Abstract: A measuring device is provided. The measuring device has at least one sensor unit for capturing a cardiac signal, a postprocessing unit and a signal transfer unit for signal transfer between the at least one sensor unit and the postprocessing unit. The at least one sensor unit has at least one acoustic sensor element.

Abstract: A system and method for recording magnetic resonance images with reduced relaxation-related artifacts. The system and method improve the conventional methods for acquiring magnetic resonance images of in vivo tissue by augmenting the procedures for eliminating artifacts caused by motion with procedures for eliminating artifacts caused by spin of the magnetic resonance-active nuclei in the specimen of interest. One procedure to eliminate such spin inhomogeneities is to require a delay defined by the time N*T1, where N is a numerical value greater than or equal to 5 and T1 is the characteristic time constant for decay of spins back to the equilibrium longitudinal state. Another procedure uses a value of N less than 5.

Abstract: One or more techniques are provided for determining the overall motion of an organ of interest relative to a viewer or imager. Motion data is acquired for the organ of interest and/or for one or more proximate organs using sensor-based and/or image data-based techniques. The sensor-based techniques may include electrical and non-electrical techniques. The image data-based techniques may include both pre-acquisition and acquisition image data. The motion data for the organ of interest and proximate organs may be used to determine one or more quiescent periods corresponding to intervals of minimal motion for the organ of interest and the proximate organs, which may be used to determine one or more gating points that may be used retrospectively, as well as one or more motion compensation factors that may be used to reduce motion-related artifacts during processing and reconstruction of the acquired image data.

Abstract: A method of triggering an imaging process includes obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity. A computer product having a set of instructions stored in a non-transitory medium, wherein an execution of the instructions causes a method to be performed, the method includes obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity. A system for triggering an imaging process includes a processor that is configured for obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity.

Abstract: A method of dynamic imaging and resolving respiratory motion includes acquiring volume data for a volume over a plurality of respiratory cycles, acquiring respiratory data representative of respiration over the plurality of respiratory cycles, dividing each respiratory cycle of the plurality of respiratory cycles into a set of respiratory intervals based on the respiratory data, and displaying a respective composite three-dimensional image of the volume for each respiratory interval based on the volume data acquired during the respiratory interval from each respiratory cycle of the plurality of respiratory cycles.

Abstract: 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 re

Abstract: In a method to determine a kidney function parameter of kidneys of an examination person with the aid of magnetic resonance tomography, at least one magnetic resonance measurement is implemented for an examination region of the examination person that comprises a urinary bladder of the examination person, to acquire magnetic resonance data from the examination region that include at least image data. The concentration of a urophanic substance in the urinary bladder of the examination person is automatically determined based on the acquired magnetic resonance data. A volume of the urinary bladder is automatically determined based on the acquired image data. A kidney function parameter of the kidneys of the examination person is automatically determined on the basis of the determined concentration of the urophanic substance in the urinary bladder and of the specific volume of the urinary bladder.

Abstract: A system employs non-uniform and nonlinear patient monitoring signals in automatically adaptively varying image resolution, image scanning frequency and acquisition speed and gates and synchronizes the image scanning and acquisition of an imaging system. A system acquires medical images of patient anatomy using a trigger generator. The trigger generator generates a trigger signal comprising a non-periodic sequence of pulses in a first signal portion within individual heart beat cycles. The first signal portion is periodically repeated for multiple sequential individual heart beat cycles. An image acquisition device acquires multiple images of a patient anatomical portion in response to corresponding multiple individual pulses of the non-periodic sequence of pulses. A display processor presents acquired images on a display for review by a user.

Abstract: An electrically conductive transmission cable for supplying a DC signal safely to an electrical device in the presence of radio-frequency (RF) fields in a magnetic resonance (MR) is disclosed herein. The transmission cable comprises a transmission line (STL) comprising at least a first segment (S1) and a second segment (S2), wherein the first and second segments are electrically connected to each other by a reactive coupling unit (103), and a rectifier unit (101) connected to the transmission line and configured to extract the DC signal (203) from the modulated DC signal (201). The extracted DC signal may be supplied to an electrical device or used for cardiac pacing. The transmission cable finds application in auxiliary devices used in an MR environment, for example an interventional catheter with or without an active tracking circuit (301).

