Abstract: A method of forming an article of apparel having a sensor system includes extruding one or more polymeric materials onto the article of apparel to form one or a plurality of sensors. The polymeric material(s) may have a conductive particulate material dispersed therein. Conductive leads connecting the sensors to a port may also be formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein. The conductive material may be dispersed in the sensor(s) at a first dispersion density and in the leads at a second dispersion density. Each of the sensors is configured to increase in resistance when deformed under pressure, which is detected by a module connected to the port. The second dispersion density is such that each of the leads has sufficient conductivity that the leads are configured to conduct an electronic signal between each sensor and the port in any state of deformation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-channel magnetic resonance imaging RF coil (114) with at least four channels and comprising a coil element for each of the channels, the RF coil (114) further comprising for each coil element a socket (300-306) that is electrically coupled to said coil element via a respective first transmission line (209), each socket (300-306) being adapted for receiving a plug for providing an RF signal via the respective first transmission line (209) to the respective coil element, wherein with respect to a predefined RF signal the differences in electrical length between any of the transmission lines is k?/4 where k is an integer and ? is the wavelength of the RF signal.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to techniques for adjusting at least one measurement parameter for a measurement protocol for a magnetic resonance examination. The techniques include providing at least one item of parameter information for adjusting a value of the at least one measurement parameter, wherein the at least one item of parameter information is provided independently of coil information for the magnetic resonance examination, and selecting a value of the at least one measurement parameter. The techniques further include transmitting the selected value to a protocol adjusting unit connected to the scanner unit of the magnetic resonance apparatus, providing coil information of the scanner unit, and automatically adjusting the value of the at least one measurement parameter based on the coil information provided.

Abstract: A shimming system for magnetic resonance imaging is provided, which includes: a multi-channel local shim coil unit configured to be installed on an inspection table of a magnetic resonance imaging system, where the multi-channel local shim coil unit includes a local multi-channel shim coil and a radio frequency receiving coil for receiving magnetic resonance signals, and the radio frequency receiving coil is placed inside the local multi-channel shim coil and separated by a distance from the local multi-channel shim coil; a computer control system configured to install and set software controlled by a DC power and calculate field maps and calculate optimization processes; a DC power system communicatively connected to the computer control system to control a value of current of each channel; and a housing having a semi-cylindrical configuration, where the local multi-channel shim coil is only distributed on a semi-cylindrical surface of the semi-cylindrical configuration of the housing.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance coil frame includes a frame structure, forming in between a receiving space for at least a body portion of a recumbent patient located in a lying plane, wherein at least a first air-operated body-fixation means having a variable shape for immobilizing the body portion is arranged outside the lying plane at a side of the frame structure facing the receiving space. Thus, immobilizing a patient during magnetic resonance imaging and/or treatment can be improved.

Abstract: In variants, a method for signal enhancement includes: sampling a set of measurements of a signal source; and determining a SNR-enhanced signal based on the measurements, which, in variants, can include recursively cross-correlating elements for d iterations S200; and determining a SNR-enhanced signal from the cross-correlation outputs. The method functions to determine a SNR-enhanced signal representative of the signal source. The method can optionally include determining an analyte parameter based on the SNR-enhanced signal.

Abstract: A sensor system configured for use with an article of apparel includes one or a plurality of sensors formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein and conductive leads connecting the sensors to a port. The leads may also be formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein. The conductive material is dispersed in the sensor(s) at a first dispersion density and the conductive material is dispersed in the leads at a second dispersion density that is higher than the first dispersion density. Each of the sensors is configured to increase in resistance when deformed under pressure, which is detected by a module connected to the port. The second dispersion density is such that each of the leads has sufficient conductivity that the leads are configured to conduct an electronic signal between each sensor and the port in any state of deformation.

