Abstract: Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) effects are enhanced by forming, for each of a plurality of magnetization transfer (MT) offset frequencies within a specified first range, a respective image representing CEST effects. A subset of the formed CEST images is displayed and a preferred or optimum one is selected from a display screen. The thus identified target frequency is then used to generate a composite enhanced CEST image based upon a combination of formed CEST images having MT frequencies within a specified second, smaller range, around the identified target frequency.

Abstract: Systems for training an animal, such as a rodent, to maintain its head substantially motionless during an imaging procedure using an imaging and training system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the imaging and training system includes a frame defining an enclosure for enclosing an animal therein during the imaging procedure. The frame includes a head post that is attached to the head of the animal and a treadmill having a plurality of rollers that the animal is in operative contact such that one or more of the plurality of wheels rotate when the animal is in a walking motion and stop rotating when the animal is in a substantially motionless state. This arrangement trains the animal to remain substantially motionless when disposed within an imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A medical imaging system (34) includes a memory (45) and one or more processors (60). The memory (45) stores magnetic resonance k-space data (4) and the magnetic resonance data includes non-rigid motion defects. The one or more processors (60) are configured to reconstruct (6) a first image (8) from the magnetic resonance data (4) which includes a high signal to noise ratio and motion artifacts. The one or more processors are further configured to detect and reject (10) portions of k-space (4) which include non-rigid motion defects, and reconstruct (4) a second image (16) from non-rejected portions of k-space (12) and the first image (8).

Abstract: A system for margin assessment of an ex-vivo tissue (25) is provided, including a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner (14) controlled by a control unit (12), and a tissue container (24) for holding a sample of an ex-vivo tissue (25). The MRI scanner (14) includes a coil-magnet assembly (31) including magnets (34), wherein the tissue (25), placed in the container (24), is placed under a constant static magnetic field (Bo), which is induced by the magnets (34), and the container (24) is positioned so the sensitive region is within a measured field of view (FOV) excited by one or more transmit/receive coils (38) operative to generate a time-varying RF B1 electro-magnetic field pointing towards the tissue (25), and wherein the container (24) is fixed on a moving table (40).

Abstract: A system and method for instrument placement using an image based navigation system is disclosed. A target of interest is identified in a medical image of a patient. An image plane is displayed that goes through a center of the target. The image plane has a configurable orientation. The image plane is used to select a path for an instrument from a position on the patient's skin to the center of the target. A trajectory plane is viewed from a tip of the instrument to the center of the target. The trajectory plane reflects an orientation of the instrument. A particular trajectory plane is selected that is representative of a desired orientation of the instrument. An image of the particular trajectory plane is frozen. The instrument can then be inserted using a virtual guide and is navigated toward the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating a risk map indicating predicted voxel-by-voxel probability of tissue infarction for a set of voxels, the method comprising the steps of, receiving for each voxel a first value (x) corresponding to a set of tissue marker values and generating the risk map, using a statistical model based on data from a group of subjects, and a stochastic variable, wherein the statistical model also comprises a second value (zi), being based on the stochastic variable, such as the second value modelling non-measured values. The invention may be seen as advantageous since it acknowledges subject variability in probability of tissue infarction on a voxel-by-voxel basis by taking non-measured values into account, which in turn may enable providing more reliable estimates of probability of infarction.

Abstract: An example implementation of a method for mapping tissue magnetic susceptibility includes acquiring magnetic resonance (MR) images acquired at multiple echo times, where the MR images correspond to a subject comprising at least two species of protons, and where each species has a different chemical shift in its respective resonance frequency. The method also includes determining, for each species, an estimated chemical shift value, determining an estimated map of magnetic field inhomogeneity based on the estimated chemical shift values, determining an estimated susceptibility distribution of the subject and an error of each estimated chemical shift value based on the estimated map of magnetic field inhomogeneity and prior information regarding the subject, and generating an image of the subject based on the estimated susceptibility distribution.