Abstract: Described is a robust electrocardiogram (ECG) ordering technique of k-space for breath hold contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) that acquires the central part of k-space in a motion-free portion of diastole and fills in from the periphery of k-space at all other times. To make maximal use of the contrast enhancement, data is acquired continuously even when the ECG signal is lost. The ECG signal is monitored in real time. The ECG ordering technique allows a flexible acquisition matrix and is robust against ECG signal imperfections. The ECG ordering technique allows thoracic and pulmonary magnetic resonance angiography with a higher resolution when compared to the conventional gated sequence.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging on the basis of a gradient echo sequence by excitation of nuclear spins and measurement of radio-frequency signals indicating the excited nuclear spins, a) the pulse frequency of the person to be examined is determined, b) the magnetization of the spins is prepared by means of an RF pulse block, c) a number of steps of the spin excitation as well as measurement of an RF response signal are implemented, with the measurement data along a trajectory established by projection gradients being acquired along a first slice established by a slice-selection gradient, d) items b) through c) are repeated multiple times for the first slice, with each repetition of the steps b) through c) ensuing within a time interval that is fixed in duration, and the interval is temporally displaced relative to the determined pulse frequency for at least one portion of the repetitions, and e) items b) through d) are repeated for various slices.

Abstract: In the acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging or spectroscopic data, 2D PACE is employed to identify an acceptance or shimming window within which the magnetic resonance data are acquired, and to trigger the acquisition of the magnetic resonance data at the same position of the patient's diaphragm in each respiratory cycle. The patient is thereby allowed to freely breath during the data acquisition procedure, but the acquisition of the magnetic resonance data is always able to take place with the patient's diaphragm in the same physical position in each respiratory cycle.

Abstract: Methods for achieving suppression of blood pool signal to image contrast-enhanced organs and vascular walls using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technology. MRI data is then acquired with phase sensitive reconstruction so that blood pool signal is suppressed compared with the tissues of interest.

Abstract: Velocity of MR-imaged fluid flows is measured. Data representing a measure of distance traveled by flowing fluid appearing in at least two MR images of a subject's tissue taken at different respective imaging times is generated. Data representing at least one fluid velocity measurement of the flowing fluid is generated by calculating at least one instance of distance traveled by the fluid divided by elapsed time during travel based on different respective imaging times. Data representing at least one fluid velocity measurement is then output to at least one of: (a) a display screen, (b) a non-transitory data storage medium, and (c) a remotely located site.

Abstract: A dispenser (132), a magnetic resonance imaging system (100), and a method for using hyperpolarized contrast agent (304) during a magnetic resonance imaging examination. The dispenser comprises an attachment component (136) for a face piece (138). The face piece is adapted for receiving the surface of a subject (114) such that when the subject inhales hyperpolarized contrast agent enters the respiratory system of the subject. The dispenser further comprises a reservoir (300) adapted for receiving the hyperpolarized contrast agent. The dispenser further comprises a gas flow (406) tube connected to the attachment component and a vaporizer (406, 408, 412, 510, 602, 606) for vaporizing the hyperpolarized contrast agent in the gas flow tube into a hyperpolarized vapor. The dispenser further comprises a controller (402) for controlling when the vaporizer vaporizes the hyperpolarized contrast agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a correction method for correction of noise resulting from gradient artifacts in ECG signal data records recorded in a magnetic resonance device by an ECG measuring apparatus. A first correction data record is determined with a reference point of the ECG measuring apparatus located at a first position in the magnetic resonance device. An ECG signal data record is measured with the reference point of the ECG measuring apparatus located at a second position in the magnetic resonance device. A modified correction data record is specified as a function of the first correction data record and the first and second position of the reference point. The ECG signal data record is corrected based on the modified correction data record.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for providing cardiovascular images over a respiratory cycle through a computer system is provided. A plurality of cardiovascular images is obtained. A cardiac phase is measured for each cardiovascular image of the plurality of cardiovascular images to associate each cardiovascular image to a cardiac phase. A respiratory phase is measured for each cardiovascular image of the plurality of cardiovascular images to associate each cardiovascular image to a respiratory phase. A first group of cardiovascular images with an associated first cardiac phase of the plurality of cardiovascular images is sorted in order of respiratory phases. The first group of cardiovascular images with the associated first cardiac phase of the plurality of cardiovascular images is displayed in order of respiratory phases.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system obtains an MR image of an object. The system detects an ECG signal and performs a pulse sequence of RF gradient magnetic fields toward the object. Imaging defined by the pulse sequence is longer in temporal length than one heartbeat. The system further acquires an MR signal from the object in response to performance of the pulse sequence and produces the MR image based on the acquired MR signal. Also possible are: a plurality of divided MT pulses instead of the conventional single MT pulse, an SE-system pulse sequence having a shorter echo train spacing, and the generation of sounds by applying gradient pulses incorporated in an imaging pulse sequence so as to automatically instruct a patient to perform an intermittent breath hold.

