Abstract: A circuit for determining a polarization of a gas. The circuit includes a polarimetry circuit having an NMR coil that is configured to excite a polarized gas and that is responsive to an electromagnetic signal generated by the excited, polarized gas. The polarimetry circuit has a reproducible polarization measurement variability of less than about 2% when the NMR coil is exposed to a temperature in a range of about 0° C. to about 200° C.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing pulmonary gas exchange and/or alveolar-capillary barrier status include using spin echo pulse techniques to generate at least one 3-D MRI image of 129Xe dissolved in the red blood cell (RBC) and barrier compartments in the gas exchange regions of the lungs of a patient.

Abstract: A method of screening for pulmonary embolism uses gaseous phase polarized 129Xe which is injected directly into the vasculature of a subject. The gaseous 129Xe can be delivered in a controlled manner such that the gas substantially dissolves into the vasculature proximate to the injection site. Alternatively, the gas can be injected such that it remains as a gas in the bloodstream for a period of time (such as about 8-29 seconds). The injectable formulation of polarized 129Xe gas is presented in small quantities of (preferably isotopically enriched) hyperpolarized 129Xe and can provide high-quality vasculature MRI images or NMR spectroscopic signals with clinically useful signal resolution or intensity. One method injects the polarized 129Xe as a gas into a vein and also directs another quantity of polarized gas into the subject via inhalation. In this embodiment, the perfusion uptake allows arterial signal information and the injection (venous side) allows venous signal information.

Abstract: A method of screening for pulmonary embolism uses gaseous phase polarized 129Xe which is injected directly into the vasculature of a subject. The gaseous 129Xe can be delivered in a controlled manner such that the gas substantially dissolves into the vasculature proximate to the injection site. Alternatively, the gas can be injected such that it remains as a gas in the bloodstream for a period of time (such as about 8-29 seconds). The injectable formulation of polarized 129Xe gas is presented in small quantities of (preferably isotopically enriched) hyperpolarized 129Xe and can provide high-quality vasculature MRI images or NMR spectroscopic signals with clinically useful signal resolution or intensity. One method injects the polarized 129Xe as a gas into a vein and also directs another quantity of polarized gas into the subject via inhalation. In this embodiment, the perfusion uptake allows arterial signal information and the injection (venous side) allows venous signal information.

Abstract: Methods of collecting, thawing, and extending the useful polarized life of frozen polarized gases include heating a portion of the flow path and/or directly liquefying the frozen gas during thawing. A polarized noble gas product with an extended polarized life product is also included. Associated apparatus such as an accumulator and heating jacket for collecting, storing, and transporting polarized noble gases include a secondary flow channel which provides heat to a portion of the collection path during accumulation and during thawing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing pulmonary gas exchange and/or alveolar-capillary barrier status include obtaining at least one MRI image and/or image data of 129Xe dissolved in the red blood cells (RBC) in the gas exchange regions of the lungs of a patient. The image is sufficiently sensitive to allow a clinician or image recognition program to assess at least one of pulmonary gas exchange, barrier thickness or barrier function based on the 129Xe MRI RBC image.

Abstract: An in vivo non-invasive method for detecting and/or diagnosing a pathological condition using hyperpolarized 129Xe spectroscopy is disclosed. Generally stated, the method includes determining the magnitude of spectral peaks which represent particular chemical shifts and comparing the observed magnitudes to those of healthy individuals. Preferably, the method includes subtracting substantial backgrounds and accounting for secondary conditions such as the polarization of hyperpolarized gas administered. Additionally, a quantitative analysis of hyperpolarized 129Xe spectra advantageously allows, a physician to establish the extent of disease progression. Advantageously, this method can be used regardless of the method of hyperpolarized 129Xe administration.