Abstract: A motion-corrected magnetic resonance imaging method comprises: sequentially acquiring a plurality of interleaved magnetic resonance radial acquisition datasets using a magnetic resonance scanner; reconstructing each magnetic resonance radial acquisition dataset into a corresponding image to generate a set of images, the reconstructing including expanding radial k-space lines of the magnetic resonance radial acquisition dataset into corresponding radial bands in k-space using a generalized auto-calibrating partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA) operator; selecting a reference image from the set of images; performing three-dimensional spatial registration of each image of the set of images except the reference image with respect to the reference image to generate a spatially registered set of images; and combining the spatially registered set of images to generate a motion corrected image.

Abstract: Video of one or more people is obtained and analyzed. Heart rate information is determined from the video and the heart rate information is used in mental state analysis. The heart rate information and resulting mental state analysis are correlated to stimuli, such as digital media which is consumed or with which a person interacts. The heart rate information is used to infer mental states. The mental state analysis, based on the heart rate information, can be used to optimize digital media or modify a digital game.

Abstract: A method is described for determining a phase difference map for generating image data of two different chemical substance types in a defined region of an examination object via magnetic resonance imaging measurement. First and second magnetic resonance raw echo data of the defined region is first captured at two different arbitrary echo times. First and second image data of the defined region is then reconstructed on the basis of the first and second magnetic resonance raw echo data. Candidate phase difference values are finally determined on the basis of the first and second image data for image points of the defined region using a signal model of at least one of the two chemical substance types and the phase difference map is thus created. Also described are an image processing facility and a magnetic resonance unit including the image processing facility.

Abstract: A computerized method is disclosed for detecting a brain region with neurodegenerative change and also a brain region with vascular change in the brain of a patient and also an imaging arrangement suitable for this.

Abstract: In a method and a pulse sequence determination device to determine a pulse sequence for a magnetic resonance system, control protocol parameter values are initially acquired. A determination of k-space trajectory node points within k-space then takes place in a processor on the basis of the control protocol parameter values. The determination of the pulse sequence then takes place on the basis of the k-space trajectory node points. A method for operating a magnetic resonance system uses such a pulse sequence, and a magnetic resonance system embodies such a pulse sequence determination device.

Abstract: A method for fusing information related to structural features and characteristics of a biological sample. The resulting fused image may be imported into a surgical navigation technology intra-operatively to aid in surgical interventions by co-registering the fused image with the patient's anatomical features.

Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance apparatus for automating the analysis of MR raw data representing a spectrum, at least one post-processing procedure is applied to the raw data, so as to obtain a processed spectrum. The number of numerical values depicted by the processed spectrum is lowered to a feature vector. The feature vector is allocated to one of numerous groups of known feature vectors.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of performing magnetic resonance imaging with ultra-short echo time pulse sequences includes defining short T2 threshold limits for enhancement. A multi-echo ultra-short echo time response is acquired and a complex dataset is determined based on the multi-echo ultra-short echo time response. A plurality of phase components is identified from the complex dataset, wherein each phase component is associated with a T2 relaxation time within the short T2 threshold limits. A plurality of frequency components is also identified from the complex dataset, wherein each frequency component is associated with the T2 relaxation time within the short T2 threshold limits. Next, a magnitude dataset is derived from the complex dataset and a fitting algorithm is applied to the magnitude dataset to yield a plurality of magnitude components, wherein each magnitude component is associated with the T2 relaxation time within the short T2 threshold limits.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the intravascular devices are guide wires that include a distal sensing element mounted partially within a housing and embedded and/or surrounded by a flexible adhesive. For example, in some implementations a sensing guide wire includes a flexible elongate member; a housing coupled to the flexible elongate member; a flexible element extending distally from the housing; and a sensing element coupled to the flexible elongate member such that a proximal portion of the sensing element is positioned within the housing and a distal portion of the sensing element is positioned within the flexible element. A flexible adhesive can embed or surround the distal portion of the sensing element positioned within the flexible element. Methods of making, manufacturing, and/or assembling such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.

