Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides concurrent measurement of motion during T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The present invention combines T2 preparation, a module used to impart T2 contrast, and motion measurement, tracking, and/or correction. The present invention provides for the expedition of more efficient motion compensation during T2-weighted imaging. The proposed invention can be used to provide a variety of measurements of motion, with no overhead in imaging time. The proposed invention also enables T2 contrast imaging to be executed while a subject is breathing freely, without the additional time cost associated with the standard motion tracking methodologies.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides concurrent measurement of motion during T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The present invention combines T2 preparation, a module used to impart T2 contrast, and motion measurement, tracking, and/or correction. The present invention provides for the expedition of more efficient motion compensation during T2-weighted imaging. The proposed invention can be used to provide a variety of measurements of motion, with no overhead in imaging time. The proposed invention also enables T2 contrast imaging to be executed while a subject is breathing freely, without the additional time cost associated with the standard motion tracking methodologies.

Abstract: In an imaging method, periodic maintenance radio frequency pulses (?, ??) are applied to maintain a steady state magnetic resonance excitation in an imaging region. Readout (66) of imaging data from the imaging region is performed during selected intervals between maintenance radio frequency pulses. A spatially selective blood signal suppression sequence (62, 62?) is performed during selected other intervals between maintenance radio frequency pulses. The blood signal suppression sequence suppresses a blood signal in a suppression region different from the imaging region. The blood signal suppression sequence has substantially no zero the moment applied magnetic field gradient.

Abstract: A method comprises acquiring at least one magnetic resonance image of a placenta using an ultra-short echo time (UTE) pulse sequence; and processing the at least one magnetic resonance image to generate information indicative of placental calcification. In apparatus embodiments, a gynecology module (20) comprises a digital processor configured to cause a magnetic resonance imaging scanner (10, 12, 14, 16) to acquire at least one magnetic resonance image of a placenta and to process the at least one magnetic resonance image to generate information indicative of placental calcification.

Abstract: In an imaging method, periodic maintenance radio frequency pulses (?, ??) are applied to maintain a steady state magnetic resonance excitation in an imaging region. Readout (66) of imaging data from the imaging region is performed during selected intervals between maintenance radio frequency pulses. A spatially selective blood signal suppression sequence (62, 62?) is performed during selected other intervals between maintenance radio frequency pulses. The blood signal suppression sequence suppresses a blood signal in a suppression region different from the imaging region. The blood signal suppression sequence has substantially no zero the moment applied magnetic field gradient.

Abstract: In a coherent magnetic resonance imaging method, a plurality of slices (70, 72; 170, 172) are each prepared (74, 76) in a steady spin state. Time domain multiplexed readouts (80, 82) are performed. Each readout acquires magnetic resonance data corresponding to one of the steady spin state slices. Radio frequency excitation pulses (120, 122) are interleaved with the time domain multiplexed readout pulses (102, 112) to maintain the steady spin states of the slices. The acquired magnetic resonance data are reconstructed (62) to produce reconstructed images corresponding to the plurality of slices.

Abstract: A treatment system (1600, 1900) is provided for traversing the alimentary tract. The system (1600, 1900) includes an ingestible capsule, which includes a gas pressurizing module (1602)) providing a gas and at least one balloon (1604, 1901) in fluid communication with the gas pressurization module (1602). The capsule further includes an exhaust channel (1610) in fluid communication with a respective balloon of the at least one balloon (1604, 1901), and a depressurizing closure member (1608) for selectively controlling flow of gas between the balloon (1604, 1901) and the ambient surroundings of the capsule. The system further includes control circuitry (906) for controlling the depressurizing closure member (1608).

Abstract: In a coherent magnetic resonance imaging method, a plurality of slices (70, 72; 170, 172) are each prepared (74, 76) in a steady spin state. Time domain multiplexed readouts (80, 82) are performed. Each readout acquires magnetic resonance data corresponding to one of the steady spin state slices. Radio frequency excitation pulses (120, 122) are interleaved with the time domain multiplexed readout pulses (102, 112) to maintain the steady spin states of the slices. The acquired magnetic resonance data are reconstructed (62) to produce reconstructed images corresponding to the plurality of slices.

Abstract: A method for fat-suppressed imaging is disclosed. Such a method may include storing a first spectral component of an echo signal formed at TR/2 from a sample, suppressing a second spectral component of the echo signal at TR/2, re-exciting the stored spectral component after suppressing the second spectral component, and producing an image of the sample based on the re-excited stored spectral component.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for semi-automatically registering low signal to noise ratio relaxation-time images, with particular application to tracking motion in moving organs and quantifying myocardial perfusion reserve. For each image acquired in a time series, a corresponding high signal to noise ratio image is extrapolated from the collected data. The high signal to noise ratio images are registered to track motion, and the resulting registration data is copied onto the corresponding relaxation time image.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for semi-automatically registering low signal to noise ratio relaxation-time images, with particular application to tracking motion in moving organs and quantifying myocardial perfusion reserve. For each image acquired in a time series, a corresponding high signal to noise ratio image is extrapolated from the collected data. The high signal to noise ratio images are registered to track motion, and the resulting registration data is copied onto the corresponding relaxation time image.