Abstract: A magnet for magnetic resonance imaging has an interior working space within the magnet frame sufficient to accommodate a physician and a patient. Because the physician is positioned inside the magnet frame, the physician has unimpeded access to the patient. Elements of the magnet frame desirably encompass a room, and the magnet frame may be concealed from view of a patient within the room. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI imaged guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged, and minimize claustrophobia experienced by the patient. Also provided is a magnet having field coils disposed about the of pole portions of the magnet. A diagnostic facility for high volume MRI use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal computer or “PC” based software control system for a magnetic resonance imaging or “MRI” scanner. The software control system manages various types of MRI scanners without modification of the software control system. The control system manages the scanning process through a device driver interface which abstracts the particulars of the specific hardware used to interface to the magnetic, radio frequency, image display, image acquisition, patient handling and scan control subsystems.

Abstract: Magnet assembly for use in medical magnetic resonance imaging includes means for increasing flux generation in the gap region to provide the capability of scanning smaller volume regions of a patient at increased levels of scanning resolution. The means for increasing flux generation is mechanical or electromagnetic, is coupled to each of the polar regions and maintains the gap region sufficiently large and unobstructed to allow for access to the patient by several persons during scanning. Tapered outer walls of the polar region proximate the gap region further enhance accessibility to the patient during scanning.

Abstract: A magnet for magnetic resonance imaging has an interior working space within the magnet frame sufficient to accommodate a physician and a patient. Because the physician is positioned inside the magnet frame, the physician has unimpeded access to the patient. Elements of the magnet frame desirably encompass a room, and the magnet frame may be concealed from view of a patient within the room. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI imaged guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged, and minimize claustrophobia experienced by the patient. Also provided is a magnet having field coils disposed about the of pole portions of the magnet.

Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access. Facilities and methods of mobile and fixed site scanning.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of studying tissue metabolism with ordinary oxygen. First, a magnetic resonance image of the tissue of interest is acquired. Oxygen, predominantly in the form of oxygen-16, is then delivered to the tissue. A magnetic resonance image of the tissue of interest is then acquired when the tissue is in the state of increased oxygenation. The first and second images are compared to determine the effect of the delivery of oxygen on the tissue based on changes in image characteristics, such as image contrast, image intensity and the morphology of tissues in the image. A relative measure of the degree of tissue oxygenation before and after the delivery of oxygen may be determined. The oxygen may be administered by inhalation of gaseous oxygen. The tissue may also be directly perfused by gaseous oxygen. The oxygen may be administered in combination with an oxygen carrier molecule, such as hemoglobin or heme. Preferably, only trace amounts of oxygen-17 is present.

Abstract: A interventional procedure is performed by advancing a probe into a patient and periodically acquiring magnetic resonance images depicting the probe and adjacent portions of the patient's body. The patient, or a part of the patient, is reoriented during the procedure to facilitate advancement of the probe as, for example, by changing the position or orientation of internal organs.

Abstract: In magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”), RF power is applied to a region of interest within the patient by a local antenna disposed adjacent the region of interest. The local antenna is excited by RF signals sent through free space from a principal antenna mounted to the primary field magnet of the MRI system. The principal antenna includes one or more loops mounted so that the plane of the loop is transverse to the pole pieces of the magnet frame and so that the plane of the loop is transverse to adjacent metallic portions of the frame. The loops are aligned with openings in the frame so that a patient is advanced into a frame through the loop. The loops do not substantially obstruct axis to the subject receiving space.

Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access. Facilities and methods of mobile and fixed site scanning.

Abstract: A magnet for magnetic resonance imaging has an interior working space within the magnet frame sufficient to accommodate a physician and a patient. Because the physician is positioned inside the magnet frame, the physician has unimpeded access to the patient. Elements of the magnet frame desirably encompass a room, and the magnet frame may be concealed from view of a patient within the room. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI imaged guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged, and minimize claustrophobia experienced by the patient.

Abstract: A magnet for magnetic resonance imaging has an interior working space within the magnet frame sufficient to accommodate a physician and a patient. Because the physician is positioned inside the magnet frame, the physician has unimpeded access to the patient. Elements of the magnet frame desirably encompass a room, and the magnet frame may be concealed from view of a patient within the room. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI imaged guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged, and minimize claustrophobia experienced by the patient.

Abstract: Patient treatment is carried out under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance. The treated region of anatomy may be a joint, an organ or other tissue, or a tumor. Instruments which can be guided by MRI allow the treated region of anatomy to be reached along a selected path, curved or straight, to reduce tissue injury. The delivery of treatments under MRI guidance and monitoring provides a method of identifying a preferred treatment regimen.

Abstract: A personal computer or "PC" based software control system for a magnetic resonance imaging or "MRI" scanner. The software control system manages various types of MRI scanners without modification of the software control system. The control system manages the scanning process through a device driver interface which abstracts the particulars of the specific hardware used to interface to the magnetic, radio frequency, image display, image acquisition, patient handling and scan control subsystems.

Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access. Facilities and methods of mobile and fixed site scanning.

Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access. Facilities and methods of mobile and fixed site scanning.

Abstract: An antenna system for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus has an active coil connected between a transmitter or receiver and ground and also has an isolated loop coil which is not conductively connected to ground. The isolated loop coil preferably overlies the electrically conductive pole surface of the field magnet. The isolated loop coil is inductively coupled to the active coil. The assembly has relatively low parasitic capacitance to ground and hence can be tuned to the resonant frequencies required for high field strength imaging.

Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access. Faciliites and methods for mobile and fixed site NMR scanning.

Abstract: In magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI"), RF power is applied to a region of interest within the patient by a local antenna disposed adjacent the region of interest. The local antenna is excited by RF signals sent through free space from a principal antenna mounted to the primary field magnet of the MRI system. The principal antenna includes one or more loops mounted so that the plane of the loop is transverse to the pole pieces of the magnet frame and so that the plane of the loop is transverse to adjacent metallic portions of the frame. The loops are aligned with openings in the frame so that a patient is advanced into a frame through the loop. The loops do not substantially obstruct axis to the subject receiving space.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for kinematic studies of the movable joints of the body using magnetic resonance imaging. The apparatus controls the position of movable joints at a multiplicity of predetermined positions, enabling the controlled movement of the joints to each of the predetermined positions. It also includes a device which automatically sequences the movement of a movable joint to each position among the multiplicity of predetermined positions, and the acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging data at each of these positions. These features enhance the clinical utility of kinematic studies of movable joint functionality by magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for kinematic studies of the movable joints of the body using magnetic resonance imaging. The apparatus controls the position of movable joints at a multiplicity of predetermined positions, enabling the controlled movement of the joints to each of the predetermined positions. It also includes a device which automatically sequences the movement of a movable joint to each position among the multiplicity of predetermined positions, and the acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging data at each of these positions. These features enhance the clinical utility of kinematic studies of movable joint functionality by magnetic resonance imaging.