Abstract: The inventive technology describes to a novel surgical device having a high-speed rotating hollow cutting needle capable of longitudinally cutting, sampling, removing and/or coring targeted tissue pathologies as well as the efficient collection and/or disposal of said tissue pathologies. In particular, the inventive technology may be suitable for application on lesions near the skin, and/or pathologies internal to the body, and perhaps even especially for procedures performed in conjunction with image guidance, particularly active X-ray, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or ultrasound scans, where the presence of a large electro-magnetic field may impose significant constraints on the design and operation of mechanical mechanisms.

Abstract: An MRI image from spiral trajectory scanning is arranged as complementary subsets of values in time-sampled k-space. These values are Fourier transformed to produce a spatial domain image. While holding the patient stationary, the contrast information is updated at the central portion of k-space, and the peripheral portion of k-space data can be filled during the whole image acquisition. The contrast information is combined with the peripheral portion of k-space (contributing to image resolution) to construct a full k-space data and to generate a spatial image. The technique is useful for providing short time interval sampling when analyzing the take-up and fade-away of a contrast agent over time.

Abstract: A method and system estimate the risk of malignancy of a given region of interest using noninvasive MRI techniques. The determination of risk is based on the morphology and kinetic enhancement of a region of interest. In addition, the method and system use the type of the enhancement curve to determine the level of risk associated with a given region of interest. The region of interest can be a lesion, tumor, or other unknown. The imaging can be done with the aid of a contrast agent. Regions meeting component concentration criteria, time-change dynamic criteria and the like are distinctly colored and displayed on a single image. Different colors can be shown locally to identify predetermined levels of risk, and/or associated with predetermined compositions such as contrast agents, or to show the presence of silicone.

Abstract: In NMR/MRI imaging, a location is noted for a point in the imaged space, and referred to a reference location so that the point in imaged space is known thereafter, without the need to locate the point again in further imaging steps. For breast cancer diagnosis and biopsy, a breast holding fixture immobilizes the breast. A volumetric image is taken encompassing a portion of the breast. In the same or a subsequent image, a fiducial mark is detected to determine the position of a holder for a biopsy tool or other modality. The tissue feature can be a tumor, cyst or tubal lesion, made temporarily visible in the image by perfusion with a contrast agent. After the contrast agent dissipates, the location of the tissue feature can still be determined by reference to the position of the fiducial marker, which is optional adjustable by post-imaging metered displacement.

Abstract: An MRI process and system image a volume of a sample in a magnetic field established by a biasing field magnet and an array of gradient magnet fields using a pulse sequence to obtain a response that is decoded into an image or images. A set of successive images is collected while the contrast associated with lesions and tumors is enhanced with a contrast agent. A non-spoiled reference image is acquired before the application of the contrast agent. The reference image is non-spoiled in that the pulse sequence for collecting a portion of the volume image is not randomized in phase in a manner that would reset the phase effects of a previous pulse sequence. At least one other one of the successive images collected using phase spoiling pulse sequences. The non-spoiled image data is registered with and subtracted from the successive images to enhance the appearance of selected compositions in the output image, such as the contrast agent and/or water to highlight lesions and cysts, or silicone from an implant, etc.

Abstract: A novel method of hematoma-directed ultrasound guided excisional breast biopsy is disclosed. In one aspect of the inventon, the hematoma is produced by an injection of the patient's own blood into a pre-selected area to target a lesion. Detection of the targeted lesion and hematoma is achieved with MRI. In a second aspect of the invention, the hematoma is produced by stereotactic core needle breast biopsy in a pre-selected area, and the targeted lesion and hematoma are detected using intraoperative ultrasound. The method avoids many of the disadvantages associated with traditional needle localized breast biopsy. The method can also be used to guide the excision of lesions visualized by MRI, ultrasound, mammography, PET scanning, and scintimammography. The method may be used in any organ and, in particular, the breast.

Abstract: A stereotactic device for localizing an MRI-imaged mass using horizontal and vertical protractors on which a laser is mounted. The protractors and laser are mounted on a table which may be positioned horizontally and vertically with respect to the patient table. The portion of the patient's body being imaged is fixed by a compression plate to which a reference target is mounted. The reference target incorporates a substance which is strongly imaged by the MRI. The compression plate comprises an array of relatively large apertures through which the radiologist may guide an instrument. From the MRI images, the radiologist takes an angle between the reference target and the suspect mass from each of two perpendicular planes and inputs these angles into the protractors of the stereotactic device. The table of the stereotactic device is adjusted horizontally or vertically with respect to the patient table so that the beam of the laser aligns with the reference target.

