Abstract: Software, methods and user interfaces for viewing and generating a lung report. In exemplary methods, a first baseline image is analyzed to localize lung nodules. The lung nodule information can be stored and used to relocate the previously localized lung nodules in a second, follow-up imaging scan. The follow-up scan can be analyzed—either manually or automatically—to generate statistics for the lung nodules localized in the follow-up scan. Information derived from the baseline scan can be used to ease the localization of the lung nodules in the follow-up scan. In some exemplary methods, both the baseline scan and follow-up scan are displayed and the nodules are selected for comparison. Typically, the graphical user interface can display a third, composite image that displays the change of size of the nodules.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices which improve a time resolution of a scanner by segmenting the data and generating a plurality of low resolution images. The low resolution images may then be combined to reconstruct a full image of a slice of a target. Such a method improves the time resolution of the scanner while maintaining the radiation dosage and time of the scan.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices which improve a time resolution of a scanner by segmenting the data and generating a plurality of low resolution images. The low resolution images may then be combined to reconstruct a full image of a slice of a target. Such a method improves the time resolution of the scanner while maintaining the radiation dosage and time of the scan.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving a virtual colonoscopy and a CT angiography. Embodiments of the present invention provide a contrast media into the patient's stool or blood stream so as to reduce an attenuation signal of the patient's stool or blood. Reducing the signal of the stool allows an examining physician to better differentiate the stool from polyps in the colon and allows an examining physician to better differentiate the blood from an arterial wall.

Abstract: An inherently de-coupled sandwiched solenoidal array coil (SSAC) is disclosed for use in receiving nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) radio frequency (RF) signals in both horizontal and vertical-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. In its most basic configuration, the SSAC comprises two coaxial RF receive coils. The first coil of the array has two solenoidal (or loop) sections that are separated from one another along a common axis. The two sections are electrically connected in series but the conductors in each section are wound in opposite directions so that a current through the coil sets up a magnetic field of opposite polarity in each section. The second coil of the SSAC is disposed (“sandwiched”) between the two separated solenoidal sections of the first coil in a region where the combined opposing magnetic fields cancel to become a null.

Abstract: An inherently de-coupled sandwiched solenoidal array coil (SSAC) is disclosed for use in receiving nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) radio frequency (RF) signals in both horizontal and vertical-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. In its most basic configuration, the SSAC comprises two coaxial RF receive coils. The first coil of the array has two solenoidal (or loop) sections that are separated from one another along a common axis. The two sections are electrically connected in series but the conductors in each section are wound in opposite directions so that a current through the coil sets up a magnetic field of opposite polarity in each section. The second coil of the SSAC is disposed (“sandwiched”) between the two separated solenoidal sections of the first coil in a region where the combined opposing magnetic fields cancel to become a null.

Abstract: The invention is an MRI imaging system that seamlessly switches between a fast imaging fluoro-mode and a diagnostic imaging mode. The fluoro-mode is used to quickly obtain an image which provides confirmation that the selection of MR imaging parameters are proper and to provide an opportunity to adjust these selections. After the selections have been confirmed and adjusted, the system is switched to a normal diagnostic image mode using the parameter selects as modified during fluoro-mode imaging.

Abstract: An inherently de-coupled sandwiched solenoidal array coil (SSAC) is disclosed for use in receiving nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) radio frequency (RF) signals in both horizontal and vertical-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. In its most basic configuration, the SSAC comprises two coaxial RF receive coils. The first coil of the array has two solenoidal (or loop) sections that are separated from one another along a common axis. The two sections are electrically connected in series but the conductors in each section are wound in opposite directions so that a current through the coil sets up a magnetic field of opposite polarity in each section. The second coil of the SSAC is disposed (“sandwiched”) between the two separated solenoidal sections of the first coil in a region where the combined opposing magnetic fields cancel to become a null.

Abstract: An inherently de-coupled sandwiched solenoidal array coil (SSAC) is disclosed for use in receiving nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) radio frequency (RF) signals in both horizontal and vertical-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. In its most basic configuration, the SSAC comprises two coaxial RF receive coils. The first coil of the array has two solenoidal (or loop) sections that are separated from one another along a common axis. The two sections are electrically connected in series but the conductors in each section are wound in opposite directions so that a current through the coil sets up a magnetic field of opposite polarity in each section. The second coil of the SSAC is disposed (“sandwiched”) between the two separated solenoidal sections of the first coil in a region where the combined opposing magnetic fields cancel to become a null.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving the machine-to-machine and temporal (e.g., inter and intra-machine) and database consistency of coronary calcium scoring by applying a filtering algorithm that sharpens and/or smoothes the image so as to return a filtered image having a spatial resolution of a certain reference value.

