Abstract: A method of spatially imaging a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)parameter whose measurement requires the acquisition of spatially localized NMR signals in a sample includes placing the sample in an MRI apparatus with a plurality of MRI detectors each having a spatial sensitivity map; and applying MRI sequences adjusted to be sensitive to the NMR parameter. At least one of the MRI sequences is adjusted so as to substantially fully sample an image k-space of the sample. The remainder of the MRI sequences is adjusted to under-sample the image k-space. The method further includes acquiring image k-space NMR signal datasets; estimating a sensitivity map of each of the MRI detectors using a strategy to suppress unfolding artefacts; and applying the estimated sensitivity maps to at least one of the image k-space NMR signal data sets to reconstruct a spatial image of NMR signals that are sensitive to the NMR parameter.

Abstract: RF/MRI compatible leads include at least one conductor that turns back on itself at least twice in a lengthwise direction, and can turn back on itself at least twice at multiple locations along its length. The at least one electrical lead can be configured so that the lead heats local tissue less than about 10 degrees Celsius (typically about 5 degrees Celsius or less) or does not heat local tissue when a patient is exposed to target RF frequencies at a peak input SAR of at least about 4 W/kg and/or a whole body average SAR of at least about 2 W/kg. Related devices and methods of fabricating leads are also described.

Abstract: A method of performing spatially localized magnetic resonance spectroscopy includes receiving a magnetic resonance image of an object; identifying a plurality C of compartments that generate magnetic resonance spectroscopy signals in the object including at least one compartment of interest; segmenting in at least one spatial dimension the magnetic resonance image of the object into the C compartments; acquiring magnetic resonance spectroscopy signals from the compartments by applying a plurality of M? phase encodings applied in the at least one spatial dimension, wherein M??C; calculating a spatially localized magnetic resonance chemical shift spectrum from the at least one compartment of interest; and rendering a spatially localized magnetic resonance spectrum that is substantially equal to a spatial average of magnetic resonance chemical shift spectra from the at least one compartment of interest. A magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging system is configured to perform the above method.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system and method are provided that include user control of certain functions using physical gestures, such as hand motions or the like. The gesture control aspects can include one or more cameras, and a processor configured to detect and recognize gestures corresponding to predetermined commands and to provide signals to execute the commands. A verification switch, such as a foot switch, can be included to improve safety and reliability of the gesture control aspects. This switch can be used to activate the gesture detection aspects and/or to confirm a recognized gesture command prior to its execution.

Abstract: An NMR method and system for acquiring and reconstructing a value of an NMR parameter spatially localized to a compartment of interest including performing a first MM of a portion of a sample with a first MRI pulse sequence using the NMR system and using a set of k-space spatial encoding gradients or coil sensitivity encoding maps to obtain a first magnetic resonance image to identify a compartment of interest; generating a second MRI pulse sequence that encodes the NMR parameter with a subset of the set of k-space spatial encoding gradients or the coil sensitivity encoding maps; applying the second MRI pulse sequence using the NMR system to acquire spatial information relating to the NMR parameter from the compartment of interest; segmenting the first magnetic resonance image into a plurality of compartments that includes the compartment of interest; and reconstructing a value of the NMR parameter in the compartment.

Abstract: A device with at least one channel for measuring high dynamic range, radio frequency (RF) power levels over broad-ranging duty cycles includes a power sensor circuit comprising at least one logarithmic amplifier; at least one directional RF coupler electrically connected to the at least one power sensor; at least one RF attenuator electrically connected to the at least one RF coupler; and at least one sampling circuit electrically connected to the at least one RF attenuator and the at least one RF coupler. The at least one sampling circuit performs analog-to-digital conversion of electrical signals received to provide digitals signals for measuring the RF power level in the at least one channel.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system and method are provided that include user control of certain functions using physical gestures, such as hand motions or the like. The gesture control aspects can include one or more cameras, and a processor configured to detect and recognize gestures corresponding to predetermined commands and to provide signals to execute the commands. A verification switch, such as a foot switch, can be included to improve safety and reliability of the gesture control aspects. This switch can be used to activate the gesture detection aspects and/or to confirm a recognized gesture command prior to its execution.