Abstract: An assessment of myocardial viability in a subject is performed by acquiring an MR image which distinguishes infarcted myocardium from normal myocardium. A contrast agent is used and after a waiting period, a cardiac-gated segmented inversion recovery gradient-recalled radial sampling technique is employed to acquire NMR data over a substantial portion of the cardiac cycle. By interleaving the radial sampling patterns, images can be reconstructed over a range of possible TI intervals enabling the optimal TI for maximum contrast to be retrospectively selected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for visualizing movements of an object, preferably the movements of blood vessels during the cardiac cycle. The method includes scanning the object by at least a two dimensional ultrasonic image scanning apparatus at discrete acquisition times to acquire a data set by using surface reconstruction and/or volume rendering techniques. Next, the three-dimensional data set is partitioned into a plurality of volume units, wherein each volume unit has a unit surface. The method further includes calculating the change of volume of each volume unit over the acquisition times to obtain level information of each corresponding unit surface over time, and displaying the three-dimensional data set with its level information over time.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit which applies a labeling pulse to invert a spin included in a labeling region within part of a imaging region and then collects a echo signal from a time point when an inversion time has passed from the application of the labeling pulse, and a control unit, the control unit controlling the imaging unit so that the echo signal in the imaging region is collected a plurality of times with variations in the inversion time, the control unit also controlling the imaging unit so that a time ranging from a reference time point within a biological signal obtained from a subject to the application of the labeling pulse is a time determined in accordance with the inversion time.

Abstract: The technology herein provides a dark blood delayed enhancement technique that improves the visualization of subendocardial infarcts that may otherwise be disguised by the bright blood pool. The timed combination of a slice-selective and a non-selective preparation improves the infarct/blood contrast by decoupling their relaxation curves thereby nulling both the blood and the non-infarcted myocardium. This causes the infarct to be imaged bright and the blood and non-infarct to both be imaged dark. The slice-selective preparation occurs early enough in the cardiac cycle so that fresh blood can enter the imaged slice.

Abstract: A method for determining the spatial distribution of magnetic resonance signals from an imaging area, wherein nuclear spins are excited in a spatially encoded fashion through multi-dimensional RF pulses, is characterized in that in a definition step, a resolution grid with resolution grid cells is predetermined, and in accordance with a predetermined phase encoding scheme, an excitation pattern is defined for each phase encoding step, in which the amplitudes within the imaging area are set in accordance with a predetermined distribution identically for each phase encoding step. In a preparatory step, the amplitude and phase behavior of the RF pulses to be irradiated is calculated in accordance with a predetermined k-space trajectory for each defined complex excitation pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device to record and visualize drawing and writing movements during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of brain activity. The system includes a touch-sensitive tablet, an elevated mounting platform, a stylus, and a controller box, as well as the necessary cabling and software. All equipment residing inside the magnet room is non-ferromagnetic and does not interfere with scanner operation and does not affect fMRI data quality. Individuals lying inside the scanner interact with device in a natural, intuitive way, similar to writing with pen and paper. Drawing motions captured by the tablet are displayed through a pair of fMRI-compatible goggles or by using a projector and screen. Other visual stimuli can be concurrently presented with the drawing motions for the purpose of assessing specific aspects of human behavior. The system allows for a plurality of experiments to be performed, all while brain activity is measured and recorded.

Abstract: A method of initiating a scan in a medical imaging device includes detecting a patient-ready signal from a magnetically and radiographically inert communication device and automatically initiating the scan upon detecting the patient-ready signal.

Abstract: One or more techniques are provided for determining the overall motion of an organ of interest relative to a viewer or imager. Motion data is acquired for the organ of interest and/or for one or more proximate organs using sensor-based and/or image data-based techniques. The sensor-based techniques may include electrical and non-electrical techniques. The image data-based techniques may include both pre-acquisition and acquisition image data. The motion data for the organ of interest and proximate organs may be used to determine one or more quiescent periods corresponding to intervals of minimal motion for the organ of interest and the proximate organs. The one or more quiescent periods may be used to determine one or more gating points that may be used prospectively, i.e., during image acquisition. In addition, the one or more quiescent periods may be used to determine one or more motion compensation factors that may be used during processing and reconstruction of the acquired image data.

