With Triggering Or Gating Device Patents (Class 600/413)
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Patent number: 10293182Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2018Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: The Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc.Inventors: X. Allen Li, Eric S. Paulson, Ergun Ahunbay, Cun-geng Yang, Vern Hart
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Patent number: 10226233Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2013Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Masafumi Noguchi, Yukiya Miyachi
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Patent number: 10219722Abstract: An apparatus (300, 400, 500) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system (302), the magnetic resonance imaging system comprising: a magnet (306) adapted for generating a magnetic field for orientating the magnetic spins of nuclei of a subject (310) located within an imaging volume (308); a radio frequency transceiver (320) adapted for acquiring magnetic resonance data (346) using a radio frequency coil (318); a computer system (336) comprising a processor (338), wherein the computer system is adapted for controlling the apparatus; and a memory (342, 344) containing machine readable instructions (354, 356, 358, 360, 362), wherein execution of the instructions cause the processor to perform the steps of: acquiring (100, 204) magnetic resonance data using the magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein the magnetic resonance data comprises transverse relaxometry data, and calculating (102, 206) the temperature of the subject within a temperature measurement volume (332) in accordance with the transverse relaxoType: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventor: Jukka Ilmari Tanttu
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Patent number: 10188361Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing a multi-modality visualization of a patient includes receiving one or more image datasets. Each image dataset corresponds to a distinct image modality. The image datasets are segmented into a plurality of anatomical objects. A list of clinical tasks associated with displaying the one or more image datasets are received. A machine learning model is used to determine visualization parameters for each anatomical object based on the list of clinical tasks. Then, a synthetic display of the image datasets is created by presenting each anatomical object according to its corresponding visualization parameters.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Bernhard Geiger, Shaohua Kevin Zhou, Carol L. Novak, Daguang Xu, David Liu
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Patent number: 10145927Abstract: The present invention provides a method for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of a region of interest (142) of a subject of interest (120) under application of a scanning sequence (200) comprising at least one pre-pulse (202, 204) and multiple readouts (206), whereby the multiple readouts (206) are performed after the at least one pre-pulse (202, 204) with different configurations causing different image contrasts, comprising the steps of performing a preparation phase comprising applying at least one scanning sequence (200) to provide a set of reference readouts (206) using the different configurations, and generating a set of navigator images (210) with one navigator image (210) of the region of interest (142) for each configuration of the reference readouts (206), performing an examination phase comprising applying at least one scanning sequence (200), whereby at least one image (212) of the region of interest (142) is generated for each scanning sequence (200), determining motion of the subject of interestType: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Tobias Ratko Voigt, Markus Olaf Samuel Henningsson
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Patent number: 10132898Abstract: Described here are a system and method for obtaining multiple different images when performing a single scan of a subject with a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system. The scan includes the application of two or more magnetization preparation radio frequency (“RF”) pulses, such as inversion recovery (“IR”) pulses. Data is acquired after the application of each magnetization preparation RF pulse, thus allowing the acquisition of multiple different images of the subject in a single scan. Using this approach, the same information that used to require multiple different scans of the subject can be acquired in one single scan, and in less time than would be required to perform the multiple scans.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Steven Ryan Kecskemeti, Andrew L. Alexander
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Patent number: 10117597Abstract: An MRI image processing and analysis system may identify instances of structure in MRI flow data, e.g., coherency, derive contours and/or clinical markers based on the identified structures. The system may be remotely located from one or more MRI acquisition systems, and perform: perform error detection and/or correction on MRI data sets (e.g., phase error correction, phase aliasing, signal unwrapping, and/or on other artifacts); segmentation; visualization of flow (e.g., velocity, arterial versus venous flow, shunts) superimposed on anatomical structure, quantification; verification; and/or generation of patient specific 4-D flow protocols. An asynchronous command and imaging pipeline allows remote image processing and analysis in a timely and secure manner even with complicated or large 4-D flow MRI data sets.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: ARTERYS INC.Inventors: Fabien Beckers, Albert Hsiao, John Axerio-Cilies, Torin Arni Taerum, Daniel Marc Raymond Beauchamp
