Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access. Facilities and methods of mobile and fixed site scanning.

Abstract: A magnet for magnetic resonance imaging has an interior working space within the magnet frame sufficient to accommodate a physician and a patient. Because the physician is positioned inside the magnet frame, the physician has unimpeded access to the patient. Elements of the magnet frame desirably encompass a room, and the magnet frame may be concealed from view of a patient within the room. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI imaged guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged, and minimize claustrophobia experienced by the patient.

Abstract: A method for detecting Chiari malformations. The method generally comprises positioning a patient in an upright orientation in a patient-receiving space of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and acquiring images of the patient's cerebellum and brainstem in the upright orientation. The method further comprises positioning the patient in a recumbent orientation in the patient-receiving space of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and acquiring images of the patient's cerebellum and brainstem in the recumbent orientation.

Abstract: In one example, an illumination system is provided in an MRI system including an open MRI assembly comprising a pole covered by a canopy. The MRI system is within a shielded room. A light source is provided outside of the shielded room, at least one light projector is connected to the canopy, and optical fibers couple the light source to the light projector. The light projector is preferably flexible. The light projector or projectors increase the illumination in the imaging volume, facilitating medical procedures conducted on a subject within the imaging volume.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and facility for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The method comprises selectively directing patients to either a first magnetic resonance scanner or a second magnetic resonance scanner, so that the patient's entire body, including the torso, extremities and head can be scanned, while at the same time not requiring either scanner to have the capability to perform a full functional body scan. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging is disclosed wherein the apparatus occupies or requires clearance space of approximately nine feet.

Abstract: A patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging at substantial intervals such as weeks, months or years, or after an interval sufficient for a therapeutic regimen to affect the anatomy, and the data acquired at different times is compared to show changes in the anatomy with time or due to the effects of the therapeutic regimen. Individual data elements or larger groups of plural data elements representing particular locations a set of image data acquired at one time can be automatically compared with data elements associated with the same locations in another set of image data acquired at another time to yield a set of comparison data.

Abstract: Vasculature or parenchyma is imaged using upright MRI techniques, on patients who may have conditions such as congestive heart failure, or otherwise be healthy. When an individual is horizontal, venous drainage is minimized, causing the vessels to remain engorged, also referred to herein as vascular congestion. Vascular congestion results in an enlarging of the vessels and surrounding tissue causing the vessels to be more visible on MRIs. The decrease in vascular visibility in upright subjects is in part, due to an increase in venous drainage. Patients suffering from coronary and/or pulmonary deficiencies (e.g. CHF) experience decreased rates and degrees of venous drainage. In one embodiment, the present invention uses upright imaging to visualize these enlarged vessels.

Abstract: A positioning system for an MRI system. One aspect includes a support member for moving a patient in a non-horizontal direction within a scanning area of the MRI system, a drive member for driving the support member, and a controller for controlling the drive member to position the patient at a desired location within the scanning area. One aspect includes a guide member attached to a floor beneath the scanning area for guiding a platform member along a first linear axis generally parallel to the floor and perpendicular to a magnetic field axis of a magnet of the MRI system. A controller controls a drive member to position the patient at a desired horizontal location within the scanning area. One aspect includes a frame, a platform member rotatably coupled to the frame. A controller controls a drive member to rotate the platform member and position the patient at a desired angle within the scanning area.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of studying tissue metabolism with ordinary oxygen. First, a magnetic resonance image of the tissue of interest is acquired. Oxygen, predominantly in the form of oxygen-16, is then delivered to the tissue. A magnetic resonance image of the tissue of interest is then acquired when the tissue is in the state of increased oxygenation. The first and second images are compared to determine the effect of the delivery of oxygen on the tissue based on changes in image characteristics, such as image contrast, image intensity and the morphology of tissues in the image. A relative measure of the degree of tissue oxygenation before and after the delivery of oxygen may be determined. The oxygen may be administered by inhalation of gaseous oxygen. The tissue may also be directly perfused by gaseous oxygen. The oxygen may be administered in combination with an oxygen carrier molecule, such as hemoglobin or heme. Preferably, only trace amounts of oxygen-17 is present.