Abstract: An assembly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient and a method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient using different MRI scanners is disclosed. In one example, the assembly includes a plurality of RF coils, wherein the RF coils are configured to be positioned adjacent to an anatomy of interest, a patient support structure configured to support of the patient, a base removably coupled to the patient support structure, the base and the patient support being configured for receipt in the bore of an MRI scanner, and an interface coupled to the plurality of RF coils and to the MRI scanner and configured to connect the plurality of RF coils and the MRI scanner and to selectively control a first RF coil and a second RF coil included in the plurality of RF coils.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using radio frequency coil systems for magnetic resonance imaging within an open architecture apparatus is provided. The MRI coil system includes a support structure with an open architecture in which secondary support structures, compression systems and plates containing RF coil systems may be introduced. These structures and RF coils can be moved relative to the patient, or removed entirely from the system. In one embodiment the system consists of a tabletop coil system, while another embodiment consists of a dedicated stretcher design.

Abstract: An assembly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient and a method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient using different MRI scanners is disclosed. In one example, the assembly includes a plurality of RF coils, wherein the RF coils are configured to be positioned adjacent to an anatomy of interest, a patient support structure configured to support of the patient, a base removably coupled to the patient support structure, the base and the patient support being configured for receipt in the bore of an MRI scanner, and an interface coupled to the plurality of RF coils and to the MRI scanner and configured to connect the plurality of RF coils and the MRI scanner and to selectively control a first RF coil and a second RF coil included in the plurality of RF coils.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described as relating to a variable angled guide plug holder for use in interventional procedures. In an exemplary embodiment, a variable angled guide plug holder for use in interventional procedures is provided, including a guide plug holder for receiving an angular determination fixture, the guide plug holder movable relative to the angular determination fixture between a plurality of positions, each position providing a different angle of insertion relative to a point of origin on the angular determination fixture, and plate plug engaged with the angular determination fixture wherein the plate plug is insertable into a guide plate aperture of a guide plate for use in an interventional procedure.

Abstract: An assembly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient and a method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient using different MRI scanners is disclosed. In one example, the assembly includes a plurality of RF coils, wherein the RF coils are configured to be positioned adjacent to an anatomy of interest, a patient support structure configured to support of the patient, a base removably coupled to the patient support structure, the base and the patient support being configured for receipt in the bore of an MRI scanner, and an interface coupled to the plurality of RF coils and to the MRI scanner and configured to connect the plurality of RF coils and the MRI scanner and to selectively control a first RF coil and a second RF coil included in the plurality of RF coils.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and apparatus to deliver medical devices to targeted locations within human tissues using imaging data. The method enables the target location to be obtained from one imaging system, followed by the use of a second imaging system to verify the final position of the device. In particular, the invention discloses a method based on the initial identification of tissue targets using MR imaging, followed by the use of ultrasound imaging to verify and monitor accurate needle positioning. The invention can be used for acquiring biopsy samples to determine the grade and stage of cancer in various tissues including the brain, breast, abdomen, spine, liver, and kidney. The method is also useful for delivery of markers to a specific site to facilitate surgical removal of diseased tissue, or for the targeted delivery of applicators that destroy diseased tissues in-situ.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using radio frequency coil systems for magnetic resonance imaging within an open architecture apparatus is provided. The MRI coil system includes a support structure with an open architecture in which secondary support structures, compression systems and plates containing RF coil systems may be introduced. These structures and RF coils can be moved relative to the patient, or removed entirely from the system. In one embodiment the system consists of a tabletop coil system, while another embodiment consists of a dedicated stretcher design.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described as relating to a variable angled guide plug holder for use in interventional procedures. In an exemplary embodiment, a variable angled guide plug holder for use in interventional procedures is provided, including a guide plug holder for receiving an angular determination fixture, the guide plug holder movable relative to the angular determination fixture between a plurality of positions, each position providing a different angle of insertion relative to a point of origin on the angular determination fixture, and plate plug engaged with the angular determination fixture wherein the plate plug is insertable into a guide plate aperture of a guide plate for use in an interventional procedure.

Abstract: An imaging acquisition assembly for acquiring images using electromagnetic radiation and an imaging station are provided for use in imaging a breast using both magnetic resonance imaging techniques and electromagnetic radiation techniques. The acquisition assembly includes an elevating platform to which an electromagnetic source and detector are mounted, rendering the source and detector selectively positionable around a breast for electromagnetic imaging such as XRM or PET. The source and detector can be mounted to a rotatable disk to allow for imaging the breast from various angles, and can also be offset from vertical to allow other imaging configurations.

Abstract: A system of interchangeable specialized tabletops for medical imaging, such as tomographic imaging, is constructed with features that permit improvements in patient imaging and treatment specific to a particular anatomy of interest. Such features include cutaways, holes and removable structures, ramps and integrated devices that allow access to tissues for intervention or imaging under multiple imaging modalities. Such features are also integrated, which aids in the positioning and immobilization of patient tissues and devices relative to those tissues. Structures and methods optimally use multiple tabletops with minimal space requirements, and of show medical imaging uses involving the storage of multiple tabletops.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using radio frequency coil systems for magnetic resonance imaging within an open architecture apparatus is provided. The MRI coil system includes a support structure with an open architecture in which secondary support structures, compression systems and plates containing RF coil systems may be introduced. These structures and RF coils can be moved relative to the patient, or removed entirely from the system. In one embodiment the system consists of a tabletop coil system, while another embodiment consists of a dedicated stretcher design.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and apparatus to deliver medical devices to targeted locations within human tissues using imaging data. The method enables the target location to be obtained from one imaging system, followed by the use of a second imaging system to verify the final position of the device. In particular, the invention discloses a method based on the initial identification of tissue targets using MR imaging, followed by the use of ultrasound imaging to verify and monitor accurate needle positioning. The invention can be used for acquiring biopsy samples to determine the grade and stage of cancer in various tissues including the brain, breast, abdomen, spine, liver, and kidney. The method is also useful for delivery of markers to a specific site to facilitate surgical removal of diseased tissue, or for the targeted delivery of applicators that destroy diseased tissues in-situ.