Abstract: The multifunctional polymer nano-composite sensor system for detecting various biosignals, such as EKG, includes (1) a polymer nano-composite sensor material that is flexible, elastic, soft, and conductive, (2) a sensor material fabricated into a desired shape or form, and (3) a signal capturing interface for collecting, transmitting and processing the signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accelerated arterial spin labeling (ASL) using compressed sensing are disclosed. In one aspect, in accordance with one example embodiment, a method includes acquiring magnetic resonance data associated with an area of interest of a subject, wherein the area of interest corresponds to one or more physiological activities of the subject. The method also includes performing image reconstruction using temporally constrained compressed sensing reconstruction on at least a portion of the acquired magnetic resonance data, wherein acquiring the magnetic resonance data includes receiving data associated with ASL of the area of interest of the subject.

Abstract: An MRI apparatus includes an imaging data acquiring unit and a blood flow information generating unit. The imaging data acquiring unit acquires imaging data from an imaging region including myocardium, without using a contrast medium, by applying a spatial selective excitation pulse to a region including at least a part of an ascending aorta for distinguishably displaying inflowing blood flowing into the imaging region. The blood flow information generating unit generates blood flow image data based on the imaging data.

Abstract: An individual-characteristic prediction system obtains three-dimensional information from brain images of a subject. Further, the individual-characteristic prediction system detects characteristic values of each part of the cerebrum of the subject, and compares the detected characteristic values with stored information prepared in advance to thereby search out stored information having characteristic values similar to the detected characteristic values. Further, the individual-characteristic prediction system predicts abilities or qualities of the subject based on information about abilities or qualities of a brain having the searched out characteristic values.

Abstract: A compact battery-free event detector having a switching element, which can be remagnetized in a bistable manner by a magnet in a sensor coil which then provides an event pulse and supplies a non-volatile memory circuit with a downstream non-volatile display, is designed to detect recurring movements by virtue of the switching element being able to be moved back and forth relative to the magnet between the activation and regeneration fields of its two poles. The manual operation of an inhalation or injection piston in a medicament dispenser can therefore be detected, in particular, and a dose of medicament, for instance, can be monitored thereby. The display is preferably created using e-paper or e-ink technology which, like the memory circuit which is operated only sporadically, obtains its energy needed to change the indication from the event pulse from the sensor coil.

Abstract: A system for cardiac MR imaging receives a heart rate signal representing heart electrical activity. The system, over multiple successive heart cycles, uses multiple MR imaging RF coils in gradient echo imaging a patient heart, synchronized with the heart rate signal and uses an inversion recovery pulse for inverting myocardium tissue MR signal for an individual heart cycle, to acquire, within multiple individual successive portions of an individual heart cycle, corresponding successive multiple patient heart images. An individual image of an individual heart cycle portion is derived from multiple heart image representative data sets comprising a reduced set of k-space data elements acquired using corresponding multiple coils of the RF imaging coils. An image generator generates an MR image of an individual heart cycle portion using the multiple heart image representative data sets comprising the reduced set of k-space data elements.

Abstract: The identification and determination of aspects of the construction of a patient's heart is important for cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in the diagnosis, analysis, treatment, and management of cardiac patients. For example minimally invasive heart surgery demands knowledge of heart geometry, heart fiber orientation, etc. While medical imaging has advanced significantly the accurate three dimensional (3D) rendering from a series of imaging slices remains a critical step in the planning and execution of patient treatment. Embodiments of the invention construct using diffuse MRI data 3D renderings from iterating connections forms derived from arbitrary smooth frame fields to not only corroborate biological measurements of heart fiber orientation but also provide novel biological views in respect of heart fiber orientation etc.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for obtaining a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image of a subject. Typically, MRI image processing that incorporates fat suppression takes a large amount of time to complete. According to various aspects, image processing that incorporates fat suppression may be postponed until MRI data is repeatedly obtained. By doing so, for example, more MRI data may be obtained during a time period of a heartbeat.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging, a flip angle and/or inversion time of a spectrum suppression pulse is calculated according to a steady state condition of a longitudinal magnetization component of a spectrum composition suppressed by the spectrum suppression pulse and a zero crossing point condition of the longitudinal magnetization component. Raw magnetic resonance image data are acquired by applying a magnetic resonance imaging sequence that includes the spectrum suppression pulse provided with the flip angle and/or the inversion time.