Abstract: A novel method of hematoma-directed ultrasound guided excisional breast biopsy is disclosed. In one aspect of the inventon, the hematoma is produced by an injection of the patient's own blood into a pre-selected area to target a lesion. Detection of the targeted lesion and hematoma is achieved with MRI. In a second aspect of the invention, the hematoma is produced by stereotactic core needle breast biopsy in a pre-selected area, and the targeted lesion and hematoma are detected using intraoperative ultrasound. The method avoids many of the disadvantages associated with traditional needle localized breast biopsy. The method can also be used to guide the excision of lesions visualized by MRI, ultrasound, mammography, PET scanning, and scintimammography. The method may be used in any organ and, in particular, the breast.

Abstract: Method for diagnosing and treating tissue suspected of containing a lesion. A shaped pulse sequence is selected for each of waveform, phase and frequency components of an RF signal based upon characteristics of the tissue suspected of containing a lesion and an RF signal comprised of the selected waveform, amplitude and frequency shaped pulse sequences generated. A series of echoes is received in response to the generated RF signal and a real-time MR image of the tissue suspected of containing a lesion is produced using the series of received echoes. The tissue is then diagnostically evaluated for the presence of lesions using the produced real-time MR image.

Abstract: Method for MR imaging of an object in which various RF and magnetic field gradient pulse sequences are used to produce transverse magnetization and to generate echoes. The RF pulse sequence may include a sinusoidal waveform component defined by either y=sin x, 0.ltoreq.x .ltoreq.4.pi.; y=cos x, 0.ltoreq.x .ltoreq.4.pi.; or y=sin x, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq..pi./2, y=cos x, .pi./2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq..pi.; and a phase component defined by either y=0, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.2.pi., y=.pi., 2.pi..ltoreq.x.ltoreq.4.pi.; or y =-2.pi.cos x, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq..pi./2, y=-2.pi.sin x, .pi./2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq..pi.. The selected waveform and phase components may be combined to form a first, composite RF signal and the Hilbert transform of the composite RF signal selected as a second RF signal. Alternately, the second RF pulse sequence may be comprised of first and second phase shifting linear ramps. The selected gradient magnetic field pulse sequences may include a first sinusoidal readout pulse sequence defined by y=ax sin x, 0.ltoreq.x.

Abstract: A method of producing a selective component enhanced image of an object. A uniform magnetic field is generated to magnetize the object and, once magnetized, a first preparatory pulse sequence which enhances the contrast of a first component of the object with respect to a second component of the object is generated. An RF pulse sequence is generated to produce transverse magnetization in the second component of the object. First, second, and third changing magnetic fields are generated, thereby producing a series of gradient echoes in response to the generated RF pulse sequence. A contrast enhanced image of the object may then be produced from the series of gradient echoes.

Abstract: Method for producing an image of an object, for example, tissue having fat and water components. A uniform magnetic field is generated to magnetize the object. A shaped pulse sequence is selected for each of waveform, phase and frequency components of an RF signal. An RF signal which includes the selected waveform, amplitude and frequency pulse sequences is generated to produce transverse magnetization in the object. First, second, and third changing magnetic fields are then generated in the object and a series of gradient echoes are produced in response thereto. From the gradient echoes, an image of the object may be produced.

Abstract: Methods for improved MR imaging of an object by the use of back-to-back adiabatic RF pulse sequences. In one embodiment, a selective component suppressed MR image of the internal structure of an object is produced from a series of gradient echoes received in response to the generation of back-to-back opposing adiabatic half passage selective component suppressive RF pulses separated by 180 degrees in phase. In another embodiment, an enhanced MR image of the internal structure of an object is produced from a series of gradient echoes received in response to the generation of back-to-back opposing adiabatic half passage selective component suppressive RF pulses separated by 90 degrees in phase.

Abstract: Method for imaging the interior of a three dimensional object. A non-selective composite hard RF pulse is generated in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. Phase encoding pulses are generated along the first and a third axis, respectively, and a frequency encoding pulse comprised of a de-phasing portion and a re-phasing portion is generated along a second axis. During the re-phasing portion of the frequency encoding pulse, an asymmetrical fractional gradient echo containing information related to the object being imaged is produced. A next asymmetrical fractional gradient echo is then produced for next phase encoding pulses along the first and third axes. After an asymmetrical fractional gradient echo is produced for all phase encoding pulses, an image of the object is produced from the series of produced asymmetrical fractional gradient echoes.