Abstract: Magnetic resonance elastography (“MRE”), or other imaging-based elastography techniques, generate estimates of the mechanical properties, such as stiffness and damping ratio, of tissues in a subject. A machine learning approach, such as an artificial neural network, is implemented to perform an inversion of displacement data in order to generate the estimates of the mechanical properties.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for magnetic resonance elastography (“MRE”), or other imaging-based elastography techniques, in which a machine learning approach, such as an artificial neural network, is implemented to perform an inversion of displacement data in order to generate estimates of the mechanical properties, such as stiffness and damping ratio, of tissues in a subject.

Abstract: A method for magnetic resonance elastography (“MRE”) is described, in which an MRE inversion that accounts for waves propagating in a finite, bounded media is employed. A vibratory motion is induced in a subject and MRE is performed to measure one or more components of the resulting displacement produced in the subject. This displacement data is subsequently filtered to provide a more accurate and computationally efficient method of inversion. Wave equations based on the geometry of the bounded media are then utilized to calculate the material properties of the subject. Such a method allows for the performance of MRE on tissues such as the heart, eye, bladder, and prostate with more accurate results.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) procedure using an MRI system to monitor operation of a medical device performing a medical procedure. The driver system includes a housing, a port located in the housing and connected to a driving power, and an inertial driver moved within the housing by the driving power. A passage is formed in the housing and extends from a first opening in the housing, through the inertial driver, and to a second opening in the housing. The inertial driver receives a medical device extending through the passage and engages the medical device to impart oscillatory motion thereto as the inertial driver is moved by the driving power. The imparted oscillatory motion travels along the medical device as a waveguide to deliver the oscillatory motion to tissue receiving the medical procedure to perform the MRE procedure.

Abstract: A dynamic magnetic resonance elastography (“MRE”) method for quantifying liver stiffness using intrinsic transient waveforms imparted on the liver by the beating heart is provided. The method includes synchronizing motion-encoding gradients in an MRE pulse sequence to the subject's cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A system and method for performing magnetic resonance elastography (MRE] of a patient's breasts is provided. An MRE driver configured to be placed on the sternum of the patient is used to impart mechanical energy to the sternum, which in turn generates shear waves in at least one of the patient's breasts. Such a driver is amenable to use with standard breast radio frequency (RF] coils without the need for modification of the existing breast RF coil hardware.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a subject using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The technique includes positioning a subject within the MRI system and coupling a driver to the subject to impart vibrational energy to the subject. The technique further includes using the MRI system and in coordination with operation of the driver, acquiring medical imaging data from the subject's brain and deriving stiffness information of the subject's brain from the medical imaging data. A report, such as an image, can be provided indicating the stiffness information of the subject's brain relative to baseline stiffness information to indicate a status of the subject with respect to a neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: A dynamic magnetic resonance elastography (“MRE”) method for quantifying liver stiffness using intrinsic transient waveforms imparted on the liver by the beating heart is provided. The method includes synchronizing motion-encoding gradients in an MRE pulse sequence to the subject's cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) procedure using an MRI system to monitor operation of a medical device performing a medical procedure. The driver system includes a housing, a port located in the housing and connected to a driving power, and an inertial driver moved within the housing by the driving power. A passage is formed in the housing and extends from a first opening in the housing, through the inertial driver, and to a second opening in the housing. The inertial driver receives a medical device extending through the passage and engages the medical device to impart oscillatory motion thereto as the inertial driver is moved by the driving power. The imparted oscillatory motion travels along the medical device as a waveguide to deliver the oscillatory motion to tissue receiving the medical procedure to perform the MRE procedure.

Abstract: A system is configured to produce a stress on a subject while performing a magnetic resonance elastography scan in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The system includes an active driver operable to produce an energy configured for a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) process. A passive actuator is configured to be positioned in the MRI system and to be coupled to the subject. The system includes a tube coupling the active driver to the passive actuator to deliver the energy produced by the active driver to the passive actuator, and a strap coupled to the passive actuator. The strap is configured to be disposed around the subject. The strap includes a substantially inelastic material configured to convert the energy delivered to the passive actuator from the tube into shear waves with the subject for use in the MRE process.

Abstract: A method for magnetic resonance elastography (“MRE”) is described, in which an MRE inversion that accounts for waves propagating in a finite, bounded media is employed. A vibratory motion is induced in a subject and MRE is performed to measure one or more components of the resulting displacement produced in the subject. This displacement data is subsequently filtered to provide a more accurate and computationally efficient method of inversion. Wave equations based on the geometry of the bounded media are then utilized to calculate the material properties of the subject. Such a method allows for the performance of MRE on tissues such as the heart, eye, bladder, and prostate with more accurate results.

Abstract: A system is configured to produce a stress on a subject while performing a magnetic resonance elastography scan in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The system includes an active driver operable to produce an energy configured for a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) process. A passive actuator is configured to be positioned in the MRI system and to be coupled to the subject. The system includes a tube coupling the active driver to the passive actuator to deliver the energy produced by the active driver to the passive actuator, and a strap coupled to the passive actuator. The strap is configured to be disposed around the subject. The strap includes a substantially inelastic material configured to convert the energy delivered to the passive actuator from the tube into shear waves with the subject for use in the MRE process.