Abstract: A medical nuclear imaging system (10) and corresponding method (100) are provided. A plurality of pixels (20, 24) detect radiation events and estimate the energy of the detected radiation events. A memory (58) stores a plurality of energy windows (44), the energy windows corresponding to the pixels. An event verification module (56) windows the radiation event with the energy windows corresponding to the detecting pixels. A reconstruction processor (60) reconstructs the windowed radiation events into an image representation.

Abstract: In order to prevent quenching caused accidentally in a superconducting magnet, an MRI apparatus vibrates the superconducting magnet in order to prevent quenching of the superconducting magnet in a time period for which a predetermined imaging sequence is not executed (step 210). As a specific method, a gradient magnetic field may be generated by a gradient magnetic field coil for an imaging sequence of the MRI apparatus, or a gradient magnetic field may be generated using a gradient magnetic field coil for vibration provided apart from the gradient magnetic field coil for an imaging sequence. In addition, in a period for which the predetermined imaging sequence is not executed, a phantom may be imaged to prevent the quenching of the superconducting magnet.

Abstract: A method for non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (“MRA”) that has a short scan time and is insensitive to patient motion is provided. More particularly, the method provides significant arterial conspicuity and substantial venous signal suppression. A two-dimensional single shot acquisition is employed and timed to occur a specific time period after the occurrence of an R-wave in a contemporaneously recorded electrocardiogram. In this manner, k-space data is acquired that is substantially insensitive to variations in arterial flow velocity, or heart rate, and that further substantially suppresses unwanted venous signal in a prescribed imaging slice.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for providing blood flow information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system including a touchscreen. The at least one computer system may be configured to display, on the touchscreen, a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of an anatomical structure of the patient based on patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may also be configured to receive a first input relating to a first location on the touchscreen indicated by at least one pointing object controlled by a user, and the first location on the touchscreen may indicate a first location on the displayed three-dimensional model. The at least one computer system may be further configured to display first information on the touchscreen, and the first information may indicate a blood flow characteristic at the first location.

Abstract: The method and system for correcting motion-induced phase errors in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) use a phase shift of the non-phase encoded reference echo-signal accumulated during the diffusion-weighting in order to characterize bulk motion and tissue deformation and to compensate their effect for correcting the diffusion/perfusion-weighted image. The sequences unbalanced with respect to the first motion derivative are used for distinguishing the perfusion component. The MRI apparatus provides additional excitation resonance-frequency ranges for forming the reference echo signals.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for acquiring a medical image of a portion of a vascular structure of a subject using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. At least one radio frequency (RF) saturation pulse is applied to a selected region of a subject that is free of exogenous contrast agents using the MRI system to saturate spins of all tissues within the selected region. A delay time is selected to allow an inflow of unsaturated vascular spins that are free of influence from exogenous contrast agent into the selected region through vascular structures within the selected region. A sparse dataset is formed from a series of spatially-encoded views from the selected region using an undersampled radial k-space trajectory in which the center of k-space is sampled for each view in the series of spatially-encoded views. An image of the vascular structures within the selected region is reconstructed from the sparse dataset.

Abstract: In the non-contrast 3D angiography, degradation of image quality caused by change of the cardiac cycle and degradation of image quality depending on the blood flow direction are prevented to provide an MRA image of favorable image quality, which is useful for diagnosis. A pulse sequence of the multi echo type for performing sampling of three-dimensional k-space data in a circular or elliptical shape is employed as the imaging sequence, and gated imaging based on body motion information is performed. Heart rate is monitored during the imaging, delay time DT from a gating signal and data acquisition time AT determined according to the cardiac cycle are calculated, and according to these imaging parameters, sampling trajectory and echo train number of the circular sampling are controlled.

