Abstract: A magnetic resonance method and system are provided for magnetic resonance (MR) image-guided insertion of an object into a biological tissue along a predetermined trajectory. The trajectory provides a path between a starting point and a target site within the tissue. Sufficiently high resolution images can be generated in real time to precisely guide the needle placement. A compressed sensing approach is used to generate the images based on minimization of a cost function, where the cost function is based on the predetermined needle path, artifact effects associated with the needle, the negligible changes in the images away from the trajectory, and the limited differences between successive images. The improved combination of spatial and temporal resolution facilitates an insertion procedure that can be continuously adjusted to accurately follow a predetermined trajectory in the tissue, without interruptions to obtain verification images.

Abstract: Sterile RF coil arrangements for use in magnetic resonance imaging are provided. The sterile coil arrangements can be formed by spraying or coating a curable liquid onto an RF coil housing and allowing the liquid to cure or dry to form a continuous sterile layer on the coil housing. The thickness of the sterile layer can be between 100 and 1000 micrometers. The curable liquid can include an antimicrobial or antibacterial agent, such as silver ions or triclosan, to better maintain sterility of the coil arrangement. The curable liquid can be selected such that it adheres to the housing when cured and is also removable without leaving residue behind.

Abstract: A method of internal MRI employing at least one active internal MRI detector located within a sample of interest. The method includes applying an MRI pulse sequence to the sample of interest. The MRI pulse sequence includes spatial encoding projections. The method further includes receiving MRI signals at the active internal MRI detector and reconstructing at least one MRI image from the MRI signals using an error minimizing algorithm. The MRI pulse sequence provides an increase in an acquisition speed when reconstructing the at least one MRI image by sparsely under-sampling an image k-space in at least one dimension.

Abstract: A configurable coil arrangement for use with MRI-guided procedures is provided that facilitates optimal imaging for both pre-procedure planning and imaging of the target sites during the procedure. The coil arrangement includes a plurality of connected coil elements. Spacers connecting the coil elements can be adjustable and/or deformable to provide one or more openings in the coil arrangement of optimal size for accessing the subject within the imaged region. Individual coil elements can also be removed to provide access openings during such procedures, or left in the array for improved pre- and post-procedure image quality. The MRI system can be configured to detect configurations of the coil arrangement and modify imaging parameters to optimize image quality.

Abstract: Sterile RF coil arrangements for use in magnetic resonance imaging are provided. The sterile coil arrangements can be formed by spraying or coating a curable liquid onto an RF coil housing and allowing the liquid to cure or dry to form a continuous sterile layer on the coil housing. The thickness of the sterile layer can be between 100 and 1000 micrometers. The curable liquid can include an antimicrobial or antibacterial agent, such as silver ions or triclosan, to better maintain sterility of the coil arrangement. The curable liquid can be selected such that it adheres to the housing when cured and is also removable without leaving residue behind.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance method and system are provided for magnetic resonance (MR) image-guided insertion of an object into a biological tissue along a predetermined trajectory. The trajectory provides a path between a starting point and a target site within the tissue. Sufficiently high resolution images can be generated in real time to precisely guide the needle placement. A compressed sensing approach is used to generate the images based on minimization of a cost function, where the cost function is based on the predetermined needle path, artifact effects associated with the needle, the negligible changes in the images away from the trajectory, and the limited differences between successive images. The improved combination of spatial and temporal resolution facilitates an insertion procedure that can be continuously adjusted to accurately follow a predetermined trajectory in the tissue, without interruptions to obtain verification images.

Abstract: A configurable coil arrangement for use with MRI-guided procedures is provided that facilitates optimal imaging for both pre-procedure planning and imaging of the target sites during the procedure. The coil arrangement includes a plurality of connected coil elements. Spacers connecting the coil elements can be adjustable and/or deformable to provide one or more openings in the coil arrangement of optimal size for accessing the subject within the imaged region. Individual coil elements can also be removed to provide access openings during such procedures, or left in the array for improved pre- and post-procedure image quality. The MRI system can be configured to detect configurations of the coil arrangement and modify imaging parameters to optimize image quality.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus includes a container, a flexible mouthpiece, and a partition. The container includes an open end and defines a main chamber. The flexible mouthpiece defines a secondary chamber in the container and includes a teat. The partition separates the main and secondary chambers and is part of a resiliently biased cartridge. When the flexible mouthpiece and partition are brought together, a flow restrictor is formed. A moveable part of the cartridge is configured to be biased towards a first position by a biasing element, and is moveable against the bias from the first position to a second position. The cartridge at least substantially closes a path for a flow of liquid feed through the flow restrictor and between the main and secondary chambers when the moveable part is in the first position, and opens the path when the moveable part is in the second position.

