Abstract: A new low rank tensor (LRT) imaging strategy/methodology, specifically for quantitative cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) multitasking, includes performing a low-rank tensor image model exploiting image correlation along multiple physiological and physical time dimensions, a non-ECG data acquisition strategy featuring minimal gaps in acquisition and frequent collection of auxiliary subspace training data, and a factored tensor reconstruction approach which enforces the LRT model.

Abstract: A unified coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging is disclosed. The coil assembly includes an RF coil element and a shim coil array with a shim coil element. The shim coil element is physically separated or partially separated from the RF coil element. The shim coil element includes a DC current loop having a DC power supply connection to allow DC current to generate a local BO magnetic field. The unified coil array assembly is configured to simultaneously provide an RF mode for at least one of transmit or receive and a direct current mode to generate a local B0 magnetic field for B0 shimming Larger number of shim coils relative to the RF coil element provides superior shimming performance. The mutual inductance between the shim coil element and the RF coil element is minimized by proposed geometrical decoupling methods in order to minimize the RF interaction between the two.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance method and system are provided for providing improved 3D imaging of blood vessels and the like, which provides suppression of both blood and fat signals and is insensitive to subject motion, thereby facilitating improved visualization of vessel walls. The image data pulse sequence includes a plurality of pulse series, where each series includes a dark-blood sequence, a fat-suppression sequence, and a data readout sequence. Each data readout sequence samples a particular radial direction within each partition (Kz value) that passes through the Kz axis, and different radial orientations are sampled in subsequent series to provide a stack-of-stars sampling scheme.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing coronary heart disease in a subject in need thereof comprising administering an admixture comprising CO2 to a subject to reach a predetermined PaCO2 in the subject to induce hyperemia, monitoring vascular reactivity in the subject and diagnosing the presence or absence of coronary heart disease in the subject, wherein decreased vascular reactivity in the subject compared to a control subject is indicative of coronary heart disease. The invention also provides methods for increasing sensitivity and specificity of BOLD MRI.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention teaches methods and related systems for imaging the coronary arteries in high spatiotemporal resolution for the assessment of coronary stenosis. In some embodiments, the method teaches the use of a 3D radial k-space trajectory, continuous acquisition, retrospective cardiac and respiratory self-gating, and non-rigid cardiac and respiratory motion correction to reconstruct any arbitrary cardiac phase with minimal motion artifacts and high image quality.

Abstract: The present invention teaches devices and methods for hyperpolarization by parahydrogen induced polarization. The invention teaches several significant improvements over previous designs, including a heating block, an enhanced solenoid component, and pinch valves and tubing that provide a sterile environment for the sample. All of these advancements can be accomplished while keeping costs to produce the device relatively low.

Abstract: A method for performing 3D body imaging includes performing a 3D MRI acquisition of a patient to acquire k-space data and dividing the k-space data into k-space data bins. Each bin includes a portion of the k-space data corresponding to a distinct breathing phase. 3D image sets are reconstructed from the bins, with each 3D image set corresponding to a distinct k-space data bin. For each bin other than a selected reference bin, forward and inverse transforms are calculated between the 3D image set corresponding to the bin and the 3D image set corresponding to the reference bin. Then, a motion corrected and averaged image is generated for each bin by (a) aligning the 3D image set from each other bin to the 3D image set corresponding to the bin using the transforms, and (b) averaging the aligned 3D image sets to yield the motion corrected and averaged image.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention teaches systems and methods for using T1-weighted black-blood MR imaging, with which a CVT can be well isolated from the surrounding tissues due to the signal suppression of flowing blood. In some embodiments, the invention teaches using black-blood imaging (3D variable-flip-angle turbo spin-echo acquisition) to directly visualize thrombi. In certain embodiments, the invention teaches using T1 weighted image contrast and isotropic sub-millimeter spatial resolution for accurate detection and staging of thrombi. In various embodiments, the invention allows for the detection of chronic thrombosis recanalization.