Abstract: RF/MRI compatible leads include at least one conductor that turns back on itself at least twice in a lengthwise direction, and can turn back on itself at least twice at multiple locations along its length. The at least one electrical lead can be configured so that the lead heats local tissue less than about 10 degrees Celsius (typically about 5 degrees Celsius or less) or does not heat local tissue when a patient is exposed to target RF frequencies at a peak input SAR of at least about 4 W/kg and/or a whole body average SAR of at least about 2 W/kg. Related devices and methods of fabricating leads are also described.

Abstract: MRI/RF compatible leads include at least one conductor, a respective conductor having at least one segment with a multi-layer stacked coil configuration. The lead can be configured so that the lead heats local tissue less than about 10 degrees Celsius (typically about 5 degrees Celsius or less) or does not heat local tissue when a patient is exposed to target RF frequencies at a peak input SAR of at least about 4 W/kg and/or a whole body average SAR of at least about 2 W/kg. Related leads and methods of fabricating leads are also described.

Abstract: An NMR method and system for acquiring and reconstructing a value of an NMR parameter spatially localized to a compartment of interest including performing a first MM of a portion of a sample with a first MRI pulse sequence using the NMR system and using a set of k-space spatial encoding gradients or coil sensitivity encoding maps to obtain a first magnetic resonance image to identify a compartment of interest; generating a second MRI pulse sequence that encodes the NMR parameter with a subset of the set of k-space spatial encoding gradients or the coil sensitivity encoding maps; applying the second MRI pulse sequence using the NMR system to acquire spatial information relating to the NMR parameter from the compartment of interest; segmenting the first magnetic resonance image into a plurality of compartments that includes the compartment of interest; and reconstructing a value of the NMR parameter in the compartment.

Abstract: A system for measuring nuclear magnetic resonance spin-lattice relaxation time T1 and spin-spin relaxation time T2 of a sample includes a source of a substantially uniform magnetic field B0 for immersing at least a portion of the sample; a nuclear magnetic resonance excitation and detection system constructed and arranged to excite at least a portion of the sample with a plurality of nuclear magnetic resonance pulse sequences, each applied with a repetition time that is preselected to be sensitive to a T1 value of at least a portion of the sample, and to detect nuclear magnetic resonance emissions from the sample in response to excitations to provide a plurality of detection signals; and a signal processing system configured to communicate with the nuclear magnetic resonance excitation and detection system to receive the plurality of detection signals.

Abstract: RF/MRI compatible leads include at least one conductor that turns back on itself at least twice in a lengthwise direction, and can turn back on itself at least twice at multiple locations along its length. The at least one electrical lead can be configured so that the lead heats local tissue less than about 10 degrees Celsius (typically about 5 degrees Celsius or less) or does not heat local tissue when a patient is exposed to target RF frequencies at a peak input SAR of at least about 4 W/kg and/or a whole body average SAR of at least about 2W/kg. Related devices and methods of fabricating leads are also described.

Abstract: Featured are a device with localized sensitivity to magnetic resonance signals, an imaging system using such a device and MRI methods for performing internal MRI or MRI Endoscopy. Such an MRI method includes introducing an MRI antenna or probe into the specimen to be imaged, the antenna being configured in accordance with the devices described herein, so that the spatial coordinate frame of imaging is inherently locked or defined with respect to the introduced antenna thereby providing imaging of the specimen from the point of view of the antenna. Further such imaging is conducted so that the MRI signal is confined substantially to a volume with respect to a particular region of the antenna or probe.