Abstract: Methods for achieving suppression of blood pool signal to image contrast-enhanced organs and vascular walls using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technology. After administration of e.g., an intravenous contrast agent, an RF pulse sequence is applied that includes a preparatory section designed to modify signal from organ tissue differently than blood pool signal, followed by an inversion RF pulse. MR signals are then allowed to evolve during a wait time that is sufficiently long to permit tissue species with dissimilar T1 relaxation times to separate in signal yet short enough so that blood signal has greater negative magnetization than other tissues of interest. MRI data is then acquired with phase sensitive reconstruction so that blood pool signal is suppressed compared with the tissues of interest.

Abstract: A method includes a periodic motion data input step S208 of receiving input of periodic motion data indicating changes of the periodic motion with time in an object to be examined who is a target of image data collection, a step S214 of estimating fluctuations in the time resolution of the image data with time based on the periodic motion data, designating an image collection range in the object, and adjusting the collection position of the image data such that the image data is collected in the image collection range at a suitable time of image data collection, the estimated time resolution being set in a predetermined suitable range, and an image data collection position control step S216 of relatively moving at least a part of the image data collection range and the collection position of the image data such that the part of the range and the position are superimposed on each other within a time when the image data of the image data collection range has a time resolution within the desired range based on t

Abstract: Provided are methods, systems and computer program products evaluating magnetic resonance (MR) signals from a sample. The methods and systems can be used to evaluate MR signals from various constituents (e.g., metabolites, macromolecules) of the sample.

Abstract: An imaging time is shortened by maintaining a desired image contrast in imaging synchronized with the periodic body movement information regarding the subject. In order to do so, in synchronous measurement of an echo signal synchronized with the trigger information detected from the periodic body movement information regarding the subject with periodic body movement, at least one of a first period before a measurement period of an echo signal and a second period after the measurement period of the echo signal is set, a K space is divided into a plurality of partial regions, and at least one of the first and second periods is set to be different in measurement of an echo signal corresponding to a partial region at a low spatial frequency side and measurement of an echo signal corresponding to a partial region at a high spatial frequency side.

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

Abstract: Methods for determining whether the brain activity of a human subject in response to a stimulus of interest or question of interest is characteristic of a state of interest, such as a deceptive state or a truthful state, are disclosed. Some methods include the use of control questions, including truthful control questions and deceptive control questions, to provide bases for comparison for responses to stimuli of interest or questions of interest. In some methods, brain maps are generated and compared. Also disclosed are systems for detecting deception by measuring brain activity.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store data of a series of slice images associated with a region including a target region of an object, a first rest period specifying unit configured to specify a first rest period based on a change between images of the series of slice images, and a second rest period specifying unit configured to specify a second rest period shorter than the first rest period by tracking the target region on a plurality of slice images corresponding to the specified first rest period or a rest period enlarged from the first rest period.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining individualized scan and injection protocols for contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging. Taking into account parameters specific to the scan subject, injection-related parameters, and scan parameters, the system and method can determine an optimal timing for a scan sequence to begin, to ensure that the scan sequence coincides with a desired contrast enhancement. Some embodiments further provide for real-time triggering of the scan commencement based on bolus tracking, and can adapt the scan and injection protocols in real-time based on monitored dynamic scan subject parameters and/or actual enhancement values determined from image data.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which performs myocardial perfusion imaging of an object, the apparatus comprises an imaging unit which acquires image data by imaging a heart of the object in synchronism with a biological signal from the object, and an image generating unit which generates an image concerning the heart of the object based on the image data, wherein the imaging unit applies a probe pulse for detecting body motion of the object before imaging of the heart, and applies a spatial nonselective saturation pulse before application of the probe pulse, and a local selective pulse for flipping back a flip angle of the spatial nonselective saturation pulse with regard to a region to which the probe pulse is applied.

Abstract: In a method for the detection of signal data corresponding to a breathing movement of an examination subject by means of magnetic resonance (MR) first and second data sets are loaded, that each include complex k-space data acquired with a navigator sequence from a common excitation volume of the examination subject. The first and