Abstract: Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with automatically adapting MRI controlling parameters are described. One exemplary method embodiment includes configuring an MRI apparatus to acquire MR signal data using a non-rectilinear trajectory. The example method may also include acquiring MR signals, transforming the MR signals into image data, and selectively adapting the MRI controlling parameters based, at least in part, on information associated with the MR signals.

Abstract: Extended-coverage magnetic resonance imaging coils with optimized homogeneity in longitudinal sensitivity are described. One exemplary coil includes four elements, where two of the elements are opposed-solenoid imaging elements and two of the elements are single loop imaging elements.

Abstract: Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with automatically adapting MRI controlling parameters are described. One exemplary method embodiment includes configuring an MRI apparatus to acquire MR signal data using a non-rectilinear trajectory. The example method may also include acquiring MR signals, transforming the MR signals into image data, and selectively adapting the MRI controlling parameters based, at least in part, on information associated with the MR signals.

Abstract: Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with automatically adapting MRI controlling parameters are described. One exemplary method embodiment includes configuring an MRI apparatus to acquire MR signal data using a non-rectilinear trajectory. The example method may also include acquiring MR signals, transforming the MR signals into image data, and selectively adapting the MRI controlling parameters based, at least in part, on information associated with the MR signals.

Abstract: A system and method to perform parallel MR imaging are disclosed. The system comprises an MR imaging machine and a probe having at least two MR RF reception coils. Each coil of the probe is operationally connected to a separate receiver channel of the MR imaging machine. The MR imaging machine implements a partially parallel acquisition method to excite precessing nuclear spins, in and around an internal segment of a patient into which the probe is inserted, and to use the coils of the catheter to simultaneously sample a plurality of response signals to form reduced k-space data sets for each of the coils. The plurality of response signals represent nuclear magnetic resonance signals arising from the precessing nuclear spins. The reduced k-space data sets are further processed by the MR imaging machine to generate a full volume dataset of a region in and around the vessel.

Abstract: Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with automatically adapting MRI controlling parameters are described. One exemplary method embodiment includes configuring an MRI apparatus to acquire MR signal data using a non-rectilinear trajectory. The example method may also include acquiring MR signals, transforming the MR signals into image data, and selectively adapting the MRI controlling parameters based, at least in part, on information associated with the MR signals.

Abstract: Extended-coverage magnetic resonance imaging coils with optimized homogeneity in longitudinal sensitivity are described. One exemplary coil includes four elements, where two of the elements are opposed-solenoid imaging elements and two of the elements are single loop imaging elements.

Abstract: A probe suitable for attachment to, or incorporation in, a medical interventional device, such as a catheter, and which may be employed for tracking, imaging, or both, includes a first material having an MR resonance frequency distinct from a resonance frequency of a second material adjacent to the first material. The probe may include one or more coils, or it may be wireless, that is, it may have no coils. Some probe configurations are directed at tracking or imaging of vascular vessels or tissue, and configurations allow both tracking and imaging.

Abstract: A method of automatically adjusting at least one MR image parameter for an interventional procedure includes adaptively tracking an MR micro-coil catheter and automatically updating an imaging scan plane's position and orientation, as well as other features including, but not limited to, field-of-view, resolution, temporal resolution, slice thickness, tip angle, and TE. The disclosed system provides a more natural interface for a physician operating the MR scanner during an interventional procedure. The scanner can react to changes in the clinical environment and automatically adjust a number of image parameters. For example, during catheter insertion, images are acquired at lower resolutions, and possibly larger fields of view, to help facilitate faster updates and tracking. Once the catheter reaches a target area in the tissue and its motion slows, an MR image of higher resolution, and possibly lower field of view, is acquired.

Abstract: In order to acquire data for an image representation which shows the spatial distribution of the magnetic resonance behavior of an object within a selected localized region, the relevant localized region is arranged in a stationary magnetic field and is subjected to a sequence of high frequency pulses and pulses of magnetic field gradients in different spatial directions, such that a succession of magnetic resonance signals appears. These signals are read out by scanning under the influence of a read gradient and are used as sets of data for the filling of the K-space. In accordance with the invention, at least two different sequences of high frequency pulses and magnetic field gradient pulses are used, which differ in at least one of the features of the signal creation responsible for different aspects of the image quality. These sequences are executed one after another in time, with the magnetic resonance signals read out for the different sequences being collated in different bands of the K-space.