Abstract: Regional arterial spin labeling (regASL) speeds up acquisition without sacrificing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the resulting perfusion images by using the same control image (i.e. acquired without labeling of blood in a vessel) for two or more vascular territory measurements. This regional ASL is accomplished by creating prepared spin magnetization (e.g. inverted or saturated) in a specific blood vessel, instead of preparing spin magnetization in all feeding blood vessels. As in conventional ASL, two data sets are typically acquired in a downstream position: one with (label image) and one without preparation (control image) in one particular vessel.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method of obtaining MRI images of a patient and storing the images in physical storage media.

Abstract: MR imaging produces a projection image showing better image contrast between small blood vessels and background than traditional net intensity projection (NIP) images but more visual clues to vessel depth than traditional maximum intensity projection (MIP) images.

Abstract: A three-sided enclosure assembly usable with a golf cart having upright members supporting a roof. The enclosure assembly has first and second side panels positionable adjacent to side portions of the golf cart and adjacent to the roof. A rear panel is between the first and second side panels and is positionable adjacent to a rear portion of the golf cart. A support strap is connected to the top portions of the first and second side panels and is configured to removably attach the first and second side portions to the two upright members of the golf cart adjacent to the roof portion. The support strap supports the first and second side panels adjacent to side portions of the golf cart and the rear panel adjacent to a rear portion of the golf cart.

Abstract: MRI method and apparatus using simultaneous image refocusing of multiple MRI slices that have different phase histories imparted by applying different amount of additional energy to the different slices before the first refocusing, in combination with applying novel fid spoiling that suppresses interference between stimulated echoes and spin echoes of different slices while allowing non-interfering stimulated echoes to be added to the appropriate primary echoes.

Abstract: A process and system acquiring both ultrasound and MRI data from a patient in an MRI scanner and using one to automatically guide or improve the other. The ultrasound data can track the motion of an organ such as a cardiac artery or the diaphragm and the resulting motion information can automatically guide MRI data acquisition to keep the imaging volume at the organ or interest, or can be used to accept or reject MRI data in the process of forming an MRI image, based on whether the organ of interest was within an acceptable range of positions. Conversely, the MRI unit can guide the ultrasound data acquisition so it is properly timed or otherwise controlled in accordance with MRI data acquisition.

Abstract: A three-sided enclosure assembly usable with a golf cart having upright members supporting a roof. The enclosure assembly has first and second side panels positionable adjacent to side portions of the golf cart and adjacent to the roof. A rear panel is between the first and second side panels and is positionable adjacent to a rear portion of the golf cart. A support strap is connected to the top portions of the first and second side panels and is configured to removably attach the first and second side portions to the two upright members of the golf cart adjacent to the roof portion. The support strap supports the first and second side panels adjacent to side portions of the golf cart and the rear panel adjacent to a rear portion of the golf cart.

Abstract: MRI method and apparatus using simultaneous image refocusing of multiple MRI slices that have different phase histories imparted by applying different amount of additional energy to the different slices before the first refocusing, in combination with applying novel fid spoiling that suppresses interference between stimulated echoes and spin echoes of different slices while allowing non-interfering stimulated echoes to be added to the appropriate primary echoes.

Abstract: Multiple signals are excited at different slice positions and then refocused simultaneously. The resulting MRI signals from two or more slices are acquired during a unipolar gradient read period. Then, the signals can be simultaneously refocused in additional unipolar read periods for echo train imaging. In general, signals from multiple slices created by selective RF excitation are read-out on a read gradient.

Abstract: MR imaging produces a projection image showing better image contrast between small blood vessels and background than traditional net intensity projection (NIP) images but more visual clues to vessel depth than traditional maximum intensity projection (MIP) images.

Abstract: An MRI method and system in which phase gradients and read gradients overlap over varying time durations. The MRI signals sampled while there is no overlap fill a non-rectangular matrix in K-space. Alternately, the MRI signal is sampled during the times of overlap as well but a zero is placed at the corners of the matrix at locations which correspond to overlap. The benefit include a reduction in the MRI data acquisition time for the same spatial resolution as known sequences, an increase in image spatial resolution for the same MRI data acquisition time as known sequences, lower signal bandwidth and increase the image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In addition, in a gradient echo MRI sequence, the read and write gradients do not overlap in time but vary in width (or at least one of the them varies in width) with time to achieve similar advantages.

Abstract: A plurality of non-overlapping bands is established in k-space. Each band includes a set of lines to be read out between a maximum phase-encoding gradient and a minimum phase-encoding gradient. Similarly, an identical plurality of temporally sequential and non-overlapping subsequences of pulses are established in the MR pulse sequence. Each subsequence corresponds to one and only one of the bands and reads out lines of MR data at phase-encoding gradients that are between the maximum and minimum phase-encoding gradients for that corresponding one. Lines of MR data are read out using the MR pulse sequence and the k-space bands are filled with lines of MR data. Advantageously, the first subsequence is used to fill up the center band in k-space.

