Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method of delivery of an active agent to a target tissue, in a subject in need thereof comprising positioning a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer to enable delivery of ultrasound energy to the target tissue. Such a method comprises energizing the high intensity focused ultrasound transducer; imaging at least a portion of the target tissue; and discontinuing delivery of ultrasound energy. Further, such a method may comprise administering the active agent to the subject under the conditions of thermal stimulation. In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of treating a tumor in a subject in need thereof comprising administering a therapeutic agent to the subject and providing thermal stimulation to the tumor. In some embodiments, there is provided a method for increasing the efficacy of a therapeutic agent in a target tissue.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method of delivery of an active agent to a target tissue, in a subject in need thereof comprising positioning a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer to enable delivery of ultrasound energy to the target tissue. Such a method comprises energizing the high intensity focused ultrasound transducer; imaging at least a portion of the target tissue; and discontinuing delivery of ultrasound energy. Further, such a method may comprise administering the active agent to the subject under the conditions of thermal stimulation. In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of treating a tumor in a subject in need thereof comprising administering a therapeutic agent to the subject and providing thermal stimulation to the tumor. In some embodiments, there is provided a method for increasing the efficacy of a therapeutic agent in a target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of acquiring free-breathing steady-state magnetic resonance images (MRI) and a free-breathing Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging system (10) for generating a MR image of a test subject (20) at least comprising a magnetic field unit, a control unit for controlling functions of the MR imaging system, an image processing unit and a user interface capable of receiving parameters defining a MR-pulse sequence, wherein the MR imaging system further comprises a detection unit (36) for detecting physiological activity of a test subject and a data processing unit (40) capable of performing statistical analysis of the physiological activity data and capable to adaptively tailor at least one of the parameters of the MR-pulse sequence based on the statistical analysis. This includes at least adjustment of at least the starting points and/or the duration of dummy excitations which are part of the MR-pulse sequence.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of acquiring free-breathing steady-state magnetic resonance images (MRI) and a free-breathing Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging system (10) for generating a MR image of a test subject (20) at least comprising a magnetic field unit, a control unit for controlling functions of the MR imaging system, an image processing unit and a user interface capable of receiving parameters defining a MR-pulse sequence, wherein the MR imaging system further comprises a detection unit (36) for detecting physiological activity of a test subject and a data processing unit (40) capable of performing statistical analysis of the physiological activity data and capable to adaptively tailor at least one of the parameters of the MR-pulse sequence based on the statistical analysis. This includes at least adjustment of at least the starting points and/or the duration of dummy excitations which are part of the MR-pulse sequence.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method of delivery of an active agent to a target tissue, in a subject in need thereof comprising positioning a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer to enable delivery of ultrasound energy to the target tissue. Such a method comprises energizing the high intensity focused ultrasound transducer; imaging at least a portion of the target tissue; and discontinuing delivery of ultrasound energy. Further, such a method may comprise administering the active agent to the subject under the conditions of thermal stimulation. In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of treating a tumor in a subject in need thereof comprising administering a therapeutic agent to the subject and providing thermal stimulation to the tumor. In some embodiments, there is provided a method for increasing the efficacy of a therapeutic agent in a target tissue.

Abstract: A method and workstation for producing a combined image, including information from first and second diagnostic images, identify areas of increased uptake in the second diagnostic image as a region of interest which contains pixels representing the areas of increased uptake. The areas of increased uptake in second diagnostic image are mapped onto equivalent areas in the first diagnostic image using a deviation value calculated from a difference of a first peak position and a second peak position of pixel values of said pixels. The first peak position is a first significant peak of intensity values of the pixels and has a first intensity value, and the second peak position corresponds to a second intensity value which is half the first intensity value.

Abstract: A method is shown of producing a combined image comprising information from a first diagnostic image and a second diagnostic image, where areas of increased uptake are identified in the second diagnostic image and the areas of increased uptake in second diagnostic image are mapped onto the equivalent areas in the first diagnostic image.

Abstract: A scan using an NMR imaging system is carried out while applying an oscillating voltage to the subject being imaged. The applied voltage may produce an electric field which moves charged particles in the subject, or it may produce a current that moves ions in the subject. An alternating magnetic field gradient synchronized with the applied voltage is employed in the NMR imaging pulse sequence to detect and measure synchronous spin motion throughout the field of view. The direction of the alternating gradient and/or the applied voltage may be changed to measure and image the properties of the subject.

Abstract: Devices for applying an oscillatory stress to an object positioned in a polarizing magnetic field of an NMR imaging system are used to perform MR elastography. The devices employ electrically energized coils which are connected to drive members and drive plates in a manner to provide various oscillatory forces to an object being imaged. The different oscillatory forces enable different body organs to be imaged using MR elastography methods.

Abstract: The alternating magnetic field gradient used to sensitize an NMR signal to spin motion is modulated in amplitude with a window function to tailor it to the particular NMR measurement. In an MR elastography measurement, the gradient is a sinusoidal waveform having a frequency the same as an applied oscillatory stress, and the window function desensitizes the measurement to spin motions at other frequencies.

Abstract: A scan using an NMR imaging system is carried out while applying an oscillating stress to generate shear waves in the object being imaged. An alternating magnetic field gradient synchronized with the applied stress is employed in the NMR imaging pulse sequence to produce phase dispersion in the acquired NMR signals caused by the shear waves. The brightness of a reconstructed modulus image is thus modulated by the shear waves and this reveals mechanical properties of the object, such as stiffness.