Abstract: A method for improving health may include the steps of receiving patient input from a first patient regarding at least one parameter, scanning the first patient for a biomarker using an internal imaging machine, receiving a health plan for the first patient, accessing a database and searching the database for other patients having patient input similar to the first patient, predicting changes in the biomarker based on a patient having input similar to the first patient, and presenting the first patient with the predicted results. Follow-up monitoring may include the steps of receiving internal imaging data as a baseline for a patient undergoing a health plan to improve one or more biomarkers, measuring the patient for one or more biomarkers, estimating the patient's progress by comparing the measurement taken with the baseline internal imaging data, and presenting the patient with the estimated progress.

Abstract: In a method for determining the ventilation of a lung of an object under examination by magnetic resonance imaging, at least two first lung-representing image data sets are acquired at different intervals of the breathing phase. The density change of the lung tissue is automatically determined from the signal difference between the image signals of the first image data sets in at least one corresponding region of the first lung-representing image data set. The lung or the thorax volume is automatically determined using at least two of the first image data sets, or using at least an additional second lung-representing image data set in a breathing phase that corresponds with the breathing phase of a first image data set. The localized, quantitative ventilation of the lung is automatically calculated depending on the density change of the lung tissue and the change of the lung or thorax volume.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining brain cortical thickness are provided. One method includes determining an intensity profile at each of a plurality of cortical surface points of an imaged brain using brain tissue image data and calculating a cortical thickness based on a parametrically determined transition point of each intensity profile.

Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously generating spectral images and spatial images of a subject using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes acquiring MR image data using a k-space sampling trajectory. The k-space sampling trajectory is designed to spatially oversample to elicit phase differences between oversampled points. The MR image data is jointly reconstructed into spatial and spectral images by resolving spatial information from spatial encoding associated with each of the oversampled points and resolving spectral information from the phase differences between the oversampled points.

Abstract: A method of producing volume renderings from magnetic resonance image data in real time with user interactivity. The method comprises collecting raw magnetic resonance image (MRI) data representative of shapes within an image volume; transferring the raw MRI data to a computer; and continuously producing volume renderings from the raw MRI data in real time with respect to the act of collecting raw MRI data representative of shapes within the image volume.

Abstract: A method for differentiation of normal myocardium from diffuse disease using T mapping includes acquiring one or more images of a patient by an imaging apparatus, generating a T1 map from the one or more images, defining a region of interest within the one or more images, determining the average T1 value within the region of interest, comparing the average T1 value within the region of interest to a cut-off T1 value, and determining a diagnosis of the region of interest from the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to detect degenerative processes and abnormalities in soft tissues at high spatial resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio and short scanning times, based on quantitative tissue properties. These methods might provide a useful tool to detect and assess abnormalities in soft tissues and to monitor disease progression.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating an object having at least one marker attached thereto, wherein a spatial position of the object is ascertained based on the at least one marker, and an outline, view or geometry of the object is optically detected from at least one side. The detected outline, view or geometry is compared with corresponding outlines, views or geometries of stored pre-calibration data of the object, said pre-calibration data representing a model of the object.

Abstract: For delivery of a chemical to a target region of a subject's brain, an apparatus comprising a storage medium on which is stored digital representations of subject-specific selective visual stimuli that, when viewed, selectively stimulate blood flow to the target area of the brain; and an electronic display device coupled thereto and configured for converting the stored digital representations to images viewable by the subject; wherein the one or more selective visual stimuli were determined by exposing the subject to a plurality of potential stimuli; measuring the blood flow response to multiple regions of the brain, including the target area and one or more non-target areas; comparing the blood flow responses to the potential stimuli, and selecting as selective stimuli potential stimuli that result in relatively more blood flow to the target area and relatively less blood flow one or more non-target areas.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance method and system to determine a position of a slice relative to a region moving relative to the slice within a predetermined volume segment of an examination subject located in the magnetic resonance system, a physical property within the slice is detected with spatial resolution at multiple points in time, such that a time curve of the physical property is detected for at least one voxel of the slice. The position of the slice relative to the region is determined with respect to defined points in time, depending on the time curve.

