Abstract: Appropriate processing is executed in a method for excluding body motion data and image reconstruction according to a type and a characteristic of a body motion, so as to reduce an influence of the body motion, and prevent deterioration of image quality caused by exclusion of data generated during the body motion. An MRI apparatus includes a processing determination unit that collects k-space data and acquires body motion information from a sensor capable of detecting not only a respiratory motion but also general body motions, analyzes the body motion information obtained by the sensor, and branches and executes processing for subsequent data collection and image reconstruction according to the analysis result.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of MR imaging of an object positioned in an examination volume of a MR device (1). It is an object of the invention to enable efficient silent ZTE imaging with self-refocusing. The method of the invention comprises the steps of:—specification of a set of radial k-space spokes to cover a spherical k-space volume;—selection of subsets of a predetermined number of spokes from the specified set so that the concatenation of the spokes contained in each of the subsets forms a closed trajectory in k-space, wherein the selection of the subsets involves optimizing a cost function;—subjecting the object (10) to a zero echo time imaging sequence, wherein each of the subsets of spokes is acquired as a sequence of gradient echo signals; and—reconstructing an MR image from the acquired spokes. Moreover, the invention relates to a MR device and to a computer program for a MR device.

Abstract: A device (10) for measuring respiration of a patient includes a positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging device (12). At least one electronic processor (16) is programmed to: extract a first respiration data signal (32) from emission imaging data of a patient acquired by the PET or SPECT imaging device; extract a second respiration data signal (36) from a photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal of the patient; and combine the first and second extracted respiration data signals to generate a respiration signal (40) indicative of respiration of the patient.

Abstract: The invention features a prospective respiratory motion compensation technique for cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging of the whole-heart of a free-breathing subject.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of reconstructing a motion-compensated magnetic resonance image uses raw k-space data acquired at a first resolution over successive respiratory and/or cardiac cycles of a patient. After binning data based on corresponding motion states derived from these cycles, the resolution of the binned K-space data in each bin is reduced. This is done by selecting a sub-group of binned k-space data. Bin images are reconstructed from the reduced-resolution data, and histogram-equalised versions of the reconstructed reduced-resolution bin image generated for each bin. Motion fields are estimated and interpolated to the first resolution such that motion data can be incorporated into a final reconstruction of a motion compensated image.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for MR T1 mapping. A method may include obtaining at least three images of a subject acquired within an inversion recovery (IR) process, each image of the at least three images being acquired within a cardiac cycle during a breath-hold of the subject; and determining a T1 map of the subject based on the at least three images acquired within the IR process and a trained model.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring a current respiratory curve of a patient with regard to a recording region which is imaged by magnetic resonance scanning. The method includes acquiring a reference respiratory curve of the patient over a plurality of respiratory cycles; establishing a respiration state of the patient that is suitable for the magnetic resonance scanning based on the reference respiratory curve; determining at least one reference recording time window and a trigger threshold value for starting a magnetic resonance scan based on the previously determined respiration state; carrying out at least one magnetic resonance scan within the determined reference recording time window of the current respiratory curve using the trigger threshold value; and continually acquiring and monitoring the current respiratory curve during the magnetic resonance scan in the reference recording time window.

Abstract: A method for correcting a magnetic resonance imaging error using a heart rate interval may include: measuring T1 of a stand-alone phantom for correcting the error; obtaining a T1 map generated by mapping a recovery time according to a reference recovery rate of protons in heart tissues of a subject inverted by a radio frequency (RF) pulse in pixel units into a two-dimensional space; calculating a correction function based on the measured T1 of the phantom; and correcting an error of the T1 map based on the calculated correction function.

Abstract: A method for determining a saturation pulse for suppressing signals from unwanted areas in the context of acquiring measurement data from a target volume of an object under examination by means of a magnetic resonance system, includes: loading the characteristics of the unwanted areas from which signals are to be suppressed; determining area saturation pulses for signal suppression in each of the unwanted areas; and determining a saturation pulse for signal suppression in all the unwanted areas on the basis of the area saturation pulses determined.

