Abstract: A dual pointing device to be used in cooperation with an imaging apparatus, a tracking system, and an object to be imaged. The dual pointing device provides a means for tracking a point on in image in both the image's frame of reference and Euclidean absolute coordinates. This is accomplished by having two tracking systems follow the dual pointing device. Since the two tracking systems follow the same physical device, and since one tracking system operates in the image coordinates while the other tracking system operates in the absolute coordinates, the device makes it possible to effect automatic transformations between the two systems. More specifically, in the preferred embodiment of the dual pointing device, which is intended for use with a magnetic resonance imager, the absolute tracking system is based on infra-red reflectors on the device that are tracked by an infrared transponder.

Abstract: Magnetic apparatus for MRI/MRT probes and methods for construction thereof are disclosed. One embodiment includes a pair of opposed magnet assemblies defining an open region therebetween, a transmitting RF coil having at least a portion thereof disposed within the open region, at least one receiving RF coil disposed within the open region and X, Y and Z gradient coils. At least one of the X, Y and Z gradient coils is disposed outside of the open region. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a single magnet assembly having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, a transmitting RF coil having at least a portion thereof opposing the first surface, at least one receiving RF coil and X, Y and Z gradient coils. At least one of the X, Y and Z gradient coils opposes the second surface. In another embodiment the magnet assembly generates a permanent z-gradient magnetic field and therefore includes only X and Y gradient coils, at least one of which opposes the second surface.

Abstract: Permanent magnet assemblies are disclosed for use in medical applications, particularly permanent magnet assemblies for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and/or Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MRT) to produce a volume of substantially uniform magnetic field in a restricted part of the patient s body in a region either adjacent to the surface of one permanent magnet assembly or between a set of a first and second permanent magnet assemblies, leaving open access to the patient's body. The assemblies consist of a plurality of annular concentric magnets spaced-apart along their axis of symmetry. A method for constructing such annular permanent magnetic assemblies is disclosed, using equi-angular segments permanently magnetized.

Abstract: A dual pointing device to be used in cooperation with an imaging apparatus, a tracking system, and an object to be imaged. The dual pointing device provides a means for tracking a point on in image in both the image's frame of reference and Euclidean absolute coordinates. This is accomplished by having two tracking systems follow the dual pointing device. Since the two tracking systems follow the same physical device, and since one tracking system operates in the image coordinates while the other tracking system operates in the absolute coordinates, the device makes it possible to effect automatic transformations between the two systems. More specifically, in the preferred embodiment of the dual pointing device, which is intended for use with a magnetic resonance imager, the absolute tracking system is based on infra-red reflectors on the device that are tracked by an infrared transponder. The image-relative tracking system is based on magnetic resonance responsive samples that are detected by the imager.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning or an open MRI magnetic probe including an open MRI magnet in a plurality of positions and for controllably moving the probe between these positions. The positions include at least one imaging position of the open probe which allows the performing of magnetic resonance imaging procedures and surgical procedures on a body part, either sequentially or simultaneously, without moving the probe from the imaging position. The plurality of positions may include one or more positions in which the probe is retracted away from the body part to Increase the accessibility of the body part and to allow for use of magnetic field sensitive devices to be positioned near the body part. The positioning device includes a movable framework attachable to the probe and a position control unit operatively connected to the movable framework for controlling the moving of the framework. The framework may be motorized but may also include manually movable parts.

Abstract: Magnetic apparatus for MRI/MRT probes and methods for construction thereof are disclosed. One embodiment includes a pair of opposed magnet assemblies defining an open region therebetween, a transmitting RF coil having at least a portion thereof disposed within the open region, at least one receiving RF coil disposed within the open region and X, Y and Z gradient coils. At least one of the X, Y and Z gradient coils is disposed outside of the open region. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a single magnet assembly having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, a transmitting RF coil having at least a portion thereof opposing the first surface, at least one receiving RF coil and X, Y and Z gradient coils. At least one of the X, Y and Z gradient coils opposes the second surface. In another embodiment the magnet assembly generates a permanent z-gradient magnetic field and therefore includes only X and Y gradient coils, at least one of which opposes the second surface.