Abstract: An MR system and method for tracking a device of an interventional procedure within a scan subject is disclosed. At least two MR projections of the device are acquired, from which 3D coordinates of the device are determined. Subsequent image acquisition is adjusted with respect to the coordinates of the device to guide movement thereof towards target anatomy. The present system and method provide the ability to locate and visualize continuous portions of an interventional device in 3D, and do not require the use of embedded RF localizing coils.

Abstract: A system for compensating a neurally triggered or other self-caused displacement of a tissue of an animal including man comprises a base provided with a means for immobilizing the animal or body part thereof comprising the tissue, one or more displacement means in contact with the base, a means for sampling position data from a marker disposed in or in the proximity of the tissue, a means for sampling source activity data from one or more sources of displacement, microprocessor means for correlating position data and source activity data to generate a predictive correspondence, a means for controlling the one or more displacement means by source activity data based on the predictive correspondence. Also disclosed is a corresponding method and use.

Abstract: A non-invasive analysis system includes data collecting units and an analysis unit adapted to quantify and visualize ventricular rotation patterns of the heart. The data collecting units register rotational information about the cardiac movement for a number of time points and levels in the heart throughout the cardiac cycle. The analysis unit calculates rotation planes for different levels in the heart over time and constructs rotation planes from at least two rotation lines originating from the same level in the heart. Each of the rotation lines are created between a pair of points having matching rotation values located in ventricular walls, and to calculate a rotation axis for the rotation plane for each selected level. The analysis unit creates a model of the rotational pattern of the heart. Deflection and direction of the rotation axes for the rotation planes at selected levels of the ventricles are quantified and visualized.

Abstract: An interface device enables an intracavity probe to be used with a magnetic resonance (MR) system for the purpose of obtaining images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient. The probe includes a shaft, a balloon at one end thereof, and a coil loop within the balloon. The coil loop preferably includes two drive capacitors and a tuning capacitor, all of which in series. A junction node between the drive capacitors serves as a ground for electrically balancing the coil loop. Diametrically opposite the junction node, the tuning capacitor enables the coil loop to resonate at the operating frequency of the MR system. Across each drive capacitor is connected an output cable having an electrical length of SL+n(?/4). The output cables terminate in a plug that is used to connect the coil loop to the interface device.

Abstract: A medical imaging device includes an imaging modality for recording a medical image, a housing unit for housing the imaging modality, a system electronics unit for operating the imaging modality, and a receiving element for accommodating the system electronics unit. The receiving element includes a connecting element for connecting the receiving element to the imaging modality and/or the housing unit.

Abstract: This present invention relates to an MRI scanning assembly and a method for fusing MRI images of a target thereby generating and providing high resolution, high contrast fused MRI images. The MRI images of the target are generated by different MRI devices operating at different magnetic field intensities. A method is also described for fusing MRI images generated by an MRI device operating with different operational parameters and operational protocols.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the diagnosis, amelioration, and treatment of back pain, particularly lumbar back pain, in particular, back pain caused by muscular abnormalities, vertebral body osteoporosis, and disc degeneration. Patients with back pain are categorized into specific subsets that are deemed to have potential to respond to therapy. In particular, the invention includes a therapy involving stimulation of neovascularization so as to increase perfusion of various spine compartments.

Abstract: A system and method provides for determining patient eligibility for receiving an implantable upper airway stimulation system. Images and sensed data are obtained regarding an upper airway of a patient. Based on the obtained image and sensed data, an obstruction vector is determined according to a location, a pattern, and a degree of obstruction along the upper airway. A patient candidate filter is applied against a patient health profile. Patient eligibility is determined based on the obstruction vector and application of the patient candidate filter.