Abstract: A microwave bridge circuit routes a transmission signal from a transmitter to a resonator and forwards the reception signal generated in the resonator to a receiver. It includes two electrical lines connected in parallel at a first circuit point TX, where the transmission signal is divided. The first electrical line has an attenuator for attenuating a first transmission signal portion. The second electrical line carries a second transmission signal portion and connects to the resonator at a second circuit point R, which divides it between section L1, which runs from TX to R, and section L2, which runs from R to a third circuit point RX. The length of the sections L1 and L2 corresponds to an odd integer multiple of one quarter of the wavelength of the transmission signal, and the divided transmission signal portions are combined at RX, where the reception signal is forwarded to the receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for incremental motion correction in medical imaging. The apparatus for motion correction in magnetic resonance imaging includes processing circuitry configured to estimate an intermediate image from a first section of k-space, the first section of the k-space corresponding to acquisition time points within a magnetic resonance scan of a subject, the corresponding acquisition time points within the magnetic resonance scan being associated with shots of the k-space determined to have minimal motion, estimate motion parameters of a second section of the k-space using the estimated intermediate image, combine data from the first section of the k-space with data from the second section of the k-space according to the estimated motion parameters, and reconstruct the combined data of the k-space to generate a final image.

Abstract: In a method and system for reducing motion artifacts in magnetic resonance image data, a scout scan (e.g. a three-dimensional (3D) scout scan) of the region of the patient is performed, a magnetic resonance (MR) measurement of the region of the patient is performed to acquire two-dimensional (2D) MR image data of the region of the patient, and motion correction is performed on the acquired 2D MR image data based on the scout scan to generate corrected MR image data. The motion correction technique advantageously reduces an influence of a patient motion on the magnetic resonance image data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a signal processing apparatus that is configured to be connected to an imaging apparatus includes: a memory configured to store a predetermined program; and processing circuitry configured, by executing the predetermined program, to detect respective peaks of a plurality of biological signals related to heartbeat of plural leads, calculate difference in peak time between the plurality of biological signals, and detect a specific waveform included in the plurality of biological signals based on the difference in peak time.