Abstract: Systems and methods can include a system for positioning an ultrasound probe proximal to anatomy of a patient on a radiation couch including a substantially planar base including engagement features to directly or indirectly index the substantially planar base to the radiation couch and a centrally located guide extending longitudinally along a top side of the base, a probe holder, configured to be coupled to, to translate longitudinally, and to be user-accessed and user-controlled from within, a central region of the substantially planar base, a clamp, configured to localize the probe holder at a specified location along a translation path in the central region of the substantially planar base, leg supports shaped to accommodate a patient's legs from behind, the pair of leg supports being shaped and arranged to provide a space therebetween that can accommodate an ultrasound probe holder.

Abstract: Systems and methods can include a system for positioning an ultrasound probe proximal to anatomy of a patient on a radiation couch including a substantially planar base including engagement features to directly or indirectly index the substantially planar base to the radiation couch and a centrally located guide extending longitudinally along a top side of the base, a probe holder, configured to be coupled to, to translate longitudinally, and to be user-accessed and user-controlled from within, a central region of the substantially planar base, a clamp, configured to localize the probe holder at a specified location along a translation path in the central region of the substantially planar base, leg supports shaped to accommodate a patient's legs from behind, the pair of leg supports being shaped and arranged to provide a space therebetween that can accommodate an ultrasound probe holder.

Abstract: A head coil assembly includes a housing with a lower portion, an upper portion, a left portion, and a right portion, wherein each portion includes two or more radio-frequency (RF) coils, wherein the portions are sized and shaped to adjustably conform to a curvature of the subject's head for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the subject's head placed inside the housing, wherein the portions are operable to transition from an open position where the portions are sufficiently apart from each other to a closed position where the portions are adjusted to tighten a wrap around the subject's head along the curvature, and wherein the two or more RF coils in each portion are disposed in such manner that when the portions are operated to transition from the open position to the closed position, the RF coils of each portion remain decoupled to each other even along edges of each portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a passive radio frequency (RF) shim resonator (144) for field homogenization of an RF field emitted by an RF antenna device (140) of a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system (110), whereby the passive RF shim resonator (144) has a first resonating capability and a second resonating capability, and the passive RF shim resonator (144) comprises a switching device, whereby the switching device is adapted to switch between the first and the second resonating capability in accordance with a TX-mode and a RX-mode of the RF field emitted by the RF antenna device (140) of the MR imaging system (110). The present invention further provides a patient bed (142) or a patient mattress for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system (110), whereby the patient bed (142) or the patient mattress comprises an above passive RF shim resonator (144).

Abstract: A method for operating a magnetic resonance device includes using an acquisition technique using a plurality of coil elements of a transmit and/or receive coil in parallel. For each coil element, a sensitivity map describing the spatial sensitivity of the respective coil element is acquired at the start of the acquisition procedure and used in the reconstruction of a magnetic resonance image dataset from the magnetic resonance data. Magnetic resonance data of the individual coil elements is thus merged. Reference information indicating the position of the patient and/or of the coil elements is measured at the start of the examination procedure. Comparison information supplementary thereto is measured during the acquisition procedure. A reacquisition of at least a portion of the sensitivity maps is performed if at least one recalibration criterion describing a deviation exceeding a threshold value is fulfilled in a comparison of the comparison data with the reference data.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to multi-turn magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radio frequency (RF) coil arrays employing ring decoupling, and MRI apparatuses employing such coil arrays. One example embodiment comprises: four or more RF coil elements that enclose a cylindrical axis, wherein each RF coil element comprises a first capacitor of that RF coil element and a loop comprising at least two turns; and a ring structure that facilitates decoupling of the RF coil elements, wherein each RF coil element is adjacent to two neighboring RF coil elements and is non-adjacent to one or more other coil elements, wherein each RF coil element has a shared side in common with the ring structure, wherein the shared side comprises a second capacitor of that RF coil element with a capacitance selected to mitigate inductive coupling between that RF coil element and non-adjacent RF coil elements.