Abstract: A method of estimating the shape of an individual ear includes determining at least part of the shape of the individual ear, the shape being determined over a first extent and constituting a determined shape; taking a predefined template shape determined by statistical analysis of a plurality of previously measured ear shapes according to a statistical model, the template shape having a second extent; and generating an estimated shape corresponding to an estimated representation of the shape of the individual ear over the intersection of the first extent and second extent by modifying the template shape to substantially match the determined shape over the first extent or over the second extent within a predefined tolerance. Also, a method of optimising an ITE shell, BTE or CRT housing, or BTE sound tube to a given population group utilising the same template methodology.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to detect degenerative processes and abnormalities in soft tissues at high spatial resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio and short scanning times, based on quantitative tissue properties. These methods might provide a useful tool to detect and assess abnormalities in soft tissues and to monitor disease progression.

Abstract: A method of assessing stenosis severity for a patient includes obtaining patient information relevant to assessing severity of a stenosis, including anatomical imaging data of the patient. Based on the anatomical imaging data, the existence of any lesions of concerns may be identified. A three dimensional image can be generated of any irregular shaped lesion of concern and a surrounding area from the patient anatomical imaging data. A plurality of comparative two dimensional lesion specific models may be created that have conditions that correspond to the three dimensional model. The comparative two dimensional models may represent vessels having regular shaped lesions with each of the comparative two dimensional models represents a different stenosis severity. The three dimensional model can then be mapped to one of the plurality of comparative two dimensional models. After this mapping, a diagnosis of whether the patient has coronary artery disease may be made.

Abstract: A measuring device for a magnetic resonance device is provided. The measuring device has a sensor unit. The sensor unit includes at least one acoustic sensor element for detecting heart sounds of a patient. The sensor unit also includes a resonating body unit. The resonating body unit has a hollow space for filtering interfering signals emitted by the magnetic resonance device from the heart sounds of the patient.

Abstract: In a method for optimization of a flow coding with switching of an additional bipolar dephasing gradient pair, used in a magnetic resonance (MR) phase contrast angiography, the strength of the flow coding is selected depending on the flow velocity in the vessels that should be depicted. MR signals of an examination region are acquired with continuously running overview measurements, with an operator-selected flow coding strength. After the selected flow coding strength is adopted automatically for the next measurement of the continuously running overview measurements, and two partial measurements with different flow codings are implemented for each selected strength and a phase difference image from the two partial measurements is calculated and depicted in real time, and the selected flow coding strength is automatically adopted for the MR phase contrast angiography.

Abstract: A system and method for preprocessing magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) data of brain tissue for pattern-based diagnostics is disclosed. The MRS preprocessing system includes an MRS preprocessing module that executes an operation that normalizes MRS spectrum data, recalibrates and scales the normalized MRS spectrum data, and then renormalizes the scaled MRS spectrum data. The resulting preprocessed MRS data is used to assist in identifying abnormalities in tissues shown in MRS scans.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to a local coil arrangement for an imaging MRI system, where the system is a head local coil or a head/neck local coil, which includes a mirror housing that is mounted in a rotatable manner on the local coil arrangement.

Abstract: A dynamic magnetic resonance elastography (“MRE”) method for quantifying liver stiffness using intrinsic transient waveforms imparted on the liver by the beating heart is provided. The method includes synchronizing motion-encoding gradients in an MRE pulse sequence to the subject's cardiac cycle.

