Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems magnetic resonance imaging. The system may acquire images associated with a target region the body part including the target region moves, using a series of imaging planes correlated with the motion. The images are then displayed in time order sequence to provide a motion picture. The system may also provide for imaging in multiple planes such as mutually-perpendicular planes with rapid and facile switching between these planes. The multi-plane views can be used, for example, to monitor insertion of an instrument into the patient.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is a system for magnetic resonance imaging that includes a fixture for housing an antenna such that the position of a portion of a patient's anatomy remains fixed relative to the antenna as the patient moves between a first and a second position for imaging.

Abstract: A system for magnetic resonance imaging. The system comprises a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having a pair of opposed elements spaced apart along a horizontal pole axis defining a patient-receiving space there between, a patient support apparatus having a rest member extending parallel to the horizontal pole axis, and a support arm connected to the patient support device and rest member, the support arm being operable to adjust the height of the rest member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal pole axis.

Abstract: A system that allows a technician to remotely control interactive equipment, such as medical diagnostic and screening equipment, by executing, through a proxy program, those portions of the software that directly interact with the equipment at the local computer for the equipment. The software components that do not interact with the equipment are run on the local computer. This communication linkage is established through a library module, which can detect when a program must communicate through the proxy. Thus, the same software modules can operate locally as well as remotely. This design distributes the processing so that a user interface is provided to the remote operator that is the same as the user interface that would be provided to the local operator. In addition to the user interface, the functionality of the equipment enabled at the remote space is the same as that available locally at the equipment.

Abstract: In one aspect, a magnet comprising a pair of pole supports spaced apart from one another and extending in a generally horizontal direction. The magnet includes a pair of flux return members extending between the pole supports so as to define a frame, each of the flux return members including a first columnar section that extends parallel to the polar axis and a second columnar section that extends perpendicular to the polar axis and projects towards the pole. In another aspect, a magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a ferromagnetic frame that is operative to support an upper pole member and a lower pole member along a vertical polar axis such that a gap is defined between the upper and lower pole members and an access floor that is isolated from the ferromagnetic frame and pole members for providing access to the gap.

Abstract: The method includes positioning a patient within a receiving space of a stand-up MRI apparatus and imaging the region of interest of the patient while the patient moves the region of interest. Further in accordance with the method the patient may be positioned such that the patient faces a pole face of a magnet of the MRI apparatus. The apparatus comprises a patient support which allows imaging of a patient's spine with a gravitational load on the spinal system.

Abstract: In one aspect, a magnet comprising a pair of pole supports spaced apart from one another and extending in a generally horizontal direction. The magnet includes a pair of flux return members extending between the pole supports so as to define a frame, each of the flux return members including a first columnar section that extends parallel to the polar axis and a second columnar section that extends perpendicular to the polar axis and projects towards the pole. In another aspect, a magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a ferromagnetic frame that is operative to support an upper pole member and a lower pole member along a vertical polar axis such that a gap is defined between the upper and lower pole members and an access floor that is isolated from the ferromagnetic frame and pole members for providing access to the gap.

Abstract: In one aspect, a magnet comprising a pair of pole supports spaced apart from one another and extending in a generally horizontal direction. The magnet includes a pair of flux return members extending between the pole supports so as to define a frame, each of the flux return members including a first columnar section that extends parallel to the polar axis and a second columnar section that extends perpendicular to the polar axis and projects towards the pole. In another aspect, a magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a ferromagnetic frame that is operative to support an upper pole member and a lower pole member along a vertical polar axis such that a gap is defined between the upper and lower pole members and an access floor that is isolated from the ferromagnetic frame and pole members for providing access to the gap.

Abstract: A hand operated device for controlling characteristics of a magnetic resonance (“MR”) image is disclosed. One characteristic that the hand operated device is particularly suited to control is the oblique angle the MR image slice. In one embodiment, the device comprises a planar member, such a plate, rotatably coupled to a supporting member. The supporting member may be a longitudinal member supported by a base. Rotation of the plate is detected by detectors coupled to an MRI system. The oblique angle of an MRI image is changed based on the rotation of the plate, as detected by the detectors. The supporting member may be telescoping and the depression and retraction of to the plate towards and away from the base may be used to vary the depth of the image slice. The telescoping feature can also be used vary other image characteristics, such as slice thickness, field of view and resolution, for example, in addition to or instead of slice depth.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite plate for a magnetic resonance imaging magnet. The method including cutting a starting plate having oppositely-directed major surfaces into a plurality of strips. Each of the strips having a width of approximately greater than 9 inches and faces which originally constituted parts of the major surfaces of the starting plate. The strips may be positioned to form the composite plate such that the width of each of the strips is equal to a thickness of the composite plate and the faces of the strips confront one another.

