imaging of absolute lung perfusion (Q) and collection of local magnetic resonance image data therefrom to produce an absolute lung perfusion image data; and the algorithmic co-registration of the two image data sets, (HP-3He MRI image of V/Q and MR imaging of quantitative perfusion (Q) in the lung). From the data acquired in the combined data sets and their spatial co-registration, absolute ventilation (V) is computed.

Abstract: An insertable intracavity probe for use in magnetic resonance imaging of an area of interest in a relatively inaccessible region of the body particularly the cervix is disclosed. The probe has an inflatable balloon structure with an internal pickup coil carried at the distal end of a shaft for rectal insertion of the coil and an inflatable anti-migration cuff to hold the probe in position and prevent outward migration thereof during a procedure. The balloon structure has an outer balloon shaped to facilitate insertion and accommodation of the coil to areas of the anatomy adjacent the cervix. Internally, the balloon structure has an inflatable balloon which can be used to adjust the shape of the coil to accommodate uniquely shaped anatomical areas.

Abstract: An insertable intracavity probe for use in magnetic resonance imaging of an area of interest in a body cavity particularly the colon, has an elongate shaft with a handle at its proximal end and an inflatable balloon structure at its distal end. The balloon structure has an outer balloon containing a loop-type pickup coil for connection to an interfacing network. The coil is sandwiched between two internal separately inflatable balloons, and when the probe is inserted, the coil can be optimally positioned relative to the area of interest by controlled differential inflation of the balloons. The probe also has an insertable rod-like mandrel for providing twisting orbital-type movement of the balloon structure on the shaft, by rotation of the mandrel, useful to steer the probe along curves or bends in the body cavity when it is being inserted.