Abstract: A guide insert for use in insertion of a medical tool into a patient and an associated method of using the guide insert in a medical device are disclosed. The guide insert includes a base sized and shaped to be inserted into an opening of a grid of the medical device, a rotatable structure configured to fit on or within the base, and a securing cap configured to secure the rotatable structure to the base and to prevent rotation of the rotatable structure when secured.

Abstract: The present approach relates to the manufacture and use of guides inserts for use in the insertion of certain tools into a patient. Guide inserts as discussed herein allow tools to be inserted at arbitrary, including non-perpendicular, orientations relative to a grid in which the guide insert is positioned. Both customizable and configurable guide inserts are contemplated and described.

Abstract: The system and method of the invention pertains to an MR-guided breast biopsy procedure, specifically as to quickly identifying the biopsy location. More particularly, the system utilizes a diagnostic imaging modality such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to locate one or more lesions in a human breast. Non-rigid registration between uncompressed screening images (where the lesion has been previously identified) and the compressed biopsy images enables easier identification of the biopsy site, hence shortening the biopsy procedure.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an imager adapted to obtain an image of a desired region of interest of a subject and a coil positioned on the desired region of interest of the subject. The coil includes a plurality of markings disposed at a plurality of locations on the coil. The imaging system also includes a position indication device having a user interface adapted to receive input from a user indicating which of the plurality of markings corresponds to a desired scan plane of the subject.

Abstract: The system and method of the invention pertains to an MR-guided breast biopsy procedure, specifically as to real-time tracking and navigation of a biopsy device. More particularly, the system utilizes a diagnostic imaging modality such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to locate lesions in a human breast while utilizing an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to track advancement of a biopsy device in real-time. The invention simplifies the workflow of MRI-guided breast biopsies, shortens the time needed to perform the biopsy, decreases cost, and increases accuracy. This is achieved by enabling real-time visualization of the biopsy device as it advances towards the targeted lesion.

Abstract: The present approach relates to the manufacture and use of guides inserts for use in the insertion of certain tools into a patient. Guide inserts as discussed herein allow tools to be inserted at arbitrary, including non-perpendicular, orientations relative to a grid in which the guide insert is positioned. Both customizable and configurable guide inserts are contemplated and described.

Abstract: The system and method of the invention pertains to an MR-guided breast biopsy procedure, specifically as to quickly identifying the biopsy location. More particularly, the system utilizes a diagnostic imaging modality such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to locate one or more lesions in a human breast. Non-rigid registration between uncompressed screening images (where the lesion has been previously identified) and the compressed biopsy images enables easier identification of the biopsy site, hence shortening the biopsy procedure.

Abstract: The system and method of the invention pertains to an MR-guided breast biopsy procedure, specifically as to quality control and assurance following a breast biopsy procedure. Following automated lesion segmentation in a first post-contrast biopsy image, with the biopsy location segmented out of last biopsy series, a quantitative assessment is performed at the end of the procedure to highlight the volume of tissue taken out and the percentage (%) lesion fraction in the extracted tissue. This provides confirmation to the clinician that the appropriate target tissue was identified and sampled during the procedure.

Abstract: A system for optimized image acquisition includes an user interface for receiving a first input indicating a selection of an anatomical region of a subject and receiving a second input indicating a selection of at least one feature of interest and at least one appropriate property of the at least one feature of interest. Further, the system includes a scanning unit for moving the subject to isocenter of a magnet and acquiring at least one image of the anatomical region of the subject. Also, the system includes a processor for processing the at least one image for identifying the at least one feature of interest in the at least one image, wherein the scanning unit is configured to re-scan the at least one feature of interest using the at least one selected appropriate property for acquiring an optimized image of the at least one feature of interest.

