Abstract: An MRI apparatus employs a magnet for establishing a B0 field, one or more imaging radiofrequency coils for creating a B1 field, and one or more nulling radiofrequency coils. The RF energy emitted by the nulling radiofrequency coils may be configured such that it disrupts the nuclear magnetic resonance signals emitted by nuclei excited by the B1 field. In addition, the nulling radiofrequency coils may be calibrated to be 180° out of phase such that the RF energy emitted by a pair of nulling radiofrequency coils is cancelled at a location between them.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging configuration and methodology to straighten and otherwise homogenize the field lines in the imaging portion, creating improved image quality. Through use of calibrated corrective coils, magnetic field lines can be manipulated to improve uniformity and image quality. Additionally, when the apparatus is composed of non-ferromagnetic materials, field strengths can be increased to overcome limitations of Iron-based systems such as by use of superconductivity. A patient positioning apparatus and methodology allows multi-positioning of a patient within the calibrated and more uniform magnetic field lines.

Abstract: An open MRI methodology and system that allows dynamic viewing and access to a patient. In intraoperative MRI, the MRI apparatus is configured in the shape of a typical operating room, with full 360° access to the patient. The MRI apparatus encompasses the entire operating room with magnets located on or near the ceiling and floor of the operating room. The remainder of the MRI apparatus, including the control computer, and imaging monitor, may be located outside of the MRI operating room, in order to keep the operating room free of unnecessary equipment, or located inside of the MRI operating room, as desired for operability of the MRI. The patient is placed over the magnet in the floor, the only fixed location in the operating room. The operating room may contain typical operating equipment, as needed, such as cardiopulmonary bypass units, surgical navigation systems, endoscopy systems, and anesthesia carts.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging configuration, apparatus and method to straighten and otherwise homogenize the field lines in the imaging portion, creating improved image quality. Through use of calibrated corrective coils, magnetic field lines can be manipulated to improve uniformity and image quality. Additionally, when the apparatus is composed of non-ferromagnetic materials, field strengths can be increased to overcome limitations of Iron-based systems such as by use of superconductivity. A patient positioning apparatus allows multi-positioning of a patient within the calibrated and more uniform magnetic field lines.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging configuration to straighten and otherwise homogenize the field lines in the imaging portion, creating improved image quality. Through use of calibrated corrective coils, magnetic field lines can be manipulated to improve uniformity and image quality. Additionally, when the apparatus is composed of non-ferromagnetic materials, field strengths can be increased to overcome limitations of Iron-based systems such as by use of superconductivity. A patient positioning apparatus allows multi-positioning of a patient within the calibrated and more uniform magnetic field lines.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging configuration to straighten and otherwise homogenize the field lines in the imaging portion, creating improved image quality. Through use of calibrated corrective coils, magnetic field lines can be manipulated to improve uniformity and image quality. Additionally, when the apparatus is composed of non-ferromagnetic materials, field strengths can be increased to overcome limitations of Iron-based systems such as by use of superconductivity. A patient positioning apparatus allows multi-positioning of a patient within the magnetic field lines.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for generating focused radio frequency. The apparatus may include multiple coils, and the multiple coils can be actuated so as to generate focused energy at a focal location within the body of a subject such as a human or non-human animal while minimizing heating at the skin of the subject. A first central coil and a second central coil that are placed adjacent to each other. The apparatus also comprises a first focusing coil and a second focusing coil. The first central coil and the second central coil are placed between the first focusing coil and the second focusing coil. The first focusing coil and the second focusing coil generate a radio frequency field that is 180 degrees out of phase from a radio frequency field generated by the first central coil and the second central coil.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging configuration to straighten and otherwise homogenize the field lines in the imaging portion, creating improved image quality. Through use of calibrated corrective coils, magnetic field lines can be manipulated to improve uniformity and image quality. Additionally, when the apparatus is composed of non-ferromagnetic materials, field strengths can be increased to overcome limitations of Iron-based systems such as by use of superconductivity. A patient positioning apparatus allows multi-positioning of a patient within the calibrated and more uniform magnetic field lines.