Abstract: Some implementations provide an MRI system that includes: a housing having a bore accommodating a portion of a subject; a main magnet enclosed by said housing and configured to generate a substantially uniform magnet field within the bore; a gradient sub-system to provide perturbations to the substantially uniform magnet field; a flexible coil assembly configured to (i) receive radio frequency (RF) signals from the subject in response to the portion of the subject being scanned, and (ii) generate and apply B0 shimming to improve a field homogeneity of the substantially uniform magnetic field; and a control unit configured to: drive the gradient sub-system using a gradient waveform; and receive measurement results responsive to the gradient waveform such that a coupling between the gradient sub-system and the flexible coil assembly is determined and subsequently reduced in response to the determined coupling exceeding a pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: A patient support assembly for use in a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scanner includes a first and a second patient support structure and a first and a second imaging coil. The patient support assembly provides support for multiple anatomical regions being imaged, improving patient comfort during the procedure. Access to the patient is improved by: providing a flexible coil that wraps around at least one of the anatomical regions being imaged, providing a support structure open to the anterior region of the anatomical region being imaged, and providing a support structure that may be opened and closed about the anatomical region being imaged. The patient support assembly also aligns the two imaging coils to minimize interference between coils during imaging.

Abstract: A system for encouraging patient stillness during an imaging scan is provided. The system includes an electronic device configured to generate a graphical representation for a patient undergoing the imaging scan. The system also includes a motion detection system configured to detect motion of the patient undergoing the imaging scan. The system further includes a computer system in communication with the electronic device and the motion detection system, wherein the computer system includes processing circuitry configured to receive a first signal from the motion detection system indicating motion of the patient undergoing the imaging scan and to send a second signal to the electronic device, in response to the first signal, to cause the electronic device to adversely modify the display of the graphical representation.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a system and method to ensure the reproducibility of the position of the feet and lower parts of the legs during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies, and to obtain robust quantitative information through the time. The system includes a device that is inserted into the radiofrequency coils of any MRI equipment. The device includes a foot support section, a leg support section and a base adapted to allow that the abovementioned sections be fixed in it. With this device and method, and through external and internal markers, quantitative studies of the evolution of pathophysiological phenomena that affect the anatomy and physiology of the feet and lower parts of the legs are performed.

Abstract: A tandem applicator assembly for brachytherapy that includes a tandem and a camera system. The tandem has a tubular main body with a trail end and a lead end. A transparent cap is affixed to the lead end. The camera system is removably received by the tandem through the trail end of the tubular main body. The camera system is disposed inside of the transparent cap. The camera system includes at least one digital camera configured to acquire color images from a patient through the transparent cap. The tandem applicator assembly may be used with a treatment planning system and method for customizing a treatment plan for a patient undergoing brachytherapy.

Abstract: A sensor system configured for use with an article of apparel includes one or a plurality of sensors formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein and conductive leads connecting the sensors to a port. The leads may also be formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein. The conductive material is dispersed in the sensor(s) at a first dispersion density and the conductive material is dispersed in the leads at a second dispersion density that is higher than the first dispersion density. Each of the sensors is configured to increase in resistance when deformed under pressure, which is detected by a module connected to the port. The second dispersion density is such that each of the leads has sufficient conductivity that the leads are configured to conduct an electronic signal between each sensor and the port in any state of deformation.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to an MR local coil arrangement and an MR unit. An MR local coil arrangement is disclosed including at least one MR antenna, an illumination unit with at least one light-generating unit to illuminate an illumination region, and a switching unit with at least one sensor to control the illumination unit.

Abstract: A device and methods for performing a simulated CT biopsy on a region of interest on a patient. The device comprises a gantry configured to mount an x-ray emitter and CT detector on opposing sides of the gantry, a motor rotatably coupled to the gantry such that the gantry rotates horizontally about the region of interest, and a high resolution x-ray detector positioned adjacent the CT detector in between the CT detector and the x-ray emitter.

Abstract: Sterile RF coil arrangements for use in magnetic resonance imaging are provided. The sterile coil arrangements can be formed by spraying or coating a curable liquid onto an RF coil housing and allowing the liquid to cure or dry to form a continuous sterile layer on the coil housing. The thickness of the sterile layer can be between 100 and 1000 micrometers. The curable liquid can include an antimicrobial or antibacterial agent, such as silver ions or triclosan, to better maintain sterility of the coil arrangement. The curable liquid can be selected such that it adheres to the housing when cured and is also removable without leaving residue behind.

