Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in certain implementations, a rule-based or deep learning-based approach capable of assessing diagnostic utility of images in near real time with respect to acquisition. Correspondingly, an automated implementation of such an algorithm on the scanner would, in fact, emulate the doctor himself rating images in real time, and reduce the number of unneeded re-scans and recalls. In one aspect of the present invention it was found that diagnostic utility of an image is not an absolute measure, but instead depends upon the reading radiologist and the scan indication (i.e., the purpose of the scan). Therefore, adapting the threshold (probability of an imaging volume to be deemed good) as a function of reading radiologist and scan indication can result in decreasing the number of re-scans and recalls.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to magnetic resonance imaging systems and, more specifically, to the manufacturing of a gradient coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. For example, in one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a gradient coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging system includes depositing a first layer comprising a base material onto a surface to form a substrate and depositing a second layer onto the first layer. The second layer may enable bonding between a conductor material and the substrate. The method also includes depositing a third layer onto the second layer using a consolidation process. The consolidation process uses the conductor material to form at least a portion of a gradient coil.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes acquiring simultaneously multiple magnetic resonance (MR) images and multiple ultrasound images of an anatomical region of a subject over a scanned duration. The method also includes training an unsupervised deep learning-based deformable registration network. This training includes training a MR registration subnetwork based on the multiple MR images to generate MR deformation and transformation vectors, training an ultrasound registration subnetwork based on the multiple ultrasound images to generate ultrasound deformation and transformation vectors, and training a MR-to-ultrasound subnetwork based the multiple MR images and the multiple ultrasound images to generate MR-to-ultrasound deformation and transformation vectors between corresponding pairs of MR images and ultrasound images at each time point.

Abstract: A synchronization system based on wireless or limited cable interconnection is disclosed, which includes a central unit comprising a delay compensation module, and RF transmission channels. At least one channel comprises a clock controller and a synchronization controller. The central unit transmits a controlled clock signal and a controlled synchronization signal to the at least one channel, and receives a clock echo signal and a synchronization echo signal. The delay compensation module estimates a clock phase compensation based on the controlled clock signal transmitted and the clock echo signal received, and a synchronization delay compensation based on the controlled synchronization signal transmitted and the synchronization echo signal received. The clock controller and the synchronization controller adjusts respectively a clock signal and a synchronization signal received from the at least one channel based on the clock phase compensation and the synchronization delay compensation.

Abstract: Methods and systems using magnetic resonance and ultrasound for tracking anatomical targets for radiation therapy guidance are provided. One system includes a patient transport configured to move a patient between and into a magnetic resonance (MR) system and a radiation therapy (RT) system. An ultrasound transducer is also provided that is hands-free and electronically steerable, securely attached to the patient, such that the ultrasound transducer is configured to acquire four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound images concurrently with one of an MR acquisition or an RT radiation therapy session. The system also includes a controller having a processor configured to use the 4D ultrasound images and MR images from the MR system to control at least one of a photon beam spatial distribution or intensity modulation generated by the RT system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the classification of images, such as medical images using machine learning techniques. In certain aspects, the technique may employ a distance metric for the purpose of classification, where the distance metric determined for a given image with respect to a homogenous group or class of images is used to classify the image.

Abstract: An imaging device may include a patient bore to house a subject to be imaged, wherein the patient bore includes one or more bore tubes. The imaging device may also include a gradient coil surrounding, at least partially, the patient bore and a radio frequency (RF) shield located outside the one or more bore tubes. Additionally, the imaging device may include an RF coil located within at least one of the bore tubes.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes acquiring simultaneously multiple magnetic resonance (MR) images and multiple ultrasound images of an anatomical region of a subject over a scanned duration. The method also includes training an unsupervised deep learning-based deformable registration network. This training includes training a MR registration subnetwork based on the multiple MR images to generate MR deformation and transformation vectors, training an ultrasound registration subnetwork based on the multiple ultrasound images to generate ultrasound deformation and transformation vectors, and training a MR-to-ultrasound subnetwork based the multiple MR images and the multiple ultrasound images to generate MR-to-ultrasound deformation and transformation vectors between corresponding pairs of MR images and ultrasound images at each time point.