Abstract: A system for determining polarization of a gas comprises a container that contains the polarized gas. An oscillator circuit comprises an Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) coil that is positioned adjacent to the container. A pulse generator circuit is configured to generate an electrical pulse that may be transmitted to an optical cell through the NMR coil to excite the polarized gas responsive to a control processor. A Q-reduction circuit that is independent of the pulse generator circuit is configured to reduce oscillations in the oscillator circuit from the transmitted electrical pulse responsive to the control processor. A receive circuit is responsive to an electrical signal that is induced in the oscillator circuit due to the electromagnetic excitation of the polarized gas. The control processor is configured to determine the polarization of the gas based on the output signal of the receive circuit.

Abstract: A system for determining polarization of a gas comprises a container that contains the polarized gas. An oscillator circuit comprises an Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) coil that is positioned adjacent to the container. A pulse generator circuit is configured to generate an electrical pulse that may be transmitted to an optical cell through the NMR coil to excite the polarized gas responsive to a control processor. A Q-reduction circuit that is independent of the pulse generator circuit is configured to reduce oscillations in the oscillator circuit from the transmitted electrical pulse responsive to the control processor. A receive circuit is responsive to an electrical signal that is induced in the oscillator circuit due to the electromagnetic excitation of the polarized gas. The control processor is configured to determine the polarization of the gas based on the output signal of the receive circuit.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, methods of the present invention obtain dynamic data sets of an NMR spectroscopy signal of polarized 129Xe in a selected structure, environment, or system. The signal data can be used to evaluate: (a) the physiology of a membrane or tissue; (b) the operational condition or function of a body system or portion thereof (when at rest or under stimulation); and/or (c) the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment used to treat a diagnosed disorder, disease, or condition. Thus, the present invention provides methods for screening and/or diagnosing a respiratory, cardiopulmonary disorder or disease such as chronic heart failure, and/or methods for monitoring the efficacy of therapeutics administered to subject to treat the disorder or disease.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, methods of the present invention obtain dynamic data sets of an NMR spectroscopy signal of polarized 129Xe in a selected structure, environment, or system. The signal data can be used to evaluate: (a) the physiology of a membrane or tissue; (b) the operational condition or function of a body system or portion thereof (when at rest or under stimulation); and/or (c) the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment used to treat a diagnosed disorder, disease, or condition. Thus, the present invention provides methods for screening and/or diagnosing a respiratory, cardiopulmonary disorder or disease such as chronic heart failure, and/or methods for monitoring the efficacy of therapeutics administered to subject to treat the disorder or disease.

Abstract: A system for determining polarization of a gas comprises a container that contains the polarized gas. An oscillator circuit comprises an NMR coil that is positioned adjacent to the container. A pulse generator circuit is configured to generate an electrical pulse that may be transmitted to the optical cell through the NMR coil to excite the polarized gas responsive to a control processor. A Q-reduction circuit that is independent of the pulse generator circuit is configured to reduce oscillations in the oscillator circuit from the transmitted electrical pulse responsive to the control processor. A receive circuit is responsive to an electrical signal that is induced in the oscillator circuit due to the electromagnetic excitation of the polarized gas. The control processor is configured to determine the polarization of the gas based on the output signal of the receive circuit.

Abstract: A system for determining polarization of a gas comprises a container that contains the polarized gas. An oscillator circuit comprises an NMR coil that is positioned adjacent to the container. A pulse generator circuit is configured to generate an electrical pulse that may be transmitted to the optical cell through the NMR coil to excite the polarized gas responsive to a control processor. A Q-reduction circuit that is independent of the pulse generator circuit is configured to reduce oscillations in the oscillator circuit from the transmitted electrical pulse responsive to the control processor. A receive circuit is responsive to an electrical signal that is induced in the oscillator circuit due to the electromagnetic excitation of the polarized gas. The control processor is configured to determine the polarization of the gas based on the output signal of the receive circuit.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, methods of the present invention obtain NMR spectroscopy signal data that corresponds to the behavior of the polarized 129Xe at a selected site(s) in selected environments in vivo. The gas exchange signal data can be used to evaluate: (a) the thickness of a barrier, such as a membrane, lining, wall or width of a lumen; (b) the operational condition or function of a membrane, body system or portion thereof; (c) cerebral perfusion; and/or (c) the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment used to treat a diagnosed disorder, disease, or condition. Thus, the present invention provides methods for screening and/or diagnosing a disorder or disease, and/or methods for monitoring the efficacy of therapeutics administered to subject to treat a disorder or disease.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, methods of the present invention obtain NMR spectroscopy signal data that corresponds to the behavior of the polarized 129Xe at a selected site(s) in selected environments in vivo. The gas exchange signal data can be used to evaluate: (a) the thickness of a barrier, such as a membrane, lining, wall or width of a lumen; (b) the operational condition or function of a membrane, body system or portion thereof; (c) cerebral perfusion; and/or (c) the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment used to treat a diagnosed disorder, disease, or condition. Thus, the present invention provides methods for screening and/or diagnosing a disorder or disease, and/or methods for monitoring the efficacy of therapeutics administered to subject to treat a disorder or disease.

