Patents by Inventor Helen L. Sporkin

Helen L. Sporkin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Systems and methods for magnetic resonance based skull thermometry
    Patent number: 11644520
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable medium for magnetic resonance (MR) based thermometry. In one aspect, in accordance with one embodiment, a method for magnetic resonance based thermometry includes: acquiring, by a variable flip-angle T1 mapping sequence, MR data in an area of interest of a subject that is heated by the application of focused ultrasound (FUS) to the brain of the subject, where the MR data includes T1 values over time, and where the acquisition of the MR data includes applying an accelerated three-dimensional ultra-short spiral acquisition sequence with a nonselective excitation pulse; and determining, based at least in part on a mathematical relationship established by T1 mapping thermometry, a temperature change in the area of interest over time, and where the temperature change is caused at least in part by a change in the applied FUS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Yekaterina K. Gilbo, Helen L. Sporkin, Samuel W. Fielden, John P. Mugler, III, Grady W. Miller, IV, Steven P. Allen, Craig H. Meyer
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE BASED SKULL THERMOMETRY
    Publication number: 20210208225
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable medium for magnetic resonance (MR) based thermometry. In one aspect, in accordance with one embodiment, a method for magnetic resonance based thermometry includes: acquiring, by a variable flip-angle T1 mapping sequence, MR data in an area of interest of a subject that is heated by the application of focused ultrasound (FUS) to the brain of the subject, where the MR data includes T1 values over time, and where the acquisition of the MR data includes applying an accelerated three-dimensional ultra-short spiral acquisition sequence with a nonselective excitation pulse; and determining, based at least in part on a mathematical relationship established by T1 mapping thermometry, a temperature change in the area of interest over time, and where the temperature change is caused at least in part by a change in the applied FUS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Yekaterina K. Gilbo, Helen L. Sporkin, Samuel W. Fielden, John P. Mugler, III, Grady W. Miller, IV, Steven P. Allen, Craig H. Meyer