Abstract: Nonlinear elastography systems and methods are provided. The elastography system includes a data acquisition module, such as an imaging device, and associated system control circuitry. The data acquisition module is configured to acquire various data, such as displacement and/or force data, from a material. A nonlinear transfer function is applied to the acquired data to generate information about the material's stiffness. In one implementation, a map representative of the material's stiffness is generated.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for using those devices and systems are disclosed to facilitate mapping and navigation during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. These devices, systems and methods include implantable magnetic devices and sensing devices that facilitate locating the implantable magnetic devices such that a surgeon can accurately locate and place devices at particular points of interest during a medical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for navigating a surgical device toward a target organ in the body of a patient. An example method includes providing a surgical needle and a guide wire, the surgical needle configured for insertion into a vein or a beating heart. The method also includes holding the guide wire within the surgical needle while the surgical needle is inserted into the vein or the beating heart. The method also includes generating output in two modes, the output based on at least one medical positioning system (MPS) sensor on the guide wire, the output corresponding to a position of the surgical needle and the guide wire for navigating the surgical needle and the guide wire toward a target in the vein or the heart. The methods can be carried out directly by a physician or via a computer processor-based surgical system.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a collection unit which applies a uniform static magnetic field to a subject and also applies a radio-frequency magnetic field and a gradient magnetic field to the subject in accordance with a predetermined pulse sequence to collect a magnetic resonance signal from the subject, a imaging unit which images the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal collected by the collection unit, a detection unit which detects a respiratory level of the subject, an informing unit which informs the subject of whether the detected respiratory level falls within an allowable range, and a unit which controls the collection unit and the imaging unit in such a manner that the magnetic resonance signal for imaging is collected and the subject is imaged based on the thus collected magnetic resonance signal for imaging when the detected respiratory level falls within the allowable range.

Abstract: A coil pad according to one embodiment is a coil pad that is placed between a receiving coil and a subject. The receiving coil is mounted on the subject and receives a magnetic resonance signal emitted from the subject. The coil pad includes a pad opening and a vibrating portion. The pad opening is aligned with a coil opening included in the receiving coil and forms a through-hole between the coil opening and the subject. The vibrating portion vibrates with a medium that transmits vibration being filled therein.

Abstract: Improvements in magnetic resonance imaging methods to obtain three-dimensional models and diagnoses of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome are described.

Abstract: A method of displaying an image of the location of one or more low voltage structures in tissue is provided. The method includes receiving electrical mapping data corresponding to a portion of the tissue. The method further includes generating an image using the electrical mapping data. Electrical mapping values within at least one voltage range having two endpoints that bound the upper and lower limits of the voltage range are distinguishable from electrical mapping values outside the at least one voltage range. The two endpoints are selected to distinguish the one or more low voltage structures of the tissue from other portions of the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaging and characterizing atherosclerotic lesions. The invention utilizes a low-flip-angle gradient echo-based MRI acquisition technique combined with specialized magnetization preparative schemes (i.e. non-selective inversion and FSD), and multiple co-registered 3D image sets with different contrast weightings are collected in an interleaved fashion. Using the inventive method, a single scan allows for comprehensive assessment of atherosclerotic plaque within just a few minutes.

Abstract: A system and method for sampling k-space is provided that substantially simplifies the demands placed on the clinician to select and balance the tradeoffs of a particular selected sampling methodology. In particular, the present invention provides particularly advantageous sampling methodologies that simplify the selection of a particular k-space sampling methodology and, furthermore, the tradeoffs within a particular sampling methodology.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of CEST or APT MR imaging of at least a portion of a body (10) placed in a main magnetic field B0 within the examination volume of a MR device. The method of the invention comprises the following steps: •a) subjecting the portion of the body (10) to a saturation RF pulse at a saturation frequency offset; •b) subjecting the portion of the body (10) to an imaging sequence comprising at least one excitation/refocusing RF pulse and switched magnetic field gradients, whereby MR signals are acquired from the portion of the body (10) as spin echo signals; •c) repeating steps a) and b) two or more times, wherein the saturation frequency offset and/or a echo time shift in the imaging sequence are varied, such that a different combination of saturation frequency offset and echo time shift is applied in two or more of the repetitions; •d) reconstructing a MR image and/or B0 field homogeneity corrected APT/CEST images from the acquired MR signals.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately producing MR images of selected vascular compartments includes employing a control scan and a tag scan, each including velocity selective modules that suppress signal from blood flowing faster than a given cutoff velocity, to acquire control and tag sets of NMR data that may be subtracted to produce a compartment-specific MR image that is substantially free of information from stationary tissues and blood outside the selective vascular compartments. Accordingly, physiological parameters, such as oxygen saturation (SaO2), oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2), can be generated from the compartment-specific images. Further still, kinetic curves of oxygen exchange can be created, thus providing detailed insight into oxygen exchange dynamics.