Abstract: In a magnetic (MR) method and apparatus to generate an MR angiography image of a vascular structure of an examination region, spins in the examination region are saturated by an RF saturation pulse to cause these spins to produce a lower signal intensity in the angiography image than spins that flow from a major artery via a feed artery into the examination region, which are not saturated by the RF saturation pulse. A saturation volume is established that is saturated by the RF saturation pulse in order to be able to depict substantially all the vascular structure, such that the major artery and the tissue surrounding the major artery are not situated at the level of the branching of the feed artery in the saturation volume. The MR angiography image is generated using the established saturation volume.

Abstract: Featured are a device with localized sensitivity to magnetic resonance signals, an imaging system using such a device and MRI methods for performing internal MRI or MRI Endoscopy. Such an MRI method includes introducing an MRI antenna or probe into the specimen to be imaged, the antenna being configured in accordance with the devices described herein, so that the spatial coordinate frame of imaging is inherently locked or defined with respect to the introduced antenna thereby providing imaging of the specimen from the point of view of the antenna. Further such imaging is conducted so that the MRI signal is confined substantially to a volume with respect to a particular region of the antenna or probe.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for evaluating an examination of an examination object using a medical imaging device by way of an evaluation unit. The method includes reading in an examination data set of the examination object; assigning a reference data set to the read-in examination data set, the reference data set comprising at least one reference region; selecting at least one reference region; assigning at least one examination region of the examination data set to the at least one reference region; and marking the at least one examination region in at least one image of the examination data set. In an advantageous embodiment, the marking of the at least one examination region includes a marking tolerance and a segmentation of the at least one examination region on at least one image of the examination data set, and the segmentation depends on the medical imaging device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to acquire imaging and non-imaging datasets from like objects. A linkage is found using a partial least squares (PLS) technique between imaging and non-imaging datasets. The linkage is then reduced to an expression of a single numerical assessment. The single numerical assessment is then used as an objective, quantified assessment of the differences and similarities between the objects. The data each dataset can be aspects of performance, physical characteristics, or measurements of appearance.

Abstract: Distortion correction is provided in magnetic resonance imaging. Distortions in one volume are corrected using another volume. The isocenter of the other volume is nearer to an edge of the one volume than the isocenter of the one volume. Using data registration, the other volume is used to correct distortions in the one volume. The other volume may be acquired in little time relative to the acquisition of the one volume by having a smaller field of view, lower resolution, and/or smaller signal-to-noise ratio. The other volume may be a connecting volume for correcting distortions in two volumes to be composed together.

Abstract: A spine implant includes an insert positioned between facets of a zygapophyseal joint. In various embodiments, the insert is configured to exert a distraction force on one or more facets of the zygapophyseal joint. The insert may comprise one or more members having one or more opposing facet interfacing portions. A securing member is configured to interface with the insert to secure the facets.

Abstract: A device for planning a neuromodulation therapy, whereby the device comprises receiving means to receive brain default mode network data of a patient, template means comprising a template brain default mode network data, normalizing means being configured such that normalized patient brain default mode network data can be prepared on the basis on the received brain default mode network data and the template brain default mode network data, storage means comprising a brain default mode network database and comparison means configured such that the normalized patient brain default mode network data and the data contained in the brain default mode network database can be compared.

Abstract: MRI guided cardiac interventional systems are configured to generate dynamic (interactive) visualizations of patient anatomy and medical devices during an MRI-guided procedure and may also include at least one user selectable 3-D volumetric (tissue characterization) map of target anatomy, e.g., a defined portion of the heart.

Abstract: Method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a field of view. Selection coils/magnets generate a magnetic selection field and drive coils generate a magnetic drive field for moving a field-free point along a predetermined trajectory through the field of view, changing the magnetization of the magnetic material locally. The drive field comprises a time-dependent oscillating drive field current per drive field coil having one or more individual oscillating frequencies and one or more individual current amplitudes and being generated by a corresponding drive field voltage generated by a superposition of a number of drive field voltage components including a drive field voltage component per drive field coil, wherein a drive field voltage component corresponding to a drive field coil comprises one or more sub-components, each having an individual voltage amplitude and having the same individual oscillating frequency as the respective drive field current of said particular drive field coil.

