Abstract: An imaging system and method enables 3-D direct segmentation from a series of spatially offset 2-D image slices in a volume scan. The algorithm first smoothes and preserves the interface edges of the image volume using Bottom-Hat gray scale morphological transform followed by 3-D segmentation using fast 3-D level sets by preserving topology constraints, for example, cortical thickness in a brain volume. The method inputs opposite polarity spheres (contracting and expanding spheres) which morph into shapes within the volume using a surface propagation technique. The speed of propagation is controlled by the likelihood statistical component derived under constraints. During the propagation polygonalization extracts the zero-level surface set. The field distribution is computed using the improved shortest distance method or polyline distance method. The morphing algorithm then morphs the input concentric spheres into interface surfaces such as WM-GM and GM-CSF with cortical constraint.

Abstract: An RF coil construction (40, 40′) includes removable, relocatable, and/or detachable sections (42, 44) that are inherently decoupled. The sections can be relocated, removed, or exchanged with sections having different coil sizes or coil configurations, allowing the coil configuration to be tailored to a desired imaging procedure and region of the brain. The coil construction provides space for stimulation devices and adjusting patient access and comfort. Since the operator can select coil removal or placement to reduce the amount of data outside the region of interest, the coil construction can also reduce scanning and reconstruction time, reduce artifacts, and provide increased temporal resolution and image throughput.