Abstract: The present invention, referred to as Oasis is Automated Statistical Inference for Segmentation (OASIS), is a fully automated and robust statistical method for cross-sectional MS lesion segmentation. Using intensity information from multiple modalities of MRI, a logistic regression model assigns voxel-level probabilities of lesion presence. The OASIS model produces interpretable results in the form of regression coefficients that can be applied to imaging studies quickly and easily. OASIS uses intensity-normalized brain MRI volumes, enabling the model to be robust to changes in scanner and acquisition sequence. OASIS also adjusts for intensity inhomogeneities that preprocessing bias field correction procedures do not remove, using BLUR volumes. This allows for more accurate segmentation of brain areas that are highly distorted by inhomogeneities, such as the cerebellum.

Abstract: The invention pertains to certain genetic variants that have been determined to be susceptibility variants of breast cancer. Methods of disease management, including diagnosing increased susceptibility to breast cancer, methods of predicting response to therapy and methods of predicting prognosis using such variants are described. The invention further relates to kits useful in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein provides methods for developing an IMRT treatment plan for a radiotherapy system. In one aspect, the method can include providing initial treatment parameters. These parameters can include a number of isotopic beams, a transmission angle for each beam, a prescribed dose for a target, and dose volume histogram constraints. The method can further include determining an initial fluence map including one or more beamlets. The initial fluence map can specify a fluence value for each beamlet. The method can further include determining a delivery sequence for the fluence values in the initial fluence map. The delivery sequence can include one or more apertures formed by the leaves of a collimator. These apertures can have a specified size constrained to substantially less than a maximum size associated with the collimator, when the isotopic beam is near a critical structure. Related apparatus and systems are also described.

Abstract: Provided are a spectroscopic method and spectroscopic device for analyzing a region. Layers or coats of materials with high dielectric constant or permittivity with very low conductivity are inserted in between radiofrequency (RF) coil or coil's conductive elements and the sample to enhance the signal to noise ratio (SNR), improve image contrast, and reduce the specific absorption rate (SAR) of magnetic resonance imaging or magnetic resonance spectroscopy instruments. The embodiments of the present invention can be used as an auxiliary device to the standard pre-constructed RF coils or incorporated with RF coil constructions for enhancing RF coil performances in both transmission and reception.

Abstract: A breast coil for a magnetic resonance tomography device for the production of magnetic resonance recordings of female breasts includes a coil housing having a breast recess to accommodate a breast and a number of coil elements. At least one of the coil elements forms an HF correction coil element and has a circuit arrangement to switch over the HF correction coil element between an HF correction mode of operation and another mode of operation. The HF correction coil element is constructed such that in the HF correction mode of operation, the HF correction coil element resonates passively with a B1 field emitted by a transmission antenna arrangement of the magnetic resonance tomography device, and influences a local B1 field distribution during a magnetic resonance recording.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods, and instrumentation for aiding the performance of an image guided procedure of the anatomy of a patient such as, for example, the prostate. The invention includes a plurality of lumens therein and a balloon portion or other fixating portion. In some embodiments, the catheter includes a lumen for introducing a contrast agent visible to an imaging modality external to the anatomy of the patient. Image space data of the catheter within the anatomy of the patient may be obtained using the imaging modality. The catheter also includes at least a lumen for inserting a registration device for obtaining patient space data regarding the anatomy of the patient. Other lumens and/or other elements visible to the imaging modality may be used. The image space data may be registered to the patient space data for use during an image guided procedure to the anatomy of the patient.