Abstract: An organ evaluation device, system, or method is configured to receive electrophysiological data from a patient or model organism and integrates the data in a computational backend environment with anatomical data input from an external source, spanning a plurality of file formats, where the input parameters are combined to visualize and output current density and/or current flow activity having ampere-based units displayed in the spatial context of heart or other organ anatomy.

Abstract: In order to acquire an image with enhanced contrast between a fluid portion and a stationary portion without extending the imaging time even when an IR pulse is used as an RF pre-pulse, the RF pre-pulse is applied to a region upstream of an imaging region so as to excite longitudinal magnetization of the fluid portion in a negative direction, an echo signal is measured from the imaging region, and an image with enhanced contrast of the fluid portion with respect to the stationary portion is acquired on the basis of phase information of an image reconstructed by using the echo signal.

Abstract: A method of magnetic resolution (MR) imaging of a moving portion of a body of a patient placed in an examination volume of a MR device. For the purpose of enabling improved interventional MR imaging from acquiring a MR signal data with motion compensation, the invention proposes that the method includes repeated acts of collecting tracking data from an interventional instrument introduced into the portion of the body, subjecting the portion of the body to an imaging sequence for acquiring one or more MR signals therefrom, wherein parameters of the imaging sequence are adjusted on the basis of the tracking data, and reconstructing one or more MR images from the MR signal data set.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for a medical imaging apparatus includes a base unit and a table, wherein the table is designed so as to be movable relative to the base unit. A position detection apparatus detects a position of the table relative to the base unit, wherein the position detection apparatus has an optical sensor unit which includes a fiber optic element and a punched tape mask. The punched tape mask is movable relative to the optical sensor unit. Optical signals are transmitted via the fiber optic element.

Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus for determination of movement of an examination subject during the acquisition of (MR) measurement data using at least two antenna elements that exhibit respectively different spatial positions, after each radiated excitation pulse a navigator signal is acquired in the measurement data and movement of the examination subject between two excitation pulses during the acquisition of the measurement data is determined from a change of the signal strength of the navigator signal in the at least two antenna elements and based on the respective spatial positions of the antenna elements.

Abstract: An image processing system according to an embodiment includes an image storage device and a playing control device. The image storage device stores four-dimensional data that is a sequential volume data group chronologically acquired and control information for controlling playing of the four-dimensional data. The playing control device acquires the sequential volume data group and the control information from the image storage device and successively plays the sequential volume data group according to the control information. The control information contains identification information that identifies that data is volume data that belongs to the sequential volume data group acquired chronologically and identification information that identifies that volume data that is used as a reference for successive playing from among the sequential volume data group is reference volume data.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for measuring biological tissue parameters using restriction spectrum magnetic resonance imaging. In one aspect, a method of characterizing a biological structure includes determining individual diffusion signals from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data in a set of MRI images that include diffusion weighting conditions (e.g.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and a mechanism for manipulating images generated by radiotherapy machines used in radiation diagnostic and treatment applications. In one embodiment, a method is provided for intelligent automatic propagation of real-time alterations across graphical structures of an image by mapping the relativity between the structures; determining the correlation between the structures and a manually edited structure; referencing a deformation map that maps a correspondence for each point in the original structure with a point in the edited structure and applying a similar relative change throughout the remaining structures in the image.

Abstract: A method of processing breathing signals of a subject includes obtaining breathing signals of a subject, obtaining a signal-phase histogram using the breathing signals, wherein the signal-phase histogram comprises a plurality of data points, each of the data points having at least a phase value and a signal value, determining a reference value using at least some of the plurality of data points from the signal-phase histogram, determining whether a difference between the reference value and a signal value that is associated with a current respiratory cycle exceeds a threshold, and generating an output when the difference exceeds the threshold. A method of predicting breathing signal is also provided.