Abstract: An in vivo non-invasive method for detecting and/or diagnosing a pathological condition using hyperpolarized 129Xe spectroscopy is disclosed. Generally stated, the method includes determining the magnitude of spectral peaks which represent particular chemical shifts and comparing the observed magnitudes to those of healthy individuals. Preferably, the method includes subtracting substantial backgrounds and accounting for secondary conditions such as the polarization of hyperpolarized gas administered. Additionally, a quantitative analysis of hyperpolarized 129Xe spectra advantageously allows a physician to establish the extent of disease progression. Advantageously, this method can be used regardless of the method of hyperpolarized 129Xe administration.

Abstract: Methods of collecting, thawing, and extending the useful polarized life of frozen polarized gases include heating a portion of the flow path and/or directly liquefying the frozen gas during thawing. A polarized noble gas product with an extended polarized life product is also included. Associated apparatus such as an accumulator and heating jacket for collecting, storing, and transporting polarized noble gases include a secondary flow channel which provides heat to a portion of the collection path during accumulation and during thawing.

Abstract: MR spectroscopy and imaging methods for imaging pulmonary and cardiac vasculature and the cardiac region and evaluating blood flow or circulatory deficits use dissolved phase polarized 129Xe gas and large flip angle excitation pulses. Pulmonary and cardiac vasculature MRI images are obtained by delivering gas to a patient via inhalation such as with a breath-hold delivery-procedure, exciting the dissolved phase gas with a large flip angle pulse, and generating a corresponding image. Preferably, the image is obtained using multi-echo imaging techniques. Blood flow is quantified using low field MR spectroscopy and an RF excitation pulse with a frequency which corresponds to the resonance of the dissolved phase 129Xe.

Abstract: A method of screening for pulmonary embolism uses gaseous phase polarized 129Xe which is injected directly into the vasculature of a subject. The gaseous 129Xe can be delivered in a controlled manner such that the gas substantially dissolves into the vasculature proximate to the injection site. Alternatively, the gas can be injected such that it remains as a gas in the bloodstream for a period of time (such as about 8-29 seconds). The injectable formulation of polarized 129Xe gas is presented in small quantities of (preferably isotopically enriched) hyperpolarized 129Xe and can provide high-quality vasculature MRI images or NMR spectroscopic signals with clinically useful signal resolution or intensity. One method injects the polarized 129Xe as a gas into a vein and also directs another quantity of polarized gas into the subject via inhalation. In this embodiment, the perfusion uptake allows arterial signal information and the injection (venous side) allows venous signal information.

Abstract: An in vivo non-invasive method for detecting and/or diagnosing a pathological condition using hyperpolarized 129Xe spectroscopy is disclosed. Generally stated, the method includes determining the magnitude of spectral peaks which represent particular chemical shifts and comparing the observed magnitudes to those of healthy individuals. Preferably, the method includes subtracting substantial backgrounds and accounting for secondary conditions such as the polarization of hyperpolarized gas administered. Additionally, a quantitative analysis of hyperpolarized 129Xe spectra advantageously allows a physician to establish the extent of disease progression. Advantageously, this method can be used regardless of the method of hyperpolarized 129Xe administration.