Abstract: An MRI system according to an embodiment includes an MRI sequence controller and an MRI system controller. Serving as a prescan unit, the MRI sequence controller performs a prescan for acquiring a sensitivity distribution of a coil. Serving as a main scan unit, the MRI sequence controller performs a main scan for acquiring signals of a magnetic resonance image. Serving as a corrector, the MRI system controller corrects the sensitivity distribution in accordance with a distortion that is contained in the magnetic resonance image and that results from the performing of the main scan. Serving as a generator, the MRI system controller generates an output magnetic resonance image using the corrected sensitivity distribution.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, including a transport table configured to slide; and a radio frequency (RF) coil configured to receive an RF signal, wherein the RF coil may include a main body; at least one fixer installed on the main body, the fixer being configured to contact the transport table; and a decompressor configured to reduce pressure between the at least one fixer and the transport table to detachably fix the main body onto the transport table.

Abstract: Phase variations of the transverse magnetization in magnetic resonance induced by superimposed physical phenomenae or by intrinsic deviations of the main magnetic B0 field are separated from Feature Space set by demodulation and deconvolution, either by electrical circuits or by equivalent computational methods, permitting mapping and measurement of these induced phase variations independent of Feature Space.

Abstract: A sensor system configured for use with an article of apparel includes one or a plurality of sensors formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein and conductive leads connecting the sensors to a port. The leads may also be formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein. The conductive material is dispersed in the sensor(s) at a first dispersion density and the conductive material is dispersed in the leads at a second dispersion density that is higher than the first dispersion density. Each of the sensors is configured to increase in resistance when deformed under pressure, which is detected by a module connected to the port. The second dispersion density is such that each of the leads has sufficient conductivity that the leads are configured to conduct an electronic signal between each sensor and the port in any state of deformation.

Abstract: A shoulder coil for a magnetic resonance imaging device includes a bottom part and one or more top part elements that may be moved relative to the bottom part. The one or more top elements each have at least one coil therein.

Abstract: A sensor system configured for use with an article of apparel includes one or a plurality of sensors formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein and conductive leads connecting the sensors to a port. The leads may also be formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein. The conductive material is dispersed in the sensor(s) at a first dispersion density and the conductive material is dispersed in the leads at a second dispersion density that is higher than the first dispersion density. Each of the sensors is configured to increase in resistance when deformed under pressure, which is detected by a module connected to the port. The second dispersion density is such that each of the leads has sufficient conductivity that the leads are configured to conduct an electronic signal between each sensor and the port in any state of deformation.

Abstract: Exemplary system, method and computer accessible medium can be provided for evaluating at least one radio frequency transmitting arrangement. For example, it is possible to receive a first information associated with at least one scan of at least one live subject corresponding to one or more effects of the transmitting arrangement(s) on the at least one live subject, and determine a second information based on the first information.

Abstract: An electrode for use on a medical device is disclosed. The electrode may have a main body of electrically conductive material extending along an axis and may have a proximal end and a distal end. The electrode may also include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tracking coil disposed in the body. The MRI tracking coil may comprise electrically insulated wire. A catheter including an electrode, as well as a method for determining the location of an electrode, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable MRI head coil apparatus and MRI system include a fixture and a plurality of plates attached to the fixture. Each of the plurality of plates includes a plurality of RF receive elements arranged in a fixed orientation. The adjustable MRI head coil apparatus and MRI system also include an actuator mechanism configured to adjust the relative position of each of the plurality of plates in order to fit a variety of different patient head sizes.