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Patent number: 10052037Abstract: A system for non-invasively determining an indication of an individual's blood pressure is described. In certain embodiments, the system calculates pulse wave transit time using two acoustic sensors. The system can include a first acoustic sensor configured to monitor heart sounds of the patient corresponding to ventricular systole and diastole and a second acoustic sensor configured to monitor arterial pulse sounds at an arterial location remote from the heart. The system can advantageously calculate a arterial pulse wave transit time (PWTT) that does not include the pre-ejection period time delay. In certain embodiments, the system further includes a processor that calculates the arterial PWTT obtained from the acoustic sensors. The system can use this arterial PWTT to determine whether to trigger an occlusive cuff measurement.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Masimo CorporationInventors: Eric Karl Kinast, Valery G. Telfort
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Patent number: 10054659Abstract: In a method for recording magnetic resonance data in a target region of a patient while the target region moves due to respiration a single-shot turbo spin echo sequence is used as a magnetic resonance sequence in a magnetic resonance apparatus. SPAIR fat saturation is used by emitting an inversion pulse at an inversion time before the data recording with the magnetic resonance apparatus. Multiple repetitions of the sequence of an inversion pulse, an inversion time and a data recording using the magnetic resonance sequence are triggered by a respiratory signal describing the respiratory cycle, each repetition occurring upon fulfillment of a recording criterion. At least one further inversion pulse is emitted in a waiting time between the sequences.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Antje Kickhefel, Dominik Paul
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Patent number: 10029121Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: The Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc.Inventors: X. Allen Li, Eric S. Paulson, Ergun Ahunbay, Cun-geng Yang, Vern Hart
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Patent number: 10024791Abstract: A cylindrical optical tomography system includes a light emitting array having a plurality of light emitting elements, a cylindrical sample holding element, and a light sensing array including a plurality of light sensing elements, wherein the light sensing array is configured to sense light emitted from the light emitting array which has passed through the sample holding module.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
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Patent number: 9945922Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus includes a detector unit, a patient-receiving area at least partially surrounded by the detector unit, and a motion capture unit. The motion capture unit includes at least one first motion capture sensor for capturing patient monitoring data relating to a motion of the patient, and at least one second motion capture sensor for the capture of further motion data relating to a motion of the first motion capture sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Benner
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Patent number: 9839366Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Mitsue Miyazaki, Shigehide Kuhara
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Patent number: 9772389Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance apparatus to acquire diagnostic image data of a contrast agent-filled target area of a patient, a peak time of the test bolus in the target area is automatically determined, from which a wait period is then determined for administering the main bolus. After the main bolus has been administered to the patient, magnetic resonance images of the target area are acquired, and each is analyzed immediately after acquisition thereof to determine whether that image shows arrival of the contrast agent. If and when one of these images shows such arrival, an acquisition protocol is immediately started in order to acquire the diagnostic image data set. If none of these images shows arrival of the contrast agent, the protocol to acquire diagnostic image data is started after the wait period.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2014Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Manuela Rick, Peter Schmitt, Andre de Oliveira
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Patent number: 9754366Abstract: A method includes determining a change in a volume of a tissue of interest located in at least two data sets between the at least two data sets. The at least two image data sets include a first image data set acquired at a first time and a second image data set acquired at a second time, and the first and second times are different. The method includes generating a rendering which includes a region in which the tissue of interest is located and indicia that indicates a magnitude of the change across the region. The region is superimposed over the rendering, which is generated based on at least one of the at least two image data sets, and linked to a corresponding image respectively in the at least two image data sets including voxels representing tissue of interest. The method includes visually presenting the rendering in a graphical user interface.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Rafael Wiemker, Sven Kabus, Tobias Klinder
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Patent number: 9700220Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an imaging condition setting unit, a scan performing unit and a blood flow image generating unit. The imaging condition setting unit sets a sequence accompanying application of a motion probing gradient pulse as an imaging condition. The scan performing unit performs an imaging scan according to the sequence. The blood flow image generating unit generates a blood flow image based on data acquired by the imaging scan.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Mitsue Miyazaki, Hitoshi Kanazawa