Abstract: Colic can be a particular problem for babies feeding on liquid feed from a feeder bottle. The colic can be formed by air from various sources in the liquid feed. Typically, there is less air in the liquid feed towards the bottom of the liquid feed container in the feeding position than towards the top of the liquid feed. The present invention provides apparatus for drawing milk from the bottom of the feeding apparatus chamber when the feeder is held in the operating position. This is achieved by positioning a flow restrictor for allowing the passage of liquid feed from a main chamber into a flexible feeding teat at a suitable location. The present invention also provides a resiliently-biased cartridge to assist in priming and/or draining of the flexible feeding teat. The present invention also provides a construction in which the flow restrictor is always provided in the correct position regardless of the relative angular orientation of the elements of the feeder.

Abstract: A method of internal MRI employing at least one active internal MRI detector located within a sample of interest. The method includes applying an MRI pulse sequence to the sample of interest. The MRI pulse sequence includes spatial encoding projections. The method further includes receiving MRI signals at the active internal MRI detector and reconstructing at least one MRI image from the MRI signals using an error minimizing algorithm. The MRI pulse sequence provides an increase in an acquisition speed when reconstructing the at least one MRI image by sparsely under-sampling an image k-space in at least one dimension.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to MRI/RF compatible medical interventional devices. A plurality of spaced apart high impedance circuit segments are configured to have a high impedance at a high range of radiofrequencies and a low impedance at a low range of frequencies. The high impedance circuit segments may comprise co-wound coiled inductors and can reduce, block or inhibit RJ-transmission along the lead system (20) during exposure to RF associated with a high-Held magnet MRI systems, while permuting passage of low frequency physiologic signals, treatments and/or stimuli. The devices can include at least one electrode.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to MRI/RF compatible medical interventional devices. A plurality of spaced apart high impedance circuit segments are configured to have a high Impedance at a high range of radiofrequencies and a low impedance at a low range of frequencies. The high impedance circuit segments may comprise co-wound coiled inductors and can reduce, block or inhibit RJ-transmission along the lead system (20) during exposure to RF associated with a high-Held magnet MRI systems, while permuting passage of low frequency physiologic signals, treatments and/or stimuli. The devices can include at least one electrode.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to MRI/RF compatible medical interventional devices. A plurality of spaced apart high impedance circuit segments are configured to have a high impedance at a high range of radiofrequencies and a low impedance at a low range of frequencies. The high impedance circuit segments may comprise co-wound coiled inductors and can reduce, block or inhibit RJ-transmission along the lead system (20) during exposure to RF associated with a high-Held magnet MRI systems, while permuting passage of low frequency physiologic signals, treatments and/or stimuli. The devices can include at least one electrode.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to MRI/RF compatible medical interventional devices. A plurality of spaced apart high impedance circuit segments are configured to have a high impedance at a high range of radiofrequencies and a low impedance at a low range of frequencies. The high impedance circuit segments may comprise co-wound coiled inductors and can reduce, block or inhibit RJ-transmission along the lead system (20) during exposure to RF associated with a high-Held magnet MRI systems, while permuting passage of low frequency physiologic signals, treatments and/or stimuli. The devices can include at least one electrode.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to MRI/RF compatible medical interventional devices. A plurality of spaced apart high impedance circuit segments are configured to have a high impedance at a high range of radiofrequencies and a low impedance at a low range of frequencies The high impedance circuit segments may comprise co-wound coiled inductors and can reduce, block or inhibit RJ-transmission along the lead system (20) during exposure to RF associated with a high-Held magnet MRI systems, while permuting passage of low frequency physiologic signals, treatments and/or stimuli The devices can include at least one electrode.

Abstract: The use of stimuli in order to create association between training regimes subconsciously is known. Unfortunately, in highly noisy and other polluted environments it is difficult to provide ongoing reinforcement of previous behavior modification and training. By providing a stimulus phrase which comprises two or more stimuli in known combinations it is possible to provide keyed association with previous training regimes.

Abstract: Colic can be a particular problem for babies feeding on liquid feed from a feeder bottle. The colic can be formed by air from various sources in the liquid feed. Typically, there is less air in the liquid feed towards the bottom of the liquid feed container in the feeding position than towards the top of the liquid feed. The present invention provides apparatus for drawing milk from the bottom of the feeding apparatus chamber when the feeder is held in the operating position. This is achieved by positioning a flow restrictor for allowing the passage of liquid feed from a main chamber into a flexible feeding teat at a suitable location. The present invention also provides a resiliently-biased cartridge to assist in priming and/or draining of the flexible feeding teat. The present invention also provides a construction in which the flow restrictor is always provided in the correct position regardless of the relative angular orientation of the elements of the feeder.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a probe, including a first electrode disposed at least partially on the probe surface, a second electrode disposed at least partially on the probe surface, a first conductor electrically coupled to the first electrode, a second conductor electrically coupled to the second electrode, and a reactive element electrically coupling the first conductor and the second conductor.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to MRI/RF compatible medical interventional devices.