Abstract: An imaging device may include a patient bore to house a subject to be imaged, wherein the patient bore includes one or more bore tubes. The imaging device may also include a gradient coil surrounding, at least partially, the patient bore and a radio frequency (RF) shield located outside the one or more bore tubes. Additionally, the imaging device may include an RF coil located within at least one of the bore tubes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the classification of images, such as medical images using machine learning techniques. In certain aspects, the technique may employ a distance metric for the purpose of classification, where the distance metric determined for a given image with respect to a homogenous group or class of images is used to classify the image.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to use of a workflow for automatic prescription of different radiological imaging scan planes across different anatomies and modalities. The automated prescription of such imaging scan planes helps ensure contiguous visualization of the different landmark structures. Unlike prior approaches, the disclosed technique determines the necessary planes using the localizer images itself and does not explicitly segment or delineate the landmark structures to perform plane prescription.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) imaging method performed by an MR imaging system includes acquiring MR data in multiple shots and multiple acquisitions (NEX), separately reconstructing the component magnitude and phase of images corresponding to the multiple shots and multiple NEX, removing the respective phase from each of the images, and combining, after removal of the respective phase, the shot images and the NEX images to produce a combined image. The method further includes using the combined image to calculate the full k-space data for each shot and NEX and replacing unacquired k-space data points with calculated k-space data points. The operations are repeated until the combined image reaches a convergence.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in certain implementations, a rule-based or deep learning-based approach capable of assessing diagnostic utility of images in near real time with respect to acquisition. Correspondingly, an automated implementation of such an algorithm on the scanner would, in fact, emulate the doctor himself rating images in real time, and reduce the number of unneeded re-scans and recalls. In one aspect of the present invention it was found that diagnostic utility of an image is not an absolute measure, but instead depends upon the reading radiologist and the scan indication (i.e., the purpose of the scan). Therefore, adapting the threshold (probability of an imaging volume to be deemed good) as a function of reading radiologist and scan indication can result in decreasing the number of re-scans and recalls.

Abstract: A method for determining an arterial pulse wave velocity representative of a health condition of a blood vessel includes receiving an image data set comprising a plurality of images of a subject, from an imaging modality. The method also involves determining a blood vessel region in an image from the plurality of images. The method further includes determining a plurality of cross-sectional area values of a blood vessel at a plurality of locations in the blood vessel region, corresponding to a plurality of phases of a cardiac cycle of the subject and determining a plurality of flow rate values of blood flowing in the blood vessel corresponding to the plurality of cross-sectional area values. The method also includes determining a hemodynamic model based on the plurality of cross-sectional area values and the plurality of blood flow rate values and determining the arterial pulse wave velocity based on the hemodynamic model.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes non-invasive approaches for delineating and characterizing tissue using MR imaging over a range of treatment levels. By way of example, tumor tissue may be distinguished and delineated from other tissue, such as muscle tissue. Further, tumor tissue may be characterized as malignant or benign using such approaches.

Abstract: A system and method for providing virtual real-time MRI-guidance for a biopsy outside of a conventional MRI scanner is described. MR images and ultrasound images of a region of a patient's body are simultaneously acquired during a pre-biopsy procedure. Respiratory states that the patient may experience during the biopsy are then determined from the acquired ultrasound images, and each respiratory state is associated with corresponding MR images. The MR images are indexed with their corresponding respiratory state. Ultrasound images are then acquired of the patient during a biopsy procedure. The respiratory state of the patient is determined from the ultrasound images, and the corresponding indexed MR images are displayed.

Abstract: A synchronization system based on wireless or limited cable interconnection is disclosed, which includes a central unit comprising a delay compensation module, and RF transmission channels. At least one channel comprises a clock controller and a synchronization controller. The central unit transmits a controlled clock signal and a controlled synchronization signal to the at least one channel, and receives a clock echo signal and a synchronization echo signal. The delay compensation module estimates a clock phase compensation based on the controlled clock signal transmitted and the clock echo signal received, and a synchronization delay compensation based on the controlled synchronization signal transmitted and the synchronization echo signal received. The clock controller and the synchronization controller adjusts respectively a clock signal and a synchronization signal received from the at least one channel based on the clock phase compensation and the synchronization delay compensation.

Abstract: A gradient coil comprises a curved conductor, which is tubular and has a general spiral shape. The curved conductor is formed by a process comprising depositing at least one non-conductive material layer by layer to form a substrate, and coating at least a portion of a surface of the substrate with a conductive material. The substrate has a shape matching with the general spiral shape of the curved conductor. Embodiments of the present disclosure further refer to a method for manufacturing the gradient coil.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) imaging method performed by an MR imaging system includes acquiring MR data in multiple shots and multiple acquisitions (NEX), separately reconstructing the component magnitude and phase of images corresponding to the multiple shots and multiple NEX, removing the respective phase from each of the images, and combining, after removal of the respective phase, the shot images and the NEX images to produce a combined image.

Abstract: An RF coil array for use in MRI is disclosed, which includes a plurality of transmit coil elements and a plurality of RF power amplifiers. Each RF power amplifier is integrated with at least one transmit coil element for driving the at least one transmit coil element. An MRI transmit array is also disclosed, which includes a plurality of RF transmitters for generating a plurality of RF signals, the RF coil array above-mentioned, and a DC voltage source for providing a DC voltage to the plurality of transmit coil elements. The RF coil array further includes an RF shield for shielding the plurality of transmit coil elements from interacting with magnet cryostat and gradient coil elements. The plurality of RF power amplifiers are connected with respective RF transmitters and configured for power amplification of the RF signals from the respective RF transmitters, and the plurality of transmit coil elements are configured for transmitting respective amplified RF signals.