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Patent number: 9585575Abstract: Elicited MRI signals are processed into MR image data in conjunction (a) with use of an initial spatially-selective RF tag pulse (tag-on) and (b) without use of an initial spatially-selective NMR RF tag pulse (tag-off) in respectively corresponding data acquisition subsequences. Multi-dimensional tag-on and tag-off data acquisition subsequences are used for each of plural time-to-inversion (TI) intervals without using an injected contrast agent. Acquired image data sets are subtracted for each TI interval to produce difference values as a function of time representing blood perfusion for the ROI that differentiates between normal, ischemic and infarct tissues.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Mitsue Miyazaki, Xiangzhi Zhou, Tsutomu Hoshino
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Patent number: 9532728Abstract: An image processing apparatus stores data for a series of images associated with a range including a heart and diaphragm of an object. A temporal change in a moving amount of the diaphragm and a temporal change in a moving amount of the heart are generated from the series of images, and a ratio of (a) the moving amount of the heart to (b) the moving amount of the diaphragm is calculated.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Shigehide Kuhara, Ayako Ninomiya
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Patent number: 9513113Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optical topology detection and illumination. Embodiments provide an integrated system, and methods of operation thereof, where the integrated system includes an illumination system and an optical topology detection system, and where at least a portion of the spectral content of illumination light from the illumination system is within an optical detection bandwidth of the optical topology detection system, and where the operation of the optical topology detection system and the illumination system are interleaved to avoid crosstalk, such that the optical topology detection system detects the optical topology detection light when the illumination system is not emitting illumination light. The system may include, and control the operation of, an optical navigation system. The components of the system may be mounted to a rigid frame to maintain calibration.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: 7D SURGICAL, INC.Inventors: Victor Yang, Adrian Linus Dinesh Mariampillai, Beau Anthony Standish, Michael Ka Kit Leung
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Patent number: 9504429Abstract: An MRI system is provided that includes a physiological sensor used for gating the MRI system and an MRI control terminal wirelessly connected to the sensor. The physiological sensor is used to monitor a physiological parameter of a user, such as pressure pulse, and communicate data regarding the monitored physiological parameter to the MRI control terminal. The MRI control terminal processes the data received from the physiological sensor and determines whether a triggering condition on the data is met. When it is determined that the triggering condition is met, the MRI control terminal initiates the acquisition of a data set. The acquisition of the data set involves initiating a pre-programmed pulse sequence and acquiring RF signals emitted from the patient's tissue as a result of the execution of the pre-programmed pulse sequence.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Fonar CorporationInventor: Lawrence A. Minkoff
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Patent number: 9427200Abstract: A method for determining physiological cardiac parameters as a function of a heart rate is provided. For at least two heart rates adjusted by a cardiac stimulation during the recording, in each case, a four-dimensional image data set of the heart showing the entire cardiac cycle is recorded using an X-ray device. The physiological cardiac parameters are determined by evaluation of the four-dimensional image data sets.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Yiannis Kyriakou
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Patent number: 9364166Abstract: In order to make it possible to set the optimal breath-holding imaging conditions according to the subject without extension of an imaging time or the sacrifice of image quality, one scan is divided into one or more breath-holding measurements and free-breathing measurements on the basis of the imaging conditions of a breath-holding measurement, which are input and set according to the subject, and a region of the k space measured in the breath-holding measurement is controlled. Preferably, in the breath-holding measurement, low-frequency data of the k space is measured. Moreover, preferably, imaging conditions of the breath-holding measurement include the number of times of breath holding or a breath-holding time, and the operator can set any of these values.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Yasuhiro Kamada
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Patent number: 9366754Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method includes acquiring first 4D ultrasound data of a first partial volume for a first period of time that is longer than an estimated cardiac period and acquiring second 4D ultrasound data of a second partial volume for a second period of time that is longer than the estimated cardiac period. The system and method includes combining the first 4D ultrasound data with the second 4D ultrasound data to generate 4D ultrasound data of a region-of-interest. The system and method also includes generating and displaying an image based on the 4D ultrasound data.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignees: General Electric Company, n22e.u., myotise.u.Inventors: Daniel John Buckton, Christian Fritz Perrey, Dieter Claus Hoenigmann, Armin Schoisswohl