Abstract: A method for detecting Chiari malformations. The method generally comprises positioning a patient in an upright orientation in a patient-receiving space of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and acquiring images of the patient's cerebellum and brainstem in the upright orientation. The method further comprises positioning the patient in a recumbent orientation in the patient-receiving space of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and acquiring images of the patient's cerebellum and brainstem in the recumbent orientation.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging configuration to straighten and otherwise homogenize the field lines in the imaging portion, creating improved image quality. Through use of calibrated corrective coils, magnetic field lines can be manipulated to improve uniformity and image quality. Additionally, when the apparatus is composed of non-ferromagnetic materials, field strengths can be increased to overcome limitations of Iron-based systems such as by use of superconductivity. A patient positioning apparatus allowing multi-positioning is also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient is examined by magnetic resonance imaging in different positions relative to gravity by moving the patient relative to the magnet, and the acquired data is compared to show differences in anatomy due to differences in patient position. Individual data elements or groups of plural data elements representing particular locations in one set of image data can be compared with data elements associated with the same locations in another set of image data, to yield a set of comparison image data elements. The comparison data set can be used to detect difference caused by differences in position of the patient.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging magnet includes a ferromagnetic frame. A pair of generally toroidal superconducting coil units overlie interfaces of side walls incorporated in the frame. Each coil unit may include a vessel having hollow support extensions extending into recesses in the side walls. The coil units may further include elongated, low-thermal conductance supports disposed within the support extensions. The frame may include pole stems projecting inwardly from the side walls, and the coils may be disposed in close proximity to the pole stems. Cryocoolers may be mounted to the frame so that the cryocoolers are substantially mechanically isolated from the coils of the coil units, but are in thermal communication therewith. The cryocooler mountings may be arranged for convenient servicing and installation of the cryocoolers.

Abstract: A patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging at substantial intervals such as weeks, months or years, or after an interval sufficient for a therapeutic regimen to affect the anatomy, and the data acquired at different times is compared to show changes in the anatomy with time or due to the effects of the therapeutic regimen. Individual data elements or larger groups of plural data elements representing particular locations a set of image data acquired at one time can be automatically compared with data elements associated with the same locations in another set of image data acquired at another time to yield a set of comparison data.

Abstract: Vasculature or parenchyma is imaged using upright MRI techniques, on patients who may have conditions such as congestive heart failure, or otherwise be healthy. When an individual is horizontal, venous drainage is minimized, causing the vessels to remain engorged, also referred to herein as vascular congestion. Vascular congestion results in an enlarging of the vessels and surrounding tissue causing the vessels to be more visible on MRIs. The decrease in vascular visibility in upright subjects is in part, due to an increase in venous drainage. Patients suffering from coronary and/or pulmonary deficiencies (e.g. CHF) experience decreased rates and degrees of venous drainage. In one embodiment, the present invention uses upright imaging to visualize these enlarged vessels.

Abstract: In one example, a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system comprises a magnetic resonance imaging assembly defining a gap region, a transmitting coil proximate the gap region, and at least one test coil separate from the transmitting coil. The at least one coil is mechanically coupled to the assembly during imaging and the at least one test coil is selectively electrically coupled to the assembly to collect test data. The at least one coil may be coupled to a test fixture coupled to the assembly. The test fixture may be deployable from a first position to a second position for collection of test data. The at least one coil may comprise a first test coil and a second test coil. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A room for use in conducting medical procedures includes an image on a screen disposed in the room. The room preferably includes a track for disposing the screen across the room to create a panoramic view of the scene in the screen. Preferably the track, and hence the image on the screen disposed on the track, are arcuate. The screen provides a virtual reality and a calming effect to the patient undergoing the procedure. The screen can be moved mechanically around the room to display different images on the screen. The screen can be changed to provide a different set of images. Ceiling lights, sounds and smells can be added to the room to further accent the theme of the screen's image and enhance the overall calming effect by portraying the medical procedure room as the scene in the screen. Illumination may be provided behind the screen, as well. The medical procedure may be a magnetic resonance imaging procedure, in which case the room comprises a magnetic resonance imaging assembly.

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 positioning system for an MRI system. One aspect includes a support member for moving a patient in a non-horizontal direction within a scanning area of the MRI system, a drive member for driving the support member, and a controller for controlling the drive member to position the patient at a desired location within the scanning area. One aspect includes a guide member attached to a floor beneath the scanning area for guiding a platform member along a first linear axis generally parallel to the floor and perpendicular to a magnetic field axis of a magnet of the MRI system. A controller controls a drive member to position the patient at a desired horizontal location within the scanning area. One aspect includes a frame, a platform member rotatably coupled to the frame. A controller controls a drive member to rotate the platform member and position the patient at a desired angle within the scanning area.

Abstract: The method includes positioning a patient within a receiving space of a stand-up MRI apparatus and imaging the region of interest of the patient while the patient moves the region of interest. Further in accordance with the method the patient may be positioned such that the patient faces a pole face of a magnet of the MRI apparatus. The apparatus comprises a patient support which allows imaging of a patient's spine with a gravitational load on the spinal system.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging magnet includes a ferromagnetic frame. A pair of generally toroidal superconducting coil units overlie interfaces of side walls incorporated in the frame. Each coil unit may include a vessel having hollow support extensions extending into recesses in the side walls. The coil units may further include elongated, low-thermal conductance supports disposed within the support extensions. The frame may include pole stems projecting inwardly from the side walls, and the coils may be disposed in close proximity to the pole stems. Cryocoolers may be mounted to the frame so that the cryocoolers are substantially mechanically isolated from the coils of the coil units, but are in thermal communication therewith. The cryocooler mountings may be arranged for convenient servicing and installation of the cryocoolers.