Abstract: A shim cushion for a magnetic resonance tomography system includes at least two layers. A first layer of the at least two layers includes both a higher deformability and also a lower susceptibility than a second layer of the at least two layers.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing a plurality of images depicting a subject from image data that is simultaneously acquired from a corresponding plurality of slice locations with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI] system is provided. Image data is acquired following the application of radio frequency (RF] energy to the plurality of slice locations. The RF energy is tailored to provide a different phase to each of the plurality of slice locations. Reference image data is also acquired for each slice location following the application of RF energy that has the same phase as is used to excite the respective slice location for the acquisition of the image data. Aliased images are reconstructed from the image data, and reference images are reconstructed from the reference image data. Using both of these image sets, an unaliased image is produced for each of the plurality of slice locations.

Abstract: A pediatric patient handling assembly includes a carrier on which a pediatric patient is positioned and prepared for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The carrier carrying the pediatric patient is set on a support table of an MRI scanner. The support table includes a local RF coil assembly mounted on the support table. The carrier is slid along the support table and into engagement with the local RF coil assembly. Interacting guide surfaces on the carrier and the local RF coil assembly align and engage the carrier along a longitudinal axis of the support table. The local RF coil assembly includes a pivotally mounted anterior coil which is lowered towards a base of the support table into an imaging or operating position. The support table, with the engaged local RF coil assembly, carrier and pediatric patient, is translated into a magnetic imaging region of the MRI scanner.

Abstract: Nuclear Magnetic Resonant Imaging (also called Magnetic Resonant Imaging or “MRI”) devices which are implantable, internal or insertable are provided. The disclosure describes ways to miniaturize, simplify, calibrate, cool, and increase the utility of MRI systems for structural investigative purposes, and for biological investigation and potential treatment. It teaches use of target objects of fixed size, shape and position for calibration and comparison to obtain accurate images. It further teaches cooling of objects under test by electrically conductive leads or electrically isolated leads; varying the magnetic field of the probe to move chemicals or ferrous metallic objects within the subject. The invention also teaches comparison of objects using review of the frequency components of a received signal rather than by a pictorial representation.

Abstract: A local coil for an imaging system includes an anterior torso part and a posterior torso part that are detachably connected to one another with a fastening device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an MRI system, comprising: an examination table including a cradle in which a patient may be positioned; a magnetic assembly disposed in the examination table and including first and second electrode assemblies, the respective electrode surfaces of which are disposed so as to be perpendicularly spaced apart by a certain distance and opposite each other such that space for imaging may be formed therebetween; and an RF coil unit contactingly or contactlessly attached to a part of a patient to be examined or an attached part corresponding to the part to be examined, applying an RF pulse to the part of the patient to be examined, and detecting an MR signal from the examined part.

Abstract: A head coil for a magnetic resonance tomography device includes a lower part and an upper part that may be positioned above the lower part. The lower part has a lower part base that may be placed on a patient couch for the magnetic resonance tomography device and a lower part resting part that is moveable relative to the lower part base.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a local coil for a magnetic resonance tomography system. The local coil includes at least one coil element having an antenna. The at least one coil element is movable relative to a housing of the local coil.

Abstract: In order to increase the signal to noise ratio, and thus increase the quality of images produced during pediatric MRI, a pediatric RF coil assembly includes a head coil and a flexible body coil in a single dedicated device shaped and sized for a child. The flexible body coil may be operable to at least partially surround and abut the body of the child located on the pediatric RF coil assembly, while the head coil may at least partially surround and abut the head of the child located on the pediatric RF coil assembly. In order to optimize workflow, the child may be positioned on the pediatric RF coil assembly in a first room and moved to a second room including an MRI system after the child is brought to sleep or sedated in the first room. The pediatric RF coil assembly and the child may be moved to the second room using a handle rotatably attached to the pediatric RF coil assembly, and may be positioned on a patient table of the MRI system when the imaging process is to begin.