Abstract: MRI/RF compatible leads include at least one conductor, a respective conductor having at least one segment with a multi-layer stacked coil configuration. The lead can be configured so that the lead heats local tissue less than about 10 degrees Celsius (typically about 5 degrees Celsius or less) or does not heat local tissue when a patient is exposed to target RF frequencies at a peak input SAR of at least about 4 W/kg and/or a whole body average SAR of at least about 2 W/kg. Related leads and methods of fabricating leads are also described.

Abstract: MRI/RF compatible leads include at least one conductor, a respective conductor having at least one segment with a multi-layer stacked coil configuration. The lead can be configured so that the lead heats local tissue less than about 10 degrees Celsius (typically about 5 degrees Celsius or less) or does not heat local tissue when a patient is exposed to target RF frequencies at a peak input SAR of at least about 4 W/kg and/or a whole body average SAR of at least about 2 W/kg. Related leads and methods of fabricating leads are also described.

Abstract: Featured is a dosimeter device that measures SAR deposited by RF power deposition during MRI of a specimen. Such a dosimeter device includes a transducer that is configured to present a load to the MRI scanner in which the transducer is located and to provide an output representative of signals induced in the transducer. The transducer also is configured so that the presented load is substantially equivalent to another load which would be presented by the specimen during MRI of the specimen. Such a transducer also is configured so as to generate an MRI signal that is sufficient to allow the MRI scanner to adjust the RF power to a value substantially equal to that of the specimen. Also featured are methods for measuring SAR deposited by RF power deposition and apparatuses or system embodying such a dosimeter device.

Abstract: A device with at least one channel for measuring high dynamic range, radio frequency (RF) power levels over broad-ranging duty cycles includes a power sensor circuit comprising at least one logarithmic amplifier; at least one directional RF coupler electrically connected to the at least one power sensor; at least one RF attenuator electrically connected to the at least one RF coupler; and at least one sampling circuit electrically connected to the at least one RF attenuator and the at least one RF coupler. The at least one sampling circuit performs analog-to-digital conversion of electrical signals received to provide digitals signals for measuring the RF power level in the at least one channel.

Abstract: A method of performing spatially localized magnetic resonance spectroscopy includes receiving a magnetic resonance image of an object; identifying a plurality C of compartments that generate magnetic resonance spectroscopy signals in the object including at least one compartment of interest; segmenting in at least one spatial dimension the magnetic resonance image of the object into the C compartments; acquiring magnetic resonance spectroscopy signals from the compartments by applying a plurality of M? phase encodings applied in the at least one spatial dimension, wherein M??C; calculating a spatially localized magnetic resonance chemical shift spectrum from the at least one compartment of interest; and rendering a spatially localized magnetic resonance spectrum that is substantially equal to a spatial average of magnetic resonance chemical shift spectra from the at least one compartment of interest. A magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging system is configured to perform the above method.

Abstract: Featured is a device for NMR or MRI signals from excited nuclei as well as related apparatus, systems and methods. The device includes a strip array antenna including one or more conductor and N reactive tuning components, where N is an integer ?1 at least one of the N reactive components is electrically coupled to each of the one or more conductors as well as to ground/virtual ground. The apparent electrical length of the conductors is tuned with the reactive tuning components so it is equal to be about n?/4, where n is an integer ?1 and ? is the wavelength of the signal to be detected. The length of the strip also is such as to be substantially in the approximate range of 1.3 times the depth of interest. The strip conductors are also combined with loop coils to form quadrature detectors.

Abstract: Featured is a dosimeter device that measures SAR deposited by RF power deposition during MRI of a specimen. Such a dosimeter device includes a transducer that is configured to present a load to the MRI scanner in which the transducer is located and to provide an output representative of signals induced in the transducer. The transducer also is configured so that the presented load is substantially equivalent to another load which would be presented by the specimen during MRI of the specimen. Such a transducer also is configured so as to generate an MRI signal that is sufficient to allow the MRI scanner to adjust the RF power to a value substantially equal to that of the specimen. Also featured are methods for measuring SAR deposited by RF power deposition and apparatuses or system embodying such a dosimeter device.