Abstract: A breast biopsy system utilizing a needle biopsy device configured for guidance by a robotic guidance device into a treatment position wherein the needle tip is positioned adjacent target tissue in patient. The system including an MRI compatible device localization system adapted to track one or more points on the needle biopsy device and generate real-time device localization data. A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system provides a multi-planar reference image data from the patient being treated. The MRI system is connected to the MRI compatible device localization system and operable to display an overlay image, reconstructed from the real-time device localization data, on the multi-planar reference image data which depicts the location of the needle biopsy device relative to the target tissue in the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method, a system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium for use in interactive magnetic resonance imaging are presented. An initial region of interest of a subject is scanned to acquire imaging data using an initial imaging protocol. Anatomical labeling information corresponding to a plurality of regions corresponding to the subject may be determined based on the acquired data and/or previously available information. Particularly, determining the anatomical labeling information may include identifying one or more features of interest corresponding to the initial region of interest. Further, input from an operator corresponding to a desired imaging task may be received interactively. The imaging protocol may be updated in real-time by selectively configuring one or more imaging parameters that optimize implementation of the desired imaging task based on the determined anatomical labeling information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for landmark correction in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are provided. One method includes acquiring at least one calibration image or at least one localizer image of an object, identifying in the calibration or localizer images a region of the object as a reference point, wherein the reference point defines a landmark position. The method further includes determining an offset between an initial landmark position and the identified landmark position. The method also includes using the determined offset for MRI.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method, a tracking system, an MRI system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions for simultaneous imaging and tracking are presented. A designated signal and one or more characteristics corresponding to a plurality of imaging gradient waveforms are received. Further, a tracking pulse sequence is synchronized with an imaging pulse sequence at a determined point based on the designated signal. The tracking pulse sequence is then applied simultaneously with the imaging pulse sequence for acquiring corresponding response signals from an interventional device that includes at least one tracking coil and a tracking source configured to generate response signals at a tracking resonant frequency different from an imaging resonant frequency. A location of the tracking coil within or outside body of a subject is determined based on the response signals received from the tracking source and the characteristics corresponding to the imaging gradient waveforms.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an imager adapted to obtain an image of a desired region of interest of a subject and a coil positioned on the desired region of interest of the subject. The coil includes a plurality of markings disposed at a plurality of locations on the coil. The imaging system also includes a position indication device having a user interface adapted to receive input from a user indicating which of the plurality of markings corresponds to a desired scan plane of the subject.

Abstract: A method for automated landmarking comprising obtaining one or more localizer images of a patient, comparing the one or more localizer images with a reference image, computing a difference between the one or more localizer images and the reference image, determining a desired position of the patient based on the computed difference, and maneuvering the patient, a support platform, or both the patient and the support platform to the desired position for imaging an anatomical region of interest in the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method, a tracking system, an MRI system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions for simultaneous imaging and tracking are presented. A designated signal and one or more characteristics corresponding to a plurality of imaging gradient waveforms are received. Further, a tracking pulse sequence is synchronized with an imaging pulse sequence at a determined point based on the designated signal. The tracking pulse sequence is then applied simultaneously with the imaging pulse sequence for acquiring corresponding response signals from an interventional device that includes at least one tracking coil and a tracking source configured to generate response signals at a tracking resonant frequency different from an imaging resonant frequency. A location of the tracking coil within or outside body of a subject is determined based on the response signals received from the tracking source and the characteristics corresponding to the imaging gradient waveforms.

Abstract: A system and method for an MRI apparatus includes an MRI system having a computer programmed to initiate a first scan procedure to acquire MR data and locate a feature of interest of the object, initiate a second scan procedure when a feature of interest of the object is located, and determine if an anomaly of the feature of interest exists. The computer is programmed to initiate a third scan procedure to scan the anomaly and reconstruct an image of the located anomaly if the anomaly exists. The first scan procedure includes a scan table motion and scan data acquisition commands. The second scan procedure includes scan table motion and scan data acquisition commands to acquire MR data from the feature of interest. The third scan procedure includes scan table motion and scan data acquisition commands to acquire MR data from the located anomaly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for landmark correction in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are provided. One method includes acquiring at least one calibration image or at least one localizer image of an object, identifying in the calibration or localizer images a region of the object as a reference point, wherein the reference point defines a landmark position. The method further includes determining an offset between an initial landmark position and the identified landmark position. The method also includes using the determined offset for MRI.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for automatic landmarking are presented. A coil including at least one marker is placed on a desired region on interest (ROI) of a subject. Further, a detector detects a position of the marker while translating the subject from a home position in an imaging system into a bore of a magnet in the imaging system. A positioning unit coupled to at least one of the coil, the marker and the detector is configured to initiate automatic translation of the subject from the home position into the magnet bore. Further, the positioning unit determines a distance between the detected marker position and a homogenous position of the magnet based at least on the detected marker position. The positioning unit then controls movement of the subject over the determined distance to the homogenous magnet position for automatically landmarking the desired ROI.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for automatically setting a landmark for brain scans are described. In one embodiment, a method for medical image processing is described. The method comprises obtaining, by an imaging device, at least one image of a head of a subject. In addition, the method also comprises identifying, by a computer-based system, a reference feature in the at least one image associated with the head. The method also comprises automatically setting, by the computer-based system, a landmark based, at least in part, upon the reference feature.