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Patent number: 9345437Abstract: In a method for determining a respiratory phase from a series of measurements of a respiratory position, the respiratory phase is determined by a finite state machine, which processes a current measured respiratory position and at least one previously measured respiratory position, and assigns a current respiratory phase to the current respiratory position. For this purpose, the temporal spacing between two successive measurements of the respiratory position is small in relation to a respiratory cycle. This method allows for a continuous measurement of imaging measurement data to be influenced in a prospective manner in a determined respiratory phase.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Alto Stemmer
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Patent number: 9335392Abstract: In a method to acquire a magnetic resonance image data set of a target volume with a magnetic resonance device, wherein the target volume is composed of a number of sub-volumes defined in a two-dimensional plane orthogonal to the readout direction, for each sub-volume, in order to acquire a partial data set of a sub-volume, a targeted excitation of the sub-volume and a data acquisition from that sub-volume to measure the partial data set take place by radiation of a first radio-frequency pulse acting in a first direction of the plane and radiation of a second radio-frequency pulse acting in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The partial data sets are combined into the magnetic resonance data set.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Hans-Peter Fautz
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Patent number: 9320447Abstract: A method, consisting of, while imaging a patient using an initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence, receiving an initial set of electrocardiograph (ECG) signals from the patient. The method includes identifying initial noise in the initial set of ECG signals arising from the initial MRI sequence, and characterizing the initial noise in terms of frequency components thereof. The method further includes generating a relation between parameters defining the initial MRI sequence and the frequency components, computing a filter by applying the relation to the parameters of a subsequent MRI sequence, and applying the computed filter to reduce noise in a further set of ECG signals, received from the patient, while imaging the patient using the subsequent MRI sequence.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.Inventors: Assaf Govari, Yaron Ephrath
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Patent number: 9301706Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system uses a first RF coil for acquiring a magnetic resonance signal from a subject, and a device for estimating a cardiac phase of the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal acquired by the first RF coil. The first RF coil, for example, can be an RF coil exclusive to cardiac phase estimation. The magnetic resonance imaging system also uses a second RF coil for acquiring a magnetic resonance signal based on the estimated cardiac phase, and a device for reconstructing a magnetic resonance image of the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal acquired by the second RF coil. Thus, MRA can be performed by estimating a cardiac phase.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroshi Takai, Yoshimori Kassai
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Patent number: 9285446Abstract: A shortened version of the MOLLI sequence (Sh-MOLLI) is described which generates rapid and high-resolution myocardial spin-lattice (T1) maps. The Sh-MOLLI technique is based on a significant abbreviation of pre-existing TI sampling scheme combined with the use of processing logic to bypass the major side effects of the above sampling scheme abbreviation and distinguish between long and short T1 relaxation times in order to conditionally utilize available TI samples for non-linear T1 fitting.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Isis Innovation LimitedInventors: Stefan K. Piechnik, Matthew D. Robson, Andreas Greiser
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Patent number: 9261575Abstract: For generating a three-dimensional magnetic resonance image of a respirating examination subject, the respiration of the examination subject is divided into a number of predefined clusters. Based on a measured respiratory position of the examination subject, one of these clusters is selected. The scanned k-space range is divided into a number of data acquisition shots which, by means of a particular k-space trajectory, each fill a number of k-space lines. The different shots are acquired for the different clusters until all shots of the measurement data set are assigned together to at least two adjacent clusters. The magnetic resonance image is reconstructed from those shots that are assigned to at least two adjacent clusters.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Alto Stemmer
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Patent number: 9254098Abstract: Systems and methods for generating MRI images of the lungs and/or airways of a subject using a medical grade gas mixture comprises between about 20-79% inert perfluorinated gas and oxygen gas. The images are generated using acquired 19F magnetic resonance image (MRI) signal data associated with the perfluorinated gas and oxygen mixture.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: Duke UniversityInventors: Hal Cecil Charles, Brian J. Soher
