Abstract: Provided are devices and methods that deform tissue synchronous with an MR imaging cycle, as well as devices and methods for determination of dynamic determination of one or more mechanical properties of the tissue, including properties of muscle tissue. Such determination can be performed with and without imaging of the tissue being evaluated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for applying low magnetic fields (<400 G) to mammalian cells, tissues and organs for protection from the damaging effects of ionizing radiation and other oxygen dependent injuries that involve the radical pair mechanism. The magnetic fields are generated by fixed magnets or active magnets and used to enhance the survival of healthy cells during radiation treatment for cancer, to protect workers from radiation within nuclear power plants, to protect astronauts from radiation during long space voyages, to increase working time in exposed environments, to provide a safe room in hazardous locations, and to protect normal tissue during radiation treatment and in medical imaging modalities that use ionizing radiation (X-ray, CT, mammography). The method described herein may also be used to mitigate the damaging effects of reperfusion, stroke, oxygen toxicity, inflammation, autoimmune disease, and the like by applying protective magnetic fields.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for applying low magnetic fields (<400 G) to mammalian cells, tissues and organs for protection from the damaging effects of ionizing radiation and other oxygen dependent injuries that involve the radical pair mechanism. The magnetic fields are generated by fixed magnets or active magnets and used to enhance the survival of healthy cells during radiation treatment for cancer, to protect workers from radiation within nuclear power plants, to protect astronauts from radiation during long space voyages, to increase working time in exposed environments, to provide a safe room in hazardous locations, and to protect normal tissue during radiation treatment and in medical imaging modalities that use ionizing radiation (X-ray, CT, mammography). The method described herein may also be used to mitigate the damaging effects of reperfusion, stroke, oxygen toxicity, inflammation, autoimmune disease, and the like by applying protective magnetic fields.

Abstract: Provided is a method for rapid, 3D, dynamic, projection reconstruction bilateral breast imaging using simultaneous multi-slab volume excitation and radial acquisition of a contrast enhanced bilateral image, in conjunction with SENSE processing, using k-Space Weighted Image Contrast (“KWIC”) filtering and multi-coil arrays for signal separation in an interleaved bilateral MR bilateral breast scan that uses conventional Cartesian sampling without parallel imaging. Software was developed for the reconstruction, modeling contrast kinetics using a heuristic model, display by parametric mapping and viewer/analysis of the multidimensional, high frame-rate bilateral breast images.

Abstract: Provided is a method for rapid, 3D, dynamic, projection reconstruction bilateral breast imaging using simultaneous multi-slab volume excitation and radial acquisition of a contrast enhanced bilateral image, in conjunction with SENSE processing, using k-Space Weighted Image Contrast (“KWIC”) filtering and multi-coil arrays for signal separation in an interleaved bilateral MR bilateral breast scan that uses conventional Cartesian sampling without parallel imaging. Software was developed for the reconstruction, modeling contrast kinetics using a heuristic model, display by parametric mapping and viewer/analysis of the multidimensional, high frame-rate bilateral breast images.

Abstract: Spatial Modulation of Magnetization (SPAMM) with two sets of tagging planes orthogonal to the image plane is used in accordance with known techniques to image two-dimensional heart wall motion with MRI. However, such techniques are modified in accordance with the invention to permit direct assessment of three-dimensional heart wall motion from two-dimensional images using a three-dimensional SPAMM technique and a phase shift SPAMM technique. The three-dimensional SPAMM technique uses a third set of tagging planes oblique to the image plane to separate within-plane motion from through-plane motion. In accordance with the 3-dimensional SPAMM technique, the displacement of the oblique magnetization lines relative to the displacement of the spatial modulation pattern in the imaging plane during a preimaging time interval is indicative of the displacement of a body portion such as a patient's heart wall through the imaging plane during the preimaging time interval. Preferably, the oblique angle is 45.degree.

Abstract: A novel magnetic resonance imaging technique provides direct imaging of motion by spatially modulating the degree of magnetization prior to imaging. The pre-imaging pulse sequence consists of an RF pulse to produce transverse magnetization, a magnetic field gradient pulse to "wrap" the phase along the direction of the gradient and a second RF pulse to mix the modulated transverse magnetization with the longitudinal magnetization. The resulting images show periodic stripes due to the modulation. Motion between the time of striping and image formation is directly demonstrated as a corresponding displacement of the stripes. Applications include studies of heart wall motion and distinguishing slowly moving blood from thrombus.