Abstract: In a method of performing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, an MR apparatus, and a computer-readable medium during a first cardiac cycle of a subject, a first imaging sequence is generated for application to a subject. The first imaging sequence has a preparatory pulse and an inversion recovery pulse following the preparatory pulse. First signals emitted from the subject in response to the first imaging sequence are detected, and first image data are generated based on the first signals. During a second cardiac cycle following the first cardiac cycle, a second imaging sequence is generated for application to the subject. The second imaging sequence has a preparatory pulse. Second signals emitted from the subject in response to the second imaging sequence are detected, and second image data are generated based on the second signals.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a magnetic resonance (MR) image of a subject include acquiring a first physiological monitoring signal related to a first physiological process of the subject and acquiring a second physiological monitoring signal related to a second physiological process of the subject. The method also includes analyzing the first physiological monitoring signal and the second physiological monitoring signal to identify at least a first trigger point and a second trigger point and, upon identifying the first trigger point, applying a radiofrequency (RF) saturation module at a selected frequency to saturate a selected spin species in the subject. Upon identifying the second trigger point, the method includes performing a chemical exchange striation transfer (CEST) readout to acquire CEST data and then reconstructing the CEST data to produce a CEST image of the subject.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an imaging device for generating a motion-compensated image of a target object. The disclosure further relates to a corresponding computer program and a computer-readable storage medium. In the method, a reference image is generated from projection images of a target object. Furthermore, a motion field which characterizes a motion of the target object shown is determined iteratively. In each case, after a predetermined number of iterative acts, the existing reference image is replaced by a provisional motion-compensated image, which is then used for the further iteration. The initial reference image is generated without using a synchronization or gating-signal that characterizes a motion of the target object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating magnetic susceptibility of a patient through continuous motion in an MRI scanner are provided herein. In one or more examples, during the collection of data, the patient can be instructed to move their head or other part of the body in a continuous manner and for a fixed duration of time. During the fixed duration of time, magnitude a data from the RF signal can be received by one or more RF coils can be collected. The received and undersampled magnitude data can be converted to phase data which can then be converted to magnetic susceptibility. Thus magnetic susceptibility can be determined while allowing for continuous motion during the MRI scan, which can be more comfortable and feasible for the patient in contrast to techniques that require the patient to hold their body at a particular orientation in the scanner for a fixed duration of time.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus performs automatic positioning with high accuracy within a short time with respect to tissues having a complicated anatomic structure. First measurement of scout imaging is executed before main imaging for acquiring a diagnosis image, and one-dimensional or two-dimensional measurement data is acquired. The right and left of a subject is determined by using the measurement data acquired in the first measurement. A cross-section position in second measurement of the scout imaging is calculated by using a determination result in the right and left determination and the measurement data acquired in the first measurement, the second measurement at the cross-section position is executed, and two-dimensional measurement data is acquired. A cross-section position in the main imaging is calculated by using the two-dimensional measurement data acquired in the second measurement.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a computer implemented method for magnetic resonance imaging. The method includes: receiving at least a first and a second subset of k-space data as radio frequency signals emitted from excited hydrogen atoms of a subject; sampling the first and second subset of k-space data; choosing the first subset of k-space data as a base subset of k-space data; estimating motion parameters of the second subset of k-space data against the base subset of k-space data; and correcting the second subset of k-space data based on the estimated motion parameters of the second subset of k-space data. The motion parameters of the second subset of k-space data are parameters of a non-linear motion estimating function representing a motion of the subject between receiving the first subset of k-space data and receiving the second subset of k-space data.

Abstract: A method for determining time periods of minimal motion of a physiologic organ includes monitoring a physiologic triggering signal associated with a patient and using an MRI cine pulse sequence to acquire a temporal series of projections of the organ. The temporal series is analyzed to determine times relative to a physiologic triggering signal during which motion of the organ is below a threshold. Motion is assessed by first creating a signal intensity versus time curve of one pixel or an average of multiple pixels included in the temporal series. A noise filter and normalization is applied to the signal intensity versus time curve to yield a filtered and normalized time curve. The temporal derivative of the filtered and normalized time curve is determined. The absolute value of the motion-analog function is evaluated for being smaller than the threshold to determine the times where motion is below the threshold.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sensor control support apparatus includes: a sensor selector configured to, based on measurement data of a plurality of sensors for at least one monitoring target and state data indicating an state of the at least one monitoring target, select a sensor to be used for state prediction of the monitoring target from among the plurality of sensors; and a sensor controller configured to control the plurality of sensors based on a selection result of the sensor selector.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for implementing a sparse sampling strategy for acquiring MRI data. A method includes: collecting and labeling a training dataset of MRI scans for a predetermined diagnostic; selecting a sampling shape and associated parameter values; sampling each MRI scan in the training data set using the sampling shape and associated parameter values to generate a set of sparse samples; training a neural network using the sparse samples and assigning an accuracy to a resulting trained neural network; and adjusting the associated parameter values, and repeating the sampling and training until optimized parameter values are established.

Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus for acquisition of MR data from a patient in a breath-hold examination an instruction is provided to the patient to hold his/her breath, and the acquisition of MR measurement data is started. A breathing curve is recorded at least after the output of the instruction to the patient. A next-breath time is determined based on the recorded breathing curve. At least one final MR measurement data set is created based on the acquired MR measurement data, depending on the detected next-breath time. Image data are reconstructed from the at least one final MR measurement data set.