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Patent number: 9226684Abstract: A method for recording magnetic resonance image data of a patient ventilated by means of a ventilation apparatus is provided. The method includes assigning influencing information describing the effect of a respiratory movement on the image data recording to pulse sequence information, determining a magnetic resonance protocol for actuating a magnetic resonance device and a ventilation protocol for actuating the ventilation apparatus, and coordinating with one another in time, taking into account the pulse sequence information together with the influencing information, an imaging objective and a ventilation requirement, and actuating the magnetic resonance device and the ventilation apparatus in a time-coordinated manner on the basis of the magnetic resonance protocol and the ventilation protocol.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2012Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Sebastian Schmidt
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Patent number: 9213075Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: a sequence controlling unit that, by controlling an execution of a pulse sequence, acquires magnetic resonance (MR) signals corresponding to a plurality of channels in the pulse sequence executed as a series, the MR signals being configured to be arranged into a first region of a k-space at first intervals and into a second region larger than the first region at second intervals larger than the first intervals; an arranging unit that arranges the MR signals corresponding to the channels into the k-space as k-space data; and an image generating unit that generates first-interval k-space data corresponding to the channels based on the second-interval k-space data acquired by executing the pulse sequence and generates a magnetic resonance image based on the generated first-interval k-space data, the first-interval k-space data acquired by executing the pulse sequence, and sensitivity distributions corresponding to the channels.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Mitsue Miyazaki, Hidenori Takeshima, Tsutomu Hoshino, Satoshi Sugiura
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Patent number: 9167987Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus collects raw data about a subject in a synchronized manner with an electrocardiographic signal of the subject. An Electrocardiogram (ECG) gating unit detects an irregular synchronization interval with respect to the electrocardiographic signal. When the ECG gating unit detects an irregular synchronization interval, a real-time sequencer controls a gradient magnetic-field power source, a transmitting unit, and the like so as to reacquire raw data that is acquired during the irregular synchronization interval.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2010Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventor: Akio Mori
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Patent number: 9140770Abstract: A method for acquiring (1) experimental measures with interferences of a physical phenomenon, and for reconstructing (2) a point-by-point signal (3) representative of the phenomenon according to at least one dimension that can vary during the experimental measure acquisition, using at least one simulation model (4) of at least one acquisition chain of the experimental measures including at least one interference, and at least one model (8) of each interference in each acquisition chain, each interference model being determined at least from the measures themselves, wherein the simulation and interference models include adjustable parameters (6, 10) depending on experimental conditions, wherein at least one adjustable parameter of one of the models is coupled to at least one adjustable parameter of the other model, and in that the adjustable parameters are optimized in a coupled manner. A device for MRI imaging, NMR, or medical imaging using such a method is described.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: UNIVERSITE DE LORRAINEInventors: Freddy Odille, Pierre-André Vuissoz, Jacques Felblinger
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Patent number: 9138162Abstract: In a method for acquisition of a measurement data set of a respirating examination subject by magnetic resonance technology, the measurement data set is acquired by numerous individual measurements, wherein, for each individual measurement, a respiratory position and a respiratory phase are determined, based on which it is decided whether the individual measurement is to be included in the final measurement data set from which an image data set is reconstructed.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Alto Stemmer
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Patent number: 9116219Abstract: A system and methods for high-speed functional magnetic resonance imaging using multi-slab echo-volumar imaging (EVI), specifically a combination of multi-slab excitation and single-shot 3D encoding with parallel imaging to reduce geometrical image distortion and blurring, and to increase blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) sensitivity compared to conventional echo-planar imaging (EPI).Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: STC.UNMInventor: Stefan Posse
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Patent number: 9116217Abstract: An apparatus for reconstructing 3D images by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) includes an image acquiring unit configured to acquire a plurality of MR images about a region of interest of an object at different angles, respectively; and an image reconstructing unit configured to reconstruct the 3D image by using the plurality of MR images, wherein the plurality of MR images include information of a slice direction about the region of interest, which is changed depending on the different angles. According to the invention, since the 3D image is reconstructed by using the MR images acquired at different angles, the 3D image may have a better SNR than the method for reconstructing 3D images of the related art.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Industry Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yonsei UniversityInventors: Dong-Hyun Kim, Min-Oh Kim, Sang-Young Zho