Abstract: An NMR imaging process utilizes both driven equilibrium and fast-spin echo techniques to acquire image data. The fast-spin echo technique is a multi-echo imaging sequence, where a 90-degree RF pulse applied at the center of any echo turns the magnetization back in the direction of the static magnetic field. Within a short waiting time after that pulse, the spins are ready to be excited again. The sequence follows a first 90-degree RF pulse by a series of n 180-degree RF pulses, followed by n echoes. A second 90-degree RF pulse applied to the nth echo returns the magnetization. A multiple single-slice mode is utilized to acquire individual slice images one at a time. A continuous single-slice mode is utilized to acquire individual slice images automatically in sequence over the region of interest. In either mode, adjacent slices can be made to overlap to a degree ranging from 0% to 100%.

Abstract: In one aspect, a magnet comprising a pair of pole supports spaced apart from one another and extending in a generally horizontal direction. The magnet includes a pair of flux return members extending between the pole supports so as to define a frame, each of the flux return members including a first columnar section that extends parallel to the polar axis and a second columnar section that extends perpendicular to the polar axis and projects towards the pole. In another aspect, a magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a ferromagnetic frame that is operative to support an upper pole member and a lower pole member along a vertical polar axis such that a gap is defined between the upper and lower pole members and an access floor that is isolated from the ferromagnetic frame and pole members for providing access to the gap.

Abstract: System, apparatus and method for performing magnet resonance imaging. The apparatus comprises first and second members for distributing the weight of a patient to be imaged in a substantially upright position between the patient's knees and buttocks. The system comprises a horizontal field magnet magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in combination with the apparatus. In accordance with the method a patient is imaged in an ergonomic position with the patient's weight distributed between the patient's buttocks and knees.

Abstract: A vibration assisted needle device is disclosed for use in medical procedures such as needle aspiration biopsies. Reciprocation of the needle, such as a biopsy needle, eases the advance of the needle through tissue, penetration of the site of interest and the collection of sample at a site of interest. The device comprises a housing defining a chamber, a needle support external to the chamber for supporting a needle and a mechanism in the chamber for causing reciprocatory motion of the needle support. The needle support is preferably external to the housing. A syringe support may be connected to the housing for supporting a syringe. The reciprocatory mechanism may comprise means for converting rotational motion into reciprocating motion, such as a bearing or a rotor with a circumferential, angled groove on its surface, coupled to the needle support. The bearing or the rotor may be driven by a rotational motor, preferably located outside of the housing, or by a hydraulically driven turbine within the housing.

Abstract: An MRI scanner that includes a magnet with poles having substantially vertical pole surfaces and a removable positioner for supporting a patient within a gap in the pole surfaces. A method of positioning a patient within a gap formed by vertical pole surfaces in an MRI scanner. The method includes selecting a first patient positioner and inserting the first patient positioner into the gap between vertical pole surfaces in the MRI scanner.

Abstract: A patient bed support for maneuvering a patient in an open MRI system that includes an upper pole assembly and a lower pole assembly. The patient bed support includes a frame for attaching the patient bed support to the lower pole assembly in the MRI system and a member movably attached to the frame such that a patient placed on the member may be moved relative to the lower and upper pole assemblies of the MRI system.

Abstract: A patient bed support for maneuvering a patient in an open MRI system that includes an upper pole assembly and a lower pole assembly. In some embodiments, the patient bed support includes a frame for attaching the patient bed support to the lower pole assembly in the MRI system and a member rotatably attached to the frame such that at least a portion of the member rotates completely about a longitudinal axis of the lower pole assembly. In other embodiments, the frame may be a ring that is sized in order to position the ring around an upper portion of the lower pole assembly. In still other embodiments, the member may be a ring that is sized in order to position the ring around an upper portion of the lower pole assembly.

Abstract: An MRI scanner that includes a magnet with poles having substantially vertical pole surfaces and a removable positioner for supporting a patient within a gap in the pole surfaces. A method of positioning a patient within a gap formed by vertical pole surfaces in an MRI scanner. The method includes selecting a first patient positioner and inserting the first patient positioner into the gap between vertical pole surfaces in the MRI scanner.

Abstract: A magnet for magnetic resonance imaging has an interior working space within the magnet frame sufficient to accommodate a physician and a patient. Because the physician is positioned inside the magnet frame, the physician has unimpeded access to the patient. Elements of the magnet frame desirably encompass a room, and the magnet frame may be concealed from view of a patient within the room. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI imaged guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged, and minimize claustrophobia experienced by the patient. Also provided is a magnet having field coils disposed about the of pole portions of the magnet. A diagnostic facility for high volume MRI use is also disclosed.

Abstract: An NMR imaging process utilizes both driven equilibrium and fast-spin echo techniques to acquire image data. The fast-spin echo technique is a multi-echo imaging sequence, where a 90-degree RF pulse applied at the center of any echo turns the magnetization back in the direction of the static magnetic field. Within a short waiting time after that pulse, the spins are ready to be excited again. The sequence follows a first 90-degree RF pulse by a series of n 180-degree RF pulses, followed by n echoes. A second 90-degree RF pulse applied to the nth echo returns the magnetization. A multiple single-slice mode is utilized to acquire individual slice images one at a time. A continuous single-slice mode is utilized to acquire individual slice images automatically in sequence over the region of interest. In either mode, adjacent slices can be made to overlap to a degree ranging from 0% to 100%.