Abstract: Methods and systems for combining a plurality of radiographic images. Software can be used to provide various stitching and blending methods to join first and second images into a composite, larger image.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, databases, and software code for generating a customizable body report. The software allows an operator to customize a report layout and to customize a decision tree or logic steps that allow the operator to specify what fixed information and patient information can be incorporated into the body report. Exemplary methods are for customizing a lung report.

Abstract: Graphical user interfaces and methods for displaying ECG, slice images and a reconstruction projection image of the slices. In exemplary embodiments, the graphical user interfaces and methods facilitate the selection of slice images that are taken during a quiet part of the patient's heart cycle in which the heart is relatively motionless so as to reduce blurring and the introduction of artifacts into the resultant reconstructed projection image of the heart. In exemplary embodiments, the resultant projection image can be used for coronary calcium detection and scoring or 3-D rendering.

Abstract: Software, methods and user interfaces for viewing and generating a lung report. In exemplary methods, a first baseline image is analyzed to localize lung nodules. The lung nodule information can be stored and used to relocate the previously localized lung nodules in a second, follow-up imaging scan. The follow-up scan can be analyzed—either manually or automatically—to generate statistics for the lung nodules localized in the follow-up scan. Information derived from the baseline scan can be used to ease the localization of the lung nodules in the follow-up scan. In some exemplary methods, both the baseline scan and follow-up scan are displayed and the nodules are selected for comparison. Typically, the graphical user interface can display a third, composite image that displays the change of size of the nodules.

Abstract: Methods and software for self-gating a set of images. In exemplary embodiments, a fundamental heart frequency of the patient can be measured without the use of an ECG signal. In one method, the fundamental heart frequency can be determined by analyzing the size of the heart in the images. In another method, the fundamental heart frequency can be determined by applying a Fourier Transform. The measured fundamental heart frequency can thereafter be used to select slice images from the image scan for creation of a sagittal or coronal projection image. In exemplary embodiments, the resultant projection image can be used for coronary calcium detection and scoring.

Abstract: Systems and graphical user interfaces for analyzing body images. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a graphical user interface having a display coupled to a microprocessing device and a memory device. The graphical user interface has an electronic representation of a first body image and a second body image and an electronic map representing the position of nodules on the first body image and second body image.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and software for selecting image slices. The image slices are preferably taken during a quiet part of the patient's heart cycle in which the heart is relatively motionless so as to reduce blurring and the introduction of artifacts into the resultant reconstructed projection image of the heart. The methods of the present invention can analyze information regarding the duration of the patient's R-R cycles and allow the user to choose from a plurality of selection criteria, typically an absolute time or a percentage of the R-R cycle, so as to select slice images for inclusion in a projection image. The ability to choose from a plurality of selection criteria provides for flexibility to account for irregular heartbeats or a change in the duration of the patient's R-R cycles. In exemplary embodiments, the resultant projection image can be used for coronary calcium scoring or 3-D rendering of the heart.

Abstract: Methods and systems for remotely monitoring an imaging facility's compliance with accreditation requirements. In a particular embodiment, the present invention remotely monitors the status of an MRI facility. In some configurations, the MRI unit is coupled to a server station. Information from the MRI unit is transmitted and stored on the server station. The information can be transmitted over a network, such as the internet, to a remote server. The remote server can collect and evaluate the accreditation data.

Abstract: An inherently de-coupled sandwiched solenoidal array coil (SSAC) is disclosed for use in receiving nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) radio frequency (RF) signals in both horizontal and vertical-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. In its most basic configuration, the SSAC comprises two coaxial RF receive coils. The first coil of the array has two solenoidal (or loop) sections that are separated from one another along a common axis. The two sections are electrically connected in series but the conductors in each section are wound in opposite directions so that a current through the coil sets up a magnetic field of opposite polarity in each section. The second coil of the SSAC is disposed (“sandwiched”) between the two separated solenoidal sections of the first coil in a region where the combined opposing magnetic fields cancel to become a null.

Abstract: Methods and systems for localizing intravascular lesion in a body lumen. In exemplary embodiments, the methods comprise providing or acquiring an image of the body lumen and displaying information about the lesion with or on the image. In some configurations the information is obtained with an intravascular catheter.