Abstract: The embodiments include a magnetic resonance device having a head antenna unit configured for acquiring magnetic resonance signals, and a projection unit that has a presentation surface unit for presenting picture elements and a first projection surface unit for presenting a projection of the picture elements. The first projection surface unit has a center and the presentation surface unit has a center, where the center of the first projection surface unit defines an axis together with the center of the presentation surface unit. The projection unit has a second projection surface unit, a first mirror plane for projecting a picture element onto the second projection surface unit and a second mirror plane for projecting a picture element onto the first projection surface unit, the axis intersecting a normal vector of the first mirror plane and/or a normal vector of the second mirror plane.

Abstract: A system and method for brain signal management are provided. In some embodiments, a brain signal management system includes a detecting module configured to measure a first signal which indicates a state of a brain, and a controlling module configured to generate the second signal by transforming the first signal into the second signal in a time reversal order.

Abstract: Miniaturized, five and six degrees-of-freedom magnetic sensors, responsive to pulsed DC magnetic fields waveforms generated by multiple transmitter options, provide an improved and cost-effective means of guiding medical instruments to targets inside the human body. The end result is achieved by integrating DC tracking, 3D reconstructions of pre-acquired patient scans and imaging software into a system enabling a physician to internally guide an instrument with real-time 3D vision for diagnostic and interventional purposes. The integration allows physicians to navigate within the human body by following 3D sensor tip locations superimposed on anatomical images reconstructed into 3D volumetric computer models. Sensor data can also be integrated with real-time imaging modalities, such as endoscopes, for intrabody navigation of instruments with instantaneous feedback through critical anatomy to locate and remove tissue.

Abstract: The percutaneous probe, made in MRI-compatible materials, comprises: a body percutaneously inserted into the tissue of a patient's body organ (8) having a region (10) to be analyzed, treated and monitored during a single medical procedure; at least one information collection sensing device (30,33,34); treatment application transducers (30) 360° disposed to emit focused or defocused therapeutic ultra-sound waves. The computerized system comprises a parametrizable command device (50) adapted to simulate then command a generation of the therapeutic ultra-sound waves, and to monitor the treatment by thermal MRI images.

Abstract: Systems and methods of image reconstruction that can reduce the number of Fourier transform measurements required to obtain an exact or stable reconstruction of target images, using prior edge information obtained from a reference image. Full-sampled, 2 or 3-dimensional Fourier transform measurements are obtained for the reference image prior to performing a time series study. Based on the reference image sharing similar edge information with a time series of sparse-gradient images, the number of Fourier transform measurements required to reconstruct the target images can be reduced by using compressed sensing techniques to obtain the sparse-gradient images, and combining the edge information for the sparse-gradient images with the reduced number of Fourier transform measurements to obtain the exact or stable reconstruction of the target images, thereby permitting improved temporal resolution and/or extent of tissue coverage over the use of full sampling and conventional image reconstruction methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus including an array of two or more RF antennas for transmitting RF pulses to and receiving MR signals from a subject positioned in an examination volume, and where the RF antennas have spatial transmit and receive sensitivity profiles. The apparatus is configured to control the temporal succession, the phase, and the amplitude of the RF feeding of each individual RF antenna. The apparatus is also configured to determine the phases and amplitudes from the spatial transmit sensitivity profiles of the RF antennas, and reconstruct a MR image from a combination of the received MR signals received via the individual RF antennas and from the spatial receive sensitivity profiles of the RF antennas. Further, the apparatus is configured to determine the spatial transmit sensitivity profiles of the RF antennas from the spatial receive sensitivity profiles of the RF antennas, or vice versa.

Abstract: An image correction method includes detecting signals emitted from a tracer introduced into a target; intermittently extracting some of the detected signals according to a code string in which different codes are arranged; generating an image of the target using the extracted signals; and correcting the generated image based on at least one characteristic of the generated image.