Abstract: A method and system for evaluating the cerebral circulation of a patient is described. The arterial network of the brain is partitioned into a plurality of different regions where each region is supplied with blood by particular cerebral arteries. Volume flows into the regions are calculated from the measured volume flows of the cerebral arteries using quantitative magnetic resonance angiography. The cerebrovascular circulation of an individual patient may therefore be evaluated for the presence of disease by comparing the regional blood flows of the patient to normal values as obtained from population data.

Abstract: A probe includes a handle, neck, and sensor head. The neck consists of a stiff portion and a flexible portion. The neck is offset from the handle so that a hand of a surgeon holding the handle does not block the surgeon's view of sensor head. In another embodiment, the stiff portion includes three sections that have separate and distinct linear axes. The extended axis of the section adjacent the handle intersects the juncture of the flexible portion and the stiff portion of the neck, while the sensor head is connected to the flexible portion of the neck. The precise alignment of the handle and neck enables the precise placement of the sensor head around a small blood vessel.