Abstract: The invention refers to a combined storage, dosing and mixing device (1), which comprises a first compartment (2) and a second compartment (3) and a dosing section (4) between the first compartment (2) and the second compartment (3). The dosing section (4) comprises a translatory movable slider (10, 10a) adjacent to the first compartment (2), a pivotally movable flap (11) adjacent to the second compartment (3) and a dosing space (C) between the slider (10, 10a) and the flap (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tying device (4) for holding a rope-like or tube-like item (15) when knotting the same, which comprises two pin-like portions (5, 6) with a slit (7) in-between. Moreover, the invention relates to a waste deposition device (1), comprising an annular holder (2) for a cassette (3) with a plastic hose (15) and comprising at least one tying device (4) of said kind.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waste deposition device (1), comprising an annular holder (2) for a cassette (3) with a plastic hose (15). The waste deposition device (1) furthermore multiple mounting positions (A1 . . . A3) for arbitrarily and in particular removably mounting at least one tying and/or cutting device (4) for holding the hose (15) when knotting the same and/or for cutting the hose (15). Alternatively, multiple tying and/or devices (4) having said function may be permanent parts of the waste deposition device (1) at different positions (A1 . . . A3).

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 new and improved method for tracking and/or spatial localization of an invasive device in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is provided. The invention includes providing an invasive device including a marker having a chemically shifted signal source with a resonant frequency different from the chemical species of the subject to be imaged, applying a pulse sequence, detecting the resulting RF magnetic resonance signals, and determining the 3D coordinates of the marker. The invention also includes generating scan planes and reconstructing an image from the detected signals to generate an image having the marker contrasted from the subject. The invasive device includes a marker having a chemically shifted signal source which has a resonant frequency different from the chemical species of the subject to be imaged for use in tracking the device during imaging.

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 radio frequency coil includes an operative radio frequency circuit (100, 100?) and a trap radio frequency circuit (110, 110?). The operative radio frequency circuit is tuned to a magnetic resonance frequency and is spatially configured to at least one of generate magnetic resonance in or receive magnetic resonance from a spatial region of interest. The trap radio frequency circuit is tuned to block a selected frequency and is disposed with the operative radio frequency circuit. The trap radio frequency circuit includes at least a generally linear transmission line (120) having a first end (122, 122?) at which the operative radio frequency circuit and the trap radio frequency circuit are coupled together and a second end (124) at which the generally linear transmission line is terminated with a termination impedance (136).

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: 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 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: 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 transceiver module (1) having a release mechanism includes a connector assembly (3), a driving device (43), and a pull tab (45). The connector assembly includes a tab (362) for being received in a hole (242) of a bendable portion (240) of a receptacle (2), which receptacle receives the transceiver module therein. The driving device includes, a release member (42) and a wedge member (46). Both the pull tab and the wedge member are mechanically linked to the release member. When the pull tab is pulled outwardly, the release member rotates with respect to the connector assembly, driving the wedge member to press against the bendable portion of the receptacle, thus disengaging the tab from the hole. The transceiver module is then easily withdrawn from the receptacle. This arrangement allows the transceiver modules to be closely stacked together while still being readily accessible. This advantage decreases a stacking height of multiple transceiver modules.

Abstract: A small form factor pluggable transceiver module (100) comprises an RJ connector (1) with a robust interface, a printed circuit board assembly (2), a cage (4), a frame (5) and a latch mechanism (6). The RJ connector further includes a shielding shell (11), a housing (12) received in the shielding shell, an RJ contact module (13) received in the housing, and an engaging clamp (3). The RJ connector attaches to the printed circuit board assembly. The engaging clamp provides a stronger, more reliable mechanical connection between the printed circuit board assembly and the RJ connector.

Abstract: A small form factor pluggable transceiver module (100) comprises an RJ connector (1), a printed circuit board assembly (2), an engaging clamp (3), a cage (4), a frame (5) and a latching mechanism (6). The RJ connector attaches to the printed circuit board assembly. The engaging clamp engages both with the RJ connector and the printed circuit board assembly to strengthen the connection between the RJ connector and the printed circuit board assembly.