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Patent number: 9091740Abstract: A method of synchronizing clocks between a central controlling unit and a radio frequency (RF) coil which are wirelessly connected to each other in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, which includes receiving a first clock from the central controlling unit, synchronizing a second clock of the RF coil with a received first clock, and discontinuing the receiving of the first clock from the central controlling unit when the second clock is synchronized with the first clock.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Young-cheol Kwon, Hyug-rae Cho
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Patent number: 9081073Abstract: An MR system acquires, over multiple heart cycles, image datasets representing multiple image slices of an anatomical region of interest of a patient. In the device, an RF signal generator and a magnetic field gradient generator provides an RF pulse and magnetic field gradient sequence for RF signal excitation of the region of interest and for acquiring RF data following the signal excitation. The sequence comprises, a first sequence occurring substantially immediately after the acquisition of image data using a readout magnetic field gradient. The first sequence includes an RF pulse with a predetermined flip angle followed by a magnetic field gradient pulse for reducing field magnetization to substantially zero. The first sequence is preceded by a dummy acquisition sequence comprising the elements of the first sequence except substantially without acquisition of data.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Duke UniversityInventors: Wolfgang G. Rehwald, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond J. Kim, Elizabeth R. Jenista
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Patent number: 9063207Abstract: There is provided an MRI apparatus and a blood vessel image capturing method capable of improving the separability of an artery and a vein. In order to do so, using an imaging sequence obtained by combining a first sequence portion for measuring a first echo signal used for acquisition of a blood vessel image of a desired region of an object with a second sequence portion for measuring a second echo signal used for acquisition of blood flow information of the object, the object is imaged by one examination scan. In addition, blood flow information is acquired using the second echo signal, and at least one of an artery and a vein is extracted in an image, which is reconstructed using the first echo signal, using the acquired blood flow information.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: HITACHI MEDICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroyuki Itagaki, Nobuyuki Yoshizawa
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Patent number: 9042959Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an acoustic control unit and an image data acquisition unit. The acoustic control unit applies a gradient magnetic field for controlling a sound in synchronization with a signal representing a respiratory body motion. The image data acquisition unit acquires imaging data by subsequently imaging to control the sound and generate image data based on the imaging data.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshimori Kassai, Shinichi Kitane
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Publication number: 20150126850Abstract: A method for acquiring cine images using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes selecting an asymmetric radial sampling scheme providing an asymmetric view of k-space corresponding to a desired image resolution. Radial k-space data is acquired using the asymmetric radial sampling scheme, wherein slice-orientation of the radial k-space data is continuously modified while acquiring the radial k-space data. A plurality of cine images are reconstructed from the radial k-space data using a compressed-sensing method.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Hasan Ertan Cetingul, Mariappan S. Nadar, Peter Speier, Michaela Schmidt
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Publication number: 20150119696Abstract: In a method to operate a magnetic resonance device to acquire magnetic resonance data of an acquisition region of a patient that is moving due to respiration, a breath hold command is automatically given to the patient by an output unit of the magnetic resonance apparatus before acquisition of the magnetic resonance data, and the acquisition of the magnetic resonance data is begun automatically given a trigger signal determined from measurement data of the patient, the trigger signal indicating that breath is being held.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Andre de Oliveira
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Patent number: 9014783Abstract: A system automatically calculates optimal protocol parameters for dark-blood (DB) preparation and inversion recovery. The system automatically determines pulse sequence timing parameters for MR imaging with blood related signal suppression. The system comprises an acquisition processor for acquiring data indicating a patient heart rate. A pulse timing processor automatically determines an acquisition time of an image data set readout, relative to a blood signal suppression related magnetization preparation pulse sequence, by calculating the acquisition time in response to inputs including, (a) the acquired patient heart rate, (b) data indicating a type of image contrast of the pulse sequence employed and (c) data indicating whether an anatomical signal suppression related magnetization preparation pulse sequence used has a slice selective, or non-slice selective, data acquisition readout.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Wolfgang Rehwald, Peter Weale
