Abstract: Method for diagnosing and treating tissue suspected of containing a lesion. A shaped pulse sequence is selected for each of waveform, phase and frequency components of an RF signal based upon characteristics of the tissue suspected of containing a lesion and an RF signal comprised of the selected waveform, amplitude and frequency shaped pulse sequences generated. A series of echoes is received in response to the generated RF signal and a real-time MR image of the tissue suspected of containing a lesion is produced using the series of received echoes. The tissue is then diagnostically evaluated for the presence of lesions using the produced real-time MR image.

Abstract: Method for MR imaging of an object in which various RF and magnetic field gradient pulse sequences are used to produce transverse magnetization and to generate echoes. The RF pulse sequence may include a sinusoidal waveform component defined by either y=sin x, 0.ltoreq.x .ltoreq.4.pi.; y=cos x, 0.ltoreq.x .ltoreq.4.pi.; or y=sin x, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq..pi./2, y=cos x, .pi./2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq..pi.; and a phase component defined by either y=0, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.2.pi., y=.pi., 2.pi..ltoreq.x.ltoreq.4.pi.; or y =-2.pi.cos x, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq..pi./2, y=-2.pi.sin x, .pi./2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq..pi.. The selected waveform and phase components may be combined to form a first, composite RF signal and the Hilbert transform of the composite RF signal selected as a second RF signal. Alternately, the second RF pulse sequence may be comprised of first and second phase shifting linear ramps. The selected gradient magnetic field pulse sequences may include a first sinusoidal readout pulse sequence defined by y=ax sin x, 0.ltoreq.x.

Abstract: A method of producing a selective component enhanced image of an object. A uniform magnetic field is generated to magnetize the object and, once magnetized, a first preparatory pulse sequence which enhances the contrast of a first component of the object with respect to a second component of the object is generated. An RF pulse sequence is generated to produce transverse magnetization in the second component of the object. First, second, and third changing magnetic fields are generated, thereby producing a series of gradient echoes in response to the generated RF pulse sequence. A contrast enhanced image of the object may then be produced from the series of gradient echoes.

Abstract: Method for producing an image of an object, for example, tissue having fat and water components. A uniform magnetic field is generated to magnetize the object. A shaped pulse sequence is selected for each of waveform, phase and frequency components of an RF signal. An RF signal which includes the selected waveform, amplitude and frequency pulse sequences is generated to produce transverse magnetization in the object. First, second, and third changing magnetic fields are then generated in the object and a series of gradient echoes are produced in response thereto. From the gradient echoes, an image of the object may be produced.

Abstract: Methods for improved MR imaging of an object by the use of back-to-back adiabatic RF pulse sequences. In one embodiment, a selective component suppressed MR image of the internal structure of an object is produced from a series of gradient echoes received in response to the generation of back-to-back opposing adiabatic half passage selective component suppressive RF pulses separated by 180 degrees in phase. In another embodiment, an enhanced MR image of the internal structure of an object is produced from a series of gradient echoes received in response to the generation of back-to-back opposing adiabatic half passage selective component suppressive RF pulses separated by 90 degrees in phase.

Abstract: Method for imaging the interior of a three dimensional object. A non-selective composite hard RF pulse is generated in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. Phase encoding pulses are generated along the first and a third axis, respectively, and a frequency encoding pulse comprised of a de-phasing portion and a re-phasing portion is generated along a second axis. During the re-phasing portion of the frequency encoding pulse, an asymmetrical fractional gradient echo containing information related to the object being imaged is produced. A next asymmetrical fractional gradient echo is then produced for next phase encoding pulses along the first and third axes. After an asymmetrical fractional gradient echo is produced for all phase encoding pulses, an image of the object is produced from the series of produced asymmetrical fractional gradient echoes.