Abstract: A system including a magnetic resonance imaging system having a magnet and first and second sidewalls positioned on opposite sides of an imaging field of the magnet, and a subject support configured to support a subject that is positioned in an upright position. The system may be capable of imaging a target anatomy of the subject while the subject is in the upright position, and may further include a motor for translating the subject support between first and second positions within and outside of the imaging field of the magnet, respectively. The subject support may include a seat on which the subject may sit facing the subject support, such that the subject's back can be operated on and imaged while the subject is in an upright position.

Abstract: A system including a magnetic resonance imaging system having a magnet and first and second sidewalls positioned on opposite sides of an imaging field of the magnet, and a subject support configured to support a subject that is positioned in an upright position. The system may be capable of imaging a target anatomy of the subject while the subject is in the upright position, and may further include a motor for translating the subject support between first and second positions within and outside of the imaging field of the magnet, respectively. The subject support may include a seat on which the subject may sit facing the subject support, such that the subject's back can be operated on and imaged while the subject is in an upright position.

Abstract: In one aspect, a magnet comprising a pair of pole supports spaced apart from one another and extending in a generally horizontal direction. The magnet includes a pair of flux return members extending between the pole supports so as to define a frame, each of the flux return members including a first columnar section that extends parallel to the polar axis and a second columnar section that extends perpendicular to the polar axis and projects towards the pole. In another aspect, a magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a ferromagnetic frame that is operative to support an upper pole member and a lower pole member along a vertical polar axis such that a gap is defined between the upper and lower pole members and an access floor that is isolated from the ferromagnetic frame and pole members for providing access to the gap.

Abstract: In one aspect, a magnet comprising a pair of pole supports spaced apart from one another and extending in a generally horizontal direction. The magnet includes a pair of flux return members extending between the pole supports so as to define a frame, each of the flux return members including a first columnar section that extends parallel to the polar axis and a second columnar section that extends perpendicular to the polar axis and projects towards the pole. In another aspect, a magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a ferromagnetic frame that is operative to support an upper pole member and a lower pole member along a vertical polar axis such that a gap is defined between the upper and lower pole members and an access floor that is isolated from the ferromagnetic frame and pole members for providing access to the gap.

Abstract: In one aspect, a magnet comprising a pair of pole supports spaced apart from one another and extending in a generally horizontal direction. The magnet includes a pair of flux return members extending between the pole supports so as to define a frame, each of the flux return members including a first columnar section that extends parallel to the polar axis and a second columnar section that extends perpendicular to the polar axis and projects towards the pole. In another aspect, a magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a ferromagnetic frame that is operative to support an upper pole member and a lower pole member along a vertical polar axis such that a gap is defined between the upper and lower pole members and an access floor that is isolated from the ferromagnetic frame and pole members for providing access to the gap.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic frame for supporting a magnet in a magnetic resonance device used for magnetic resonance studies and a method for making the ferromagnetic frame are disclosed. The ferromagnetic frame includes at least one structural element formed of laminated steel layers. The steel layers are relatively lightweight and easily maneuverable compared to solid steel. The method includes laminating the steel layers together to form each of the components of the ferromagnetic frame and then assembling the frame. The ferromagnetic frame of the invention may be incorporated into a full-room magnetic resonance device, in which case the upper support is the ceiling of the room, the lower support is the floor, and the flux return members are the walls. The invention may be incorporated into pre-existing buildings dues to the maneuverability of the layers.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic frame for supporting a magnet in a magnetic resonance device used for magnetic resonance studies and a method for making the ferromagnetic frame are disclosed. The ferromagnetic frame includes at least one structural element formed of laminated steel layers. The steel layers are relatively lightweight and easily maneuverable compared to solid steel. The method includes laminating the steel layers together to form each of the components of the ferromagnetic frame and then assembling the frame. The ferromagnetic frame of the invention may be incorporated into a full-room magnetic resonance device, in which case the upper support is the ceiling of the room, the lower support is the floor, and the flux return members are the walls. The invention may be incorporated into pre-existing buildings dues to the maneuverability of the layers.

Abstract: Methods for changing the values of parameters of a pulse sequence of a magnetic resonance imaging scanning procedure to change a characteristic of at least one image resulting from the scanning procedure are disclosed wherein an input device in the room with the patient is used to provide an input to the magnetic resonance imaging system. The input device is preferably a hand-operated device, such as a mouse. Values of parameters corresponding to TR time, TE time, slice axis, slice thickness, slice location, field of view, oblique angle and resolution may, for example, be changed by providing suitable inputs through the input device. Methods of conducting MRI scans are also disclosed wherein an updated pulse sequence is formed based on a current pulse sequence and an input from an input device, during execution of the current pulse sequence. MRI systems are disclosed, as well.