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Patent number: 9014782Abstract: Versatility and the quality of images are to be improved. As preparation pulses, a first RF pulse to flip along the yz plane spins oriented in a magnetostatic field direction in a subject; a velocity encoding gradient pulse which, in spins flipped by that first RF pulse, mutually shifts the phase of spins in a static state and the phase of spins in a moving state; and a second RF pulse to flip along the yz plane spins whose phase has been shifted by the velocity encoding gradient pulse are successively transmitted. After that, a killer pulse is transmitted to extinguish the transverse magnetizations of the spins flipped by the second RF pulse.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: Mitsuharu Miyoshi
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Patent number: 9008753Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for use in conducting cardiac MR imaging which allows for reconstruction of T1 maps, cine images and IR-prepared images from one raw data set, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) acquisition of raw data by use of an ECG-triggered, segmented, inversion recovery (IR) -prepared Look-Locker type pulse sequence for data acquisition, wherein the pulse sequence encompasses more than one shot, wherein each shot comprises: i) an ECG-triggered inversion pulse; ii) SSFP cine data acquisition of radial segmented profiles over more than one RR-interval for a predefined acquisition duration AD; and iii) a relaxation duration RD, during which no data is acquired; b) retrospective gating of raw data by sorting acquired raw data for each RR-interval into a pre-determined number of heart phases by definition of specific time windows within the RR-intervals and sampling of raw data acquired during the time windows respectively; c) image reconstruction, wherein the rType: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Deutsches Herzzentrum BerlinInventor: Daniel Messroghli
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Publication number: 20150094562Abstract: A magnetic field may be applied to a subject having a plurality of tissues, including first and second tissues, causing a net longitudinal magnetization in the tissues. An inversion radio frequency pulse may be generated to invert the longitudinal magnetization from the tissues. Heart-rate timing information associated with a current ECG of the subject may be measured, and an inversion time TI may be dynamically calculated based at least in part on the heart-rate timing information. An excitation radio frequency pulse may then be generated. The generation of the excitation radio frequency pulse may occur a period of time after the generation of the inversion radio frequency pulse, and the period of time may be based on the dynamically calculated inversion time TI. Magnetic resonance imaging data may then be acquired.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christopher Judson Hardy, Glenn Scott Slavin, Jeffrey Alan Stainsby, Martin Andreas Janich
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Publication number: 20150094563Abstract: A magnetic resonance system configured to repeatedly execute imaging sequences each having a first RF pulse for flipping each spin in a region containing blood, and a data acquisition sequence acquiring data of the blood from the region is provided. The magnetic resonance system includes a storage unit configured to store a correspondence relation between a contrast between the blood and a background tissue, a first time taken from the first RF pulse to the data acquisition sequence, and a second time taken from a completion of an imaging sequence to a start of a next imaging sequence, first determining means configured to determine the first time used, and second determining means configured to determine the second time used.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLCInventors: Yuko Suwa, Naoyuki Takei
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Publication number: 20150087964Abstract: In a method for the optimization of an imaging acquisition of an object by a medical imaging apparatus, a first time period is determined, within which a calibration process of the medical imaging apparatus is executed, a second time period is determined, within which a breathing process for at least one breathing command of a recording protocol is executed, wherein the breathing process is executed at least in part at the same time as the calibration process, and a point in time for an initiation of the imaging acquisition is determined, such that at this point in time, the calibration process and the breathing process have been completed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Miriam Keil
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Publication number: 20150073263Abstract: A method of generating a magnetic resonance image of a subject comprising the acquisition of k-space samples by sampling an elliptical central area of k-space, wherein the k-space has a plurality of points, each point being representative of a potential sample and partially sampling an elliptical peripheral area of k-space, wherein the peripheral area surrounds the central area. The method further comprises the detection of respiratory motion of the subject and reconstruction of the magnetic resonance image of the subject using the k-space samples acquired before the detection of respiratory motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Nadine Gdaniec, Holger Eggers