Abstract: In MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) the signal-to-noise images of a subject's body organs are improved by combining the signals from a number of position co-registered images or fractional data sets. The co-registration is obtained by reducing movement of the organ by the subject holding his breath. A computer cursor may be positioned at a selected point of the subject's organ displayed on the MRI monitor's screen to produce a fiducial marking on the MRI image or fractional data sets, which provides for accurate co-registration. Alternatively, a computer edge detection algorithm is used to determine the edge, and position, of the organ of interest and to produce radio frequency offsets for accurate co-registration of the subsequent images or fractional data sets. The fractional data sets, each having a fiducial marking, are combined to form a final MRI image.

Abstract: A three-dimensional GRASE-type MR pulse sequence varies phase-encoding along the Z-axis identically in all signals between each two adjacent RF refocussing pulses in the MR pulse sequence. The phase error modulation caused by magnetic field inhomogeniety and the T2 amplitude modulation are separated onto two different spatial axes. This permits complete elimination of periodicity in both modulations and thereby improves image quality.

Abstract: The gradient read time is varied during the course of a single pulse sequence in which both proton density weighted image data and T.sub.2 -weighted image data are collected. The number of gradient refocussings after each RF refocussing pulse in a gradient spin echo pulse sequence is changed during the course of the pulse sequence.

Abstract: Echo signals from the same multiple echo pulse train sequence which are taken at the same phase-encoding gradient are averaged to prevent spin-spin relaxation from degrading an MR medical diagnostic image. Echo signals from two different pulse sequences taken at the same phase-encoding gradient and occupying different temporal positions within each pulse sequence are likewise averaged.

Abstract: Fast magnetic resonance imaging uses combined gradient echoes and spin echoes. In each of one or more TR intervals, after an initial NMR RF nutation pulse, a sequence of 180.degree. RF nutation pulses is used to refocus the RF response into corresponding string of spin echoes. However, in addition, during the time that such spin echo would normally occur after each such 180.degree. RF nutation pulse, a plurality of alternating polarity read-out magnetic gradient pulses is utilized so as to very rapidly form .a sub-sequence of gradient echoes. This fast multi-section MRI sequence utilizes the speed advantages of gradient refocusing while overcoming the image artifacts arising from static field homogeneity and chemical shift. Image contrast is still determined by the T2 contrast in Hahn spin echoes. A novel k-space trajectory temporally modulates signals and demodulates artifacts.

Abstract: In a multi-slice magnetic resonance imaging system which employs a train of plural RF NMR nutation pulses, the frequency spectrum and/or magnetic gradient employed for succesive pulses is controlled so as to effect more nearly equal full-width-half-magnitude (FWHM) or other spatial dimensions of actual nuclei nutation variation versus distance curves for all of the slice selective nutation pulses. The result is a reduction of any "gap" of non-imaged volume disposed between the succession of selected MRI slice volumes.

Abstract: A complete data set of complex-valued NMR signal responses (sufficient to determine an NMR image) is conventionally acquired. Thereafter, using such time domain signals and/or a one-dimensional Fourier transform of same, synthesized NMR signals are derived using assumed complex conjugate symmetry relationships between the desired NMR signal components. Such synthesized data is then averaged (e.g. with the actually acquired data) to result in averaged data having an improved signal-to-noise ratio (e.g. up to 100% improvement or more is theoretically possible). Such improvement is made possible because the noise signal components (unlike the desired signal components) do not actually exhibit complex conjugate symmetry. Accordingly, noise signals add incoherently while desired signals add coherently when the synthesized data is averaged. Once an averaged data set is thus derived having improved signal-to-noise ratio, it may be conventionally transformed to an NMR image (e.g.

Abstract: Fast magnetic resonance imaging uses combined gradient echoes and spin echoes. In each of one or more TR intervals, after an initial NMR RF nutation pulse, a sequence of 180.degree. RF nutation pulses is used to refocus the RF response into corresponding string of spin echoes. However, in addition, during the time that such spin echo would normally occur after each such 180.degree. RF nutation pulse, a plurality of alternating polarity read-out magnetic gradient pulses is utilized so as to very rapidly form a sub-sequence of gradient echoes. This fast multi-section MRI sequence utilizes the speed advantages of gradient refocusing while overcoming the image artifacts arising from static field homogeneity and chemical shift. Image contrast is still determined by the T2 contrast in Hahn spin echoes. A novel k-space trajectory temporally modulates signals and demodulates artifacts.