Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magnetic resonance imaging system (100) controlled by a processor (130). The execution of the machine executable instructions causes the processor to sort (200) multiple preparatory scan commands (142) into fixed duration preparatory scan commands (144) and indeterminate duration preparatory scan commands (146). The execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to first control (202) the magnetic resonance imaging system with the indeterminate duration preparatory scan commands and then (204) with the fixed duration preparatory scan commands. The execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to calculate (206) a gradient pulse starting time (160). The execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to provide (208) the warning signal at a predetermined time (162) before the gradient pulse starting time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magnetic resonance imaging system (100) controlled by a processor (130). The execution of the machine executable instructions causes the processor to sort (200) multiple preparatory scan commands (142) into fixed duration preparatory scan commands (144) and indeterminate duration preparatory scan commands (146). The execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to first control (202) the magnetic resonance imaging system with the indeterminate duration preparatory scan commands and then (204) with the fixed duration preparatory scan commands. The execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to calculate (206) a gradient pulse starting time (160). The execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to provide (208) the warning signal at a predetermined time (162) before the gradient pulse starting time.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrocardiograph sensor mat (100), the mat (100) comprising a multitude of electrodes (104) for acquiring cardiac signals and a plug (200), wherein the electrodes (104) are connected to the plug (200) by electric wires (102), wherein the wires (102) are segmented by switches (202), wherein the switches (202) are switchable between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state the electrodes (104) are electrically connected to the plug (200) and wherein in the open state the electrodes (104) are electrically isolated from the plug (200).

Abstract: The invention provides for a magnetic resonance imaging system (100) for acquiring magnetic resonance data (146) from a subject (118) from a region of interest (109) within an imaging zone (108). The magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a memory (134) for storing machine executable instructions (140) and pulse sequence commands (142). The pulse sequence commands are configured for controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system to perform magnetization preparation pulses which causes magnetization inversion within the region of interest and initiates a T1 relaxation process. The pulse sequence commands are configured for acquiring portions of the magnetic resonance data as discrete units during a rest and relaxation interval of a heart phase of the subject. The magnetic resonance imaging system further comprises a processor (130) for controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of MR imaging of an object positioned in an examination volume of a MR device (1). It is an object of the invention to enable ‘silent’ ZTE imaging with improved sampling of k-space center.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of MR imaging of an object positioned in an examination volume of a MR device (1). It is an object of the invention to enable ‘silent’ ZTE imaging with sampling of k-space center. According to the invention, the object (10) is subjected to an imaging sequence of RF pulses (20) and switched magnetic field gradients (G), wherein an initial RF pulse (20) is radiated before setting a readout magnetic field gradient (G). An initial MR signal is acquired with the readout magnetic field gradient (G) ramping up after a delay after the initial RF pulse (20). Thereafter, the magnetic field gradient (G) remains switched on and the readout direction is gradually varied. Further RF pulses (22) are radiated in the presence of the readout magnetic field gradient (G) and further MR signal are acquired like in conventional ZTE imaging. Finally, a MR image is reconstructed from the acquired MR signals. Moreover, the invention relates to a MR device and to a computer program for a MR device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrocardiograph sensor mat (100), the mat (100) comprising a multitude of electrodes (104) for acquiring cardiac signals and a plug (200), wherein the electrodes (104) are connected to the plug (200) by electric wires (102), wherein the wires (102) are segmented by switches (202), wherein the switches (202) are switchable between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state the electrodes (104) are electrically connected to the plug (200) and wherein in the open state the electrodes (104) are electrically isolated from the plug (200).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of MR imaging of an object positioned in an examination volume of a MR device (1). It is an object of the invention to enable ‘silent’ ZTE imaging with improved sampling of k-space center.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrocardiograph sensor mat (100), the mat (100) comprising a multitude of electrodes (104) for acquiring cardiac signals and a plug (200), wherein the electrodes (104) are connected to the plug (200) by electric wires (102), wherein the wires (102) are segmented by switches (202), wherein the switches (202) are switchable between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state the electrodes (104) are electrically connected to the plug (200) and wherein in the open state the electrodes (104) are electrically isolated from the plug (200).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of MR imaging of an object positioned in an examination volume of a MR device (1). It is an object of the invention to enable ‘silent’ ZTE imaging with sampling of k-space center. According to the invention, the object (10) is subjected to an imaging sequence of RF pulses (20) and switched magnetic field gradients (G), wherein an initial RF pulse (20) is radiated before setting a readout magnetic field gradient (G). An initial MR signal is acquired with the readout magnetic field gradient(G) ramping up after a delay after the initial RF pulse (20). Thereafter, the magnetic field gradient (G) remains switched on and the readout direction is gradually varied. Further RF pulses(22) are radiated in the presence of the readout magnetic field gradient(G) and further MR signal are acquired like in conventional ZTE imaging. Finally, a MR image is reconstructed from the acquired MR signals. Moreover, the invention relates to a MR device and to a computer program for a MR device.