Abstract: A local coil for a magnetic resonance tomography system includes a plurality of coil elements. Each coil element of the plurality of coil elements has a point of application for another coil element of the plurality of coil elements. The coil element is connected to the other coil element at the point of application in a pivoting manner with respect to the coil element.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. It concerns an oscillation applicator for MR rheology. It is an object of the invention to provide an oscillation applicator without restrictions regarding the usability for certain body regions. According to the invention, the oscillation applicator comprises at least one transducer which generates a reciprocating motion at a given frequency and a belt (19) mechanically coupled to the transducer, which belt (19) is designed to be wrapped around a patient's body (10). Moreover, the invention relates to a MR device (1) and to a method of MR imaging.

Abstract: Tracking based on the gradient fields of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners based on passive operation of the tracking system without any change of the scanner's hardware or mode of operation. To achieve better tracking performance, a technique to create a custom MRI pulse sequence is disclosed. Through this technique any standard pulse sequence of the scanner can be modified to include gradient activations specifically designated for tracking. These tracking gradient activations are added in a way that does not affect the image quality of the native sequence. The scan time may remain the same as with the native sequence or longer due to the additional gradient activations. The tracking system itself can use all the gradient activations (gradient activations for imaging and gradient activations for tracking) or eliminate some of the gradients and lock onto the specific gradient activations that are added to the custom pulse sequence.

Abstract: In MR imaging of a body part in the magnetic field of a magnet, an RF signal is applied in a transmit stage to the subject to be imaged such that the subject generates an MR signal in response to the magnetic field and the RF signal applied with the MR signal being acquired in a receive stage using an RF coil where the RF coil is an integral element defined within a supporting element such as a pillow or U-shaped head support carrying the body part or within an article worn or carried by the body part such as a cast, brace, brassiere or vest.

Abstract: Apparatus associated with improved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided needle biopsy procedures (e.g., breast needle biopsy) are described. One example apparatus includes a support structure configured to support a patient in a face-down prone position where a breast of the patient is positioned in a first free hanging pre-imaging position. The example apparatus includes an immobilization structure configured to reposition the breast into an immobilized position suitable for MRI and for medical instrument access. The immobilization structure may include a biopsy plate, a pressure plate, and MRI coils. The MRI coils are configured to be repositioned from a first position associated with the free hanging pre-imaging position to a second position associated with the immobilized position to facilitate improving the signal to noise ratio associated with signal received from the breast through the MRI coils. The biopsy plate is removable without removing either of the MRI coils.

Abstract: An interface device enables an intracavity probe to be used with a magnetic resonance (MR) system for the purpose of obtaining images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient. The probe includes a shaft, a balloon at one end thereof, and a coil loop within the balloon. The coil loop preferably includes two drive capacitors and a tuning capacitor, all of which in series. A junction node between the drive capacitors serves as a ground for electrically balancing the coil loop. Diametrically opposite the junction node, the tuning capacitor enables the coil loop to resonate at the operating frequency of the MR system. Across each drive capacitor is connected an output cable having an electrical length of SL+n(?/4). The output cables terminate in a plug that is used to connect the coil loop to the interface device.

Abstract: A radiation therapy System comprises a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus and a linear accelerator capable of generating a beam of radiation. The linear accelerator is immersed in and oriented with respect to the MRI magnetic field to expose the linear accelerator to magnetic force that directs particles therein along a central axis thereof.

Abstract: A breast coil for a magnetic resonance tomography device for the production of magnetic resonance recordings of female breasts includes a coil housing having a breast recess to accommodate a breast and a number of coil elements. At least one of the coil elements forms an HF correction coil element and has a circuit arrangement to switch over the HF correction coil element between an HF correction mode of operation and another mode of operation. The HF correction coil element is constructed such that in the HF correction mode of operation, the HF correction coil element resonates passively with a B1 field emitted by a transmission antenna arrangement of the magnetic resonance tomography device, and influences a local B1 field distribution during a magnetic resonance recording.

Abstract: A spine coil for a magnetic resonance imaging device includes at least one transmission coil element configured for transmission.

Abstract: Protective covers that are particularly suitable for flexible RF coils include self-sticking, releasably peelable layers of film having one sticky/tacky inner surface and one non-sticky/non-tacky smooth (outer) surface.