Abstract: A medical apparatus according to an embodiment includes an acquirer and a selector. The acquirer is configured to acquire fluoroscopic images of an object captured in time series. The selector is configured to select reference images which include fluoroscopic images corresponding to a maximum exhalation position and a maximum inhalation position of the object from the plurality of fluoroscopic images acquired by the acquirer.

Abstract: In a method and medical imaging apparatus for providing a range of potential parameters that can be used for recording a future medical image data set, an algorithm is provided to a computer for performing a quantitative analysis of the future medical image data set. The computer is also provided with patient information specifying a status of a patient. In order to reduce a probability of an invalid quantitative analysis, the range of potential parameters is set in the computer by performing the quantitative analysis depending on the patient information.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing medical images includes acquiring image data of an object; generating first medical image frames of the object based on the image data; selecting, from among the first medical image frames, second medical image frames corresponding to points of time that have the same electrocardiogram (ECG) signal information of the object; generating a panoramic image by synthesizing the second medical image frames; and displaying the panoramic image on a display.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes sequence control circuitry and processing circuitry. The sequence control circuitry performs first data acquisition in a full k-space and performs a plurality of second data acquisition in partial k-spaces, each of the partial k-spaces being smaller than the entirety of the full k-space. The processing circuitry generates an image, based on data acquired from the first data acquisition and a plurality of pieces of data acquired from the plurality of second data acquisition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for suppressing background in time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are disclosed. An exemplary method includes obtaining a first TOF image through a high-resolution acquisition with a saturation band on one side of an imaging slab, obtaining a second TOF image through a low-resolution acquisition with two saturation bands on both sides of the imaging slab, and subtracting the second TOF image from the first TOF image to obtaining a subtraction TOF image. Post processing such as maximum intensity projection (MIP) is performed on the subtraction TOF image.

Abstract: Disclosed is an audio-headset for acquisition of a bio-signal from a subject, including a first earpiece; a second earpiece; an arch connecting the first earpiece and the second earpiece; the arch including a hub (4); wherein the arch, the first earpiece and the second earpiece are configured so that the earpieces are placed over a subject's ears when the audio headset is worn by the subject; and at least one posterior branch (1) having a first end extending from the hub and a second free end; the at least one posterior branch (1) including a concave surface with a radius of curvature, a collapsed state when the headset is not worn by the subject and an expanded state when the headset is worn by the subject.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting, timing, and adapting to patient motion during an MR scan includes using the inconsistencies between calculated images from different coil-array elements to detect the presence of patient motion and, together with the k-space scan-order information, determine the timing of the motion during the scan. Once the timing is known, various actions may be taken, including restarting the scan, reacquiring those portions of k-space acquired before the movement, or correcting for the motion using the existing data and reconstructing a motion-corrected image from the data.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores processor-executable instructions that cause the processor to perform an application region scan for acquiring data on an area covering a diaphragm in order to position an application region of a motion detection pulse and a multi-slice scan for acquiring first multi-slice data on an area covering a heart; and acquire a slice image of the heart that is positioned using the first multi-slice data, with application of the motion detection pulse. In acquiring the slice image, when breathing motion of a subject is continuously out of an allowable range for a given period, the processor corrects a position of the application region by calculation using the second multi-slice data acquired by performing the multi-slice scan again and a positional relationship obtained by the application region scan and the multi-slice scan.

Abstract: MR image data corresponds to physiological signals. First image data is acquired by the magnetic resonance tomograph. Physiological signal data is acquired, and the first image data is provided with first meta data and the physiological signal data with second meta data. The meta data enables a temporal association to the instant of acquisition and the first image data. The physiological signal data is transmitted to an evaluation computer.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, the present technique finds a diagnostic scan timing for a non-static object (e.g., a heart or other dynamic object undergoing motion) from raw scan data, as opposed to reconstructed image data. To find the scan timing, a monitoring scan of a patient's heart is performed. In the monitoring scan, the patient dose may be limited or minimized. As the projection data is acquired during such a monitoring scan, the projection data may be subjected to sinogram analysis in a concurrent or real-time manner to determine when to start (or trigger) the diagnostic scan.