Abstract: An interventional or a non-interventional instrument like a catheter, a surgical device, a biopsy needle, a pointer, a stent or another invasive or non-invasive device, like a position marker, or a surface or local coil like a head coil is disclosed, wherein these instruments are provided with an MR-safe RF transmission line or cable (2, 3) for connecting the instrument with related RF transmit/MR receive units or other signal processing units for operating the instrument during an MR imaging or MR examination of an examination object. Basically, MR safety is obtained or increased by means of a plurality of fuses (6) which are serially connected into the transmission line or cable (2, 3).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrocardiograph sensor mat (100), the mat (100) comprising a multitude of electrodes (104) for acquiring cardiac signals and a plug (200), wherein the electrodes (104) are connected to the plug (200) by electric wires (102), wherein the wires (102) are segmented by switches (202), wherein the switches (202) are switchable between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state the electrodes (104) are electrically connected to the plug (200) and wherein in the open state the electrodes (104) are electrically isolated from the plug (200).

Abstract: An interventional or a non-interventional instrument like a catheter, a surgical device, a biopsy needle, a pointer, a stent or another invasive or non-invasive device, like a position marker, or a surface or local coil like a head coil is disclosed, wherein these instruments are provided with an MR-safe RF transmission line or cable (2, 3) for connecting the instrument with related RF transmit/MR receive units or other signal processing units for operating the instrument during an MR imaging or MR examination of an examination object. Basically, MR safety is obtained or increased by means of a plurality of fuses (6) which are serially connected into the transmission line or cable (2, 3).

Abstract: In a workflow management method and apparatus, one or more computers are programmed to receive an original sequence, such as a scan sequence which controls a diagnostic scanner to perform an imaging procedure. An available time span within which to perform the original sequence is also received. The available time span is compared with a duration of the original scan sequence. If the original scan sequence duration is longer than the available time span, one or more alterable subsequences of the original sequence are shortened to create an adjusted scan sequence that fits into the available time span.

Abstract: According to the method of a workflow management according to the invention, at step 2 an available time for executing a sequence of handlings is accessed. At step 4 the template comprising the sequence of handlings 4a is accessed, whereby” each handling is assigned its corresponding duration 4b. At step 6 a difference between the available time span and a sum of said corresponding durations is calculated, whereas at step 8 an allowable duration for executing the sequence is assigned based on said difference. At step 14 of the method the sequence 4a is adjusted yielding the adjusted sequence 14a, which integral duration 14b fits into the available time span, as given at step 2. Preferably, the step of adjusting the sequence 14 is performed using a suitable optimization routine which is arranged to optimize a parameter “scan time” while keeping other parameters within acceptable level.

Abstract: A novel method is described for simulation of an electric stimulation of the nerve system subject to the rate of change of gradient fields. A gradient signal is filtered and a stimulation signal is derived, which is compared with a predetermined stimulation threshold value. An indicator signal is generated if the threshold value is exceeded. Therefore the time dependent and spatially dependent electric fields as defined by the scanning sequence and the gradient coil properties are calculated. A vector combination of said calculated electric field components from each gradient coil axis is performed, which results in a temporal diagram of the total electric field at various spatial locations within the gradient coil. The stimulation probability at each location from said temporal diagram and said stimulation signal is then calculated, and said stimulation probability is compared with the stimulation threshold value at each location within the gradient coil.

Abstract: A portion of an object is subjected to a T2-preparation sequence. The portion of the object is subjected to a 2D navigator restore sequence. Subsequent to subjecting the portion of the object to the 2D navigator restore sequence and T2-preparation sequence, the portion of the object is subjected to a 2D navigator sequence. A MR navigator signal is measured. A series of MR imaging signals is generated by subjecting the portion of the object to an imaging sequence. The MR imaging signals are measured for reconstructing an MR image.

Abstract: A novel method is described for simulation of an electric stimulation of the nerve system subject to the rate of change of gradient fields. A gradient signal is filtered and a stimulation signal is derived, which is compared with a predetermined stimulation threshold value. An indicator signal is generated if the threshold value is exceeded. Therefore the time dependent and spatially dependent electric fields as defined by the scanning sequence and the gradient coil properties are calculated. A vector combination of said calculated electric field components from each gradient coil axis is performed, which results in a temporal diagram of the total electric field at various spatial locations within the gradient coil. The stimulation probability at each location from said temporal diagram and said stimulation signal is then calculated, and said stimulation probability is compared with the stimulation threshold value at each location within the gradient coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of at least a portion of a body placed in a stationary and substantially homogeneous main magnetic field. According to this method, the portion of the body is initially subjected to a T2-preparation sequence (T2PRE). Thereafter, a 2D navigator sequence (NAV) is applied and an MR navigator signal is measured. A series of MR imaging signals is subsequently generated by an imaging sequence (TFE). These MR imaging signals are measured for reconstructing an MR image therefrom. In order to provide a MRI method for T2-weighted imaging, which gives a high T2 contrast and also guarantees a faultless functioning of the navigator, the invention proposes to apply a 2D navigator restore sequence (NAVRE) prior to irradiation of the 2D navigator sequence (NAV).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining, utilizing magnetic resonance, a temperature distribution of a part of an object which is arranged in a substantially uniform steady magnetic field, the determination of the temperature distribution involving the determination of a reference image of the object, for example a part of the human body, and a phase image of the human body. Subsequently, the temperature distribution is determined from phase differences between the values of pixels of the phase image and the values of corresponding pixels of a predetermined reference phase image. In order to counteract errors in the temperature distribution which are caused by motion of the object, navigator pulse sequences are generated so as to measure navigator signals prior to the measurement of MR signals wherefrom the reference image and the phase image are reconstructed. Subsequently, a correction for correction of the temperature distribution is derived from the navigator signals.