Abstract: The present invention teaches systems and methods for a simple cardiac MRI approach that (1) continuously acquires data; (2) covers the entire heart with high isotropic resolution within a few minutes; and (3) requires no physiological gating and minimal user intervention. Applications of the inventive systems and methods include, but are in no way limited to cardiac cine, myocardial perfusion, coronary MRA, delayed enhancement imaging, myocardial T1-weighted imaging for fibrosis imaging, and myocardial T2-weighted imaging for edema imaging.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present application discloses systems and methods for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of coronary arteries. In various embodiments, the invention allows for motion corrected, simultaneously acquired multiple contrast weighted images with whole-heart coverage and isotropic high resolution. In some embodiments, the invention teaches using interleaved preparatory pulses, a 3D radial golden angle trajectory and 100% respiratory gating efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaging and characterizing atherosclerotic lesions. The invention utilizes a low-flip-angle gradient echo-based MRI acquisition technique combined with specialized magnetization preparative schemes (i.e. non-selective inversion and FSD), and multiple co-registered 3D image sets with different contrast weightings are collected in an interleaved fashion. Using the inventive method, a single scan allows for comprehensive assessment of atherosclerotic plaque within just a few minutes.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present application discloses utilizing a continuous spoiled gradient echo sequence with 3D radial trajectory and 1D self-gating for respiratory motion detection. In certain embodiments, data acquired are retrospectively sorted into different respiratory phases based on their temporal locations within a respiratory cycle, and each phase is reconstructed via a self-calibrating CG-SENSE program.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance method and system are provided for providing improved 3D imaging of blood vessels and the like, which provides suppression of both blood and fat signals and is insensitive to subject motion, thereby facilitating improved visualization of vessel walls. The image data pulse sequence includes a plurality of pulse series, where each series includes a dark-blood sequence, a fat-suppression sequence, and a data readout sequence. Each data readout sequence samples a particular radial direction within each partition (Kz value) that passes through the Kz axis, and different radial orientations are sampled in subsequent series to provide a stack-of-stars sampling scheme.

Abstract: An MR imaging system uses multiple RF coils, for reducing image acquisition time, suitable for chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging. Multiple RF (Radio Frequency) coils provide CEST imaging preparation in an anatomical volume by providing multiple interleaved RF pulses. The multiple interleaved RF pulses provide substantially increased RF pulse sequence duty cycle in the multiple RF coils relative to a duty cycle provided by a single coil of the multiple RF coils. The multiple RF coils subsequently provide RF excitation pulses in a reduced anatomical volume using k-space undersampling in an accelerated imaging method using the multiple RF coils and enable subsequent acquisition of associated RF echo data for deriving a CEST image.

Abstract: The present invention teaches systems and methods for a simple cardiac MRI approach that (1) continuously acquires data; (2) covers the entire heart with high isotropic resolution within a few minutes; and (3) requires no physiological gating and minimal user intervention. Applications of the inventive systems and methods include, but are in no way limited to cardiac cine, myocardial perfusion, coronary MRA, delayed enhancement imaging, myocardial T1-weighted imaging for fibrosis imaging, and myocardial T2-weighted imaging for edema imaging.

Abstract: The present invention teaches novel methods of diagnosing and prognosing conditions associated with tissue degeneration and/or pain, including intervertebral disc degeneration, discogenic pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and articular cartilage injury. Using the inventive noninvasive imaging methods, the diagnosis and prognosis of back pain and related conditions can be quickly and accurately determined by detecting one or more biomarkers disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system for quantifying a fractional flow reserve (FFR) in a mammalian subject comprises implementing a multi-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance sequence using an MRI scanner to scan a volume of interest (VOI) in the mammalian subject. The VOI comprises at least a portion of the mammalian subject's heart, one or more blood vessels, or both. A pressure gradient within a blood vessel segment of interest within the VOI is determined based on the implemented multi-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance sequence. The determined pressure gradient is correlated to an FFR value.

Abstract: The present invention teaches devices and methods for hyperpolarization by parahydrogen induced polarization. The invention teaches several significant improvements over previous designs, including a heating block, an enhanced solenoid component, and pinch valves and tubing that provide a sterile environment for the sample. All of these advancements can be accomplished while keeping costs to produce the device relatively low.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present application discloses systems and methods for cardiac MRI that allow for continuous un-interrupted acquisition without any ECG/cardiac gating or synchronization that achieves the required image contrast for imaging perfusion defects. The invention also teaches an accelerated image reconstruction technique that is tailored to the data acquisition scheme and minimizes or eliminates dark-rim image artifacts. The invention further enables concurrent imaging of perfusion and myocardial wall motion (cardiac function), which can eliminate the need for separate assessment of cardiac function (hence shortening exam time), and/or provide complementary diagnostic information in CAD patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaging and characterizing atherosclerotic lesions. The invention utilizes a low-flip-angle gradient echo-based MRI acquisition technique combined with specialized magnetization preparative schemes (i.e. non-selective inversion and FSD), and multiple co-registered 3D image sets with different contrast weightings are collected in an interleaved fashion. Using the inventive method, a single scan allows for comprehensive assessment of atherosclerotic plaque within just a few minutes.