Abstract: Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) systems and methods for transcutaneous oxygen monitoring (TCOM) and subcutaneous oxygen monitoring (SCOM) are provided herein. Optionally, the EPR systems provided herein can be portable and/or handheld to facilitate EPR oximetry in clinical environments.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is disclosed. The image processing apparatus of the present invention comprises: an image receiving unit for receiving a first image and a second image of the same object taken at different times; a processor for obtaining transformation information by registering the first image on the basis of the second image, obtaining a first segment image corresponding to an area of the object from the first image, and generating a second segment image corresponding to an area of the object of the second image by transforming the obtained first segment image according to the transformation information; and an output unit for outputting the second segment image.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for in-vivo assessment of the location and extent of blood flow stasis regions inside a cardiac chamber or blood vessel and systems for performing the methods. The disclosure provides methods for assessing risk of intracardiac or intravascular thrombus or of embolism originating in a cardiac chamber or vessel, and methods for assessing the need for and/or optimization of cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: A method of imaging motion of an organ that changes volume in a patient including the steps of monitoring change in volume of the organ, and recording multiple in vivo images of the organ, wherein the change of organ volume between the images is constant or of some other predetermined value.

Abstract: Controlling a multi-device module includes a physiological sensor configured to sense physiological characteristics of a subject and generate a signal indicative of an instantaneous physiological state. A first device is configured to generate a first signal indicative of an operating state of the first device. A second device is configured to generate a second signal indicative of an operating state of the second device. A remote-control device includes a repository for storing computer executable files aggregated from a plurality of changing private networks. The remote-control device includes an electronic record (ER) client to make a wireless connection with each of the private networks and to query ER database associated with the private networks for electronic records residing within the private networks.

Abstract: A dynamic analysis system includes a diagnostic console which calculates at least one index value representing variation in a target portion of a human body from at least one dynamic image acquired by performing radiographic imaging to a subject containing the target portion, and evaluates flexibility of the target portion based on the calculated index value.

Abstract: A method for performing 3D body imaging includes performing a 3D MRI acquisition of a patient to acquire k-space data and dividing the k-space data into k-space data bins. Each bin includes a portion of the k-space data corresponding to a distinct breathing phase. 3D image sets are reconstructed from the bins, with each 3D image set corresponding to a distinct k-space data bin. For each bin other than a selected reference bin, forward and inverse transforms are calculated between the 3D image set corresponding to the bin and the 3D image set corresponding to the reference bin. Then, a motion corrected and averaged image is generated for each bin by (a) aligning the 3D image set from each other bin to the 3D image set corresponding to the bin using the transforms, and (b) averaging the aligned 3D image sets to yield the motion corrected and averaged image.

Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus for simultaneous multi-contrast recording, at least two different slices are repeatedly excited to generate echo signals of the respective slices, and the echo signals are recorded as scan data. In one repetition of the excitation and recording, one of the at least two slices is excited using desired first contrasting scan parameters for generating scan data weighted with a first contrast, and at least one other of the at least two slices is excited using desired second contrasting scan parameters for generating scan data weighted with a second contrast. The repetitions are repeated using the different desired first and second contrasting parameters, so that in each repetition, scan data of one slice weighted according to a first contrast and scan data from another slice weighted according to a second contrast are recorded and stored as scan data sets.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for performing a magnetic resonance imaging scan of a patient. For example, a method of performing a magnetic resonance imaging scan on a patient can include monitoring a physiological signal level of the patient, analyzing the monitored physiological signal level, and providing instructions to the patient and/or changing the environmental conditions exposed to the patient. The instructions and/or the change of the environmental conditions of the patient can be based on the monitored physiological signal level. The instructions can include an acoustic command and/or a visual command. The changing of the environmental conditions can include visual simulation, acoustic stimulation and/or air conditioning change.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a corresponding method useful for electron paramagnetic resonance imaging, in situ and in vivo, using high-isolation transmit/receive (TX/RX) coils, which, in some embodiments, provide microenvironmental images that are representative of particular internal structures in the human body and spatially resolved images of tissue/cell protein signals responding to conditions (such as hypoxia) that show the temporal sequence of certain biological processes, and, in some embodiments, that distinguish malignant tissue from healthy tissue. In some embodiments, the TX/RX coils are in a surface, volume or surface-volume configuration.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for processing movement signals detected during a magnetic resonance scan of a patient, and to a corresponding magnetic resonance device and a computer program product. According to the method, RF pulses are generated by a RF transmitting unit of a magnetic resonance device in order to excite nuclear spins in the body of the patient. Magnetic resonance signals are generated by the excited nuclear spins. For spatial encoding of the magnetic resonance signals, gradient pulses are generated by a gradient coil unit of the magnetic resonance device. The magnetic resonance signals are detected by a RF receiving unit of the magnetic resonance device. Furthermore, movement signals of the patient are detected by a movement detection unit during detection of the magnetic resonance signals, and these are processed by a processing unit.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance apparatus and a method for operating the MR apparatus to acquire MR data in a single scan with different contrasts, nuclear spins in multiple slices of an examination subject are simultaneously excited in a single scan, with a simultaneous multi-slice acquisition sequence, in which a radio-frequency multi-band binomial pulse is radiated.

Abstract: A method for non-contrast enhanced 4D time resolved dynamic magnetic resonance angiography using arterial spin labeling of blood water as an endogenous tracer and a multiphase balanced steady state free precession readout is presented. Imaging can be accelerated with dynamic golden angle radial acquisitions and k-space weighted imaging contrast (KWIC) image reconstruction and it can be used with parallel imaging techniques. Quantitative tracer kinetic models can be formed allowing cerebral blood volume, cerebral blood flow and mean transit time to be estimated. Vascular compliance can also be assessed using 4D dMRA by synchronizing dMRA acquisitions with the systolic and diastolic phases of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The disclosed MRI system includes a system controller capable of separately acquiring MR image signals of different elements existing in an object. The system controller includes a first system controller capable of acquiring an MR signal of a first element, and a second system controller capable of acquiring an MR signal of a second element different from the first element. The first system controller and the second system controller are physically separated. The first system controller and the second system controller control a first radio frequency (RF) coil element and a second RF coil element of an RF coil, respectively.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to acquiring magnetic resonance (MR) images with suppressed residual blood signal in the early cardiac phases, leading to images with a preferred dark-blood appearance throughout the entire cardiac cycle, which improves accuracy of subsequent post-processing algorithms. The acquisition of the desired blood suppressed tissue images is achieved through a double inversion recovery pulse in DENSE sequences. The double inversion recovery pulse is applied after an electrocardiogram (ECG) trigger at a beginning point of a repetition time period, followed by a displacement encoding module at an inversion time during the repetition time period and a readout module comprised of a plurality of frames during a remainder of the repetition time period. The displacement encoding module applies a labelling process on the tissue, while the readout module applies an un-labelling process. The readout module comprises an imaging sequence adapted to acquire DENSE images.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to adaptive radiotherapy planning are provided. In some aspects, provided system and method include producing synthetic images from magnetic resonance data using relaxometry maps. The method includes applying corrections to the data and generating relaxometry maps therefrom. In other aspects, a method for adapting a radiotherapy plan is provided. The method includes determining an objective function based on dose gradients from an initial dose distribution, and generating an optimized plan based on updated images, using aperture morphing and gradient maintenance algorithms without need for organ-at-risk contouring.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that measures the modulus of elasticity of a vascular wall, wherein only M-mode images for heartbeats necessary for the measurement are displayed. The problem is solved by, when freeze is implemented during a B/M-mode display, displaying an M-mode image after discarding a heartbeat at the time of freeze and possibly also a heartbeat immediately before freeze.