Abstract: A transportable magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, said apparatus comprising a transportable platform, provided with a casing made of ferromagnetic metal, and a magnetic resonance imaging system mounted onto said transportable platform, said magnetic resonance imaging system comprising a front end and a back end, the front end comprising a magnetic structure for the provision of a magnetic field, at least two gradient coils, RF transmit coil, and RF receive coil, and the back end comprising a host computer as a central processing unit, at least two gradient amplifiers, RF amplifier, MRI spectrometer, MRI controller and display unit, wherein said apparatus is provided with a positioning assembly for moving and positioning said magnetic structure between a first position and a second position, said first position being such that a patient's body part is positioned between said magnetic field, and said second position being such that said pair of magnets is positioned inside said casing, when not in use,

Abstract: A system for performing magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance therapy and a method for operating the system. The system may include one or several magnetic probes and a single common controller connectable to the probes for calibrating and operating any selected one of the probes. The controller is particularly adapted for being used with probes optimized for performing magnetic resonance imaging or magnetic resonance therapy of a single specific body organ or with probes adapted for imaging of various different body organs, but can also be used with probes optimized for whole body imaging. Each of the probes is pre-calibrated and associated with a pre-calibration parameter set included in a probe-specific software program provided with each probe. The controller is used for selecting one of the probes, automatically calibrating the selected probe and operating the selected probe by using the pre-calibration parameter set and the specific software program of the selected probe.

Abstract: Magnetic apparatus for MRI/MRT probes and methods for construction thereof are disclosed. One embodiment includes a pair of opposed magnet assemblies defining an open region therebetween, a transmitting RF coil having at least a portion thereof disposed within the open region, at least one receiving RF coil disposed within the open region and X,Y and Z gradient coils. At least one of the X,Y and Z gradient coils is disposed outside of the open region. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a single magnet assembly having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, a transmitting RF coil having at least a portion thereof opposing the first surface, at least one receiving RF coil and X,Y and Z gradient coils. At least one of the X,Y and Z gradient coils opposes the second surface. In another embodiment the magnet assembly generates a permanent z-gradient magnetic field and therefore includes only X and Y gradient coils, at least one of which opposes the second surface.

Abstract: Permanent magnet assemblies are disclosed for use in medical applications, particularly permanent magnet assemblies for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and/or Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MRT) to produce a volume of substantially uniform magnetic field in a restricted part of the patient's body in a region either adjacent to the surface of one permanent magnet assembly or between a set of a first and second permanent magnet assemblies, leaving open access to the patient's body. The assemblies consist of a plurality of annular concentric magnets spaced-apart along their axis of symmetry. A method for constructing such annular permanent magnetic assemblies is disclosed, using equi-angular segments permanently magnetized.

Abstract: Permanent magnet assemblies and hybrid magnetic apparatus are disclosed for use in medical applications, particularly permanent magnet assemblies for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and/or Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MRT) to produce a volume of substantially uniform magnetic field in a restricted part of the patient's body in a region either adjacent to the surface of one permanent magnet assembly or between a set of a first and second permanent magnet assemblies, leaving open access to the patient's body. The assemblies consist of a plurality of annular concentric magnets spaced-apart along their axis of symmetry. A method for constructing such annular permanent magnetic assemblies is disclosed, using equi-angular segments permanently magnetized.

Abstract: Yoked permanent magnets are disclosed for use in medical applications, particularly permanent magnets for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance therapy (MRT), and interventional magnetic resonance imaging (IMRI) to produce a volume of substantially uniform magnetic field in a part or organ of a patient's body disposed in an open region between a set of a first and second opposing permanent magnet assemblies, leaving open access to a part or organ of a patient's body. Each of the assemblies consists of a plurality of coaxial concentric permanent magnets. The magnets within each of the assemblies may be spaced-apart along their common axis of symmetry and may be tilted with respect to the common axis of symmetry. The magnets include an open yoke made from a ferromagnetic material for increasing the magnetic field strength within the imaging volume by providing a path for closing magnetic flux lines of the opposing permanent magnet assemblies.

Abstract: Permanent magnet assemblies are disclosed for use in medical applications, particularly permanent magnet assemblies for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and/or Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MRT) to produce a volume of substantially uniform magnetic field in a restricted part of the patient's body in a region either adjacent to the surface of one permanent magnet assembly or between a set of a first and second permanent magnet assemblies, leaving open access to the patient's body. The assemblies consist of a plurality of annular concentric magnets spaced-apart along their axis of symmetry. A method for constructing such annular permanent magnetic assemblies is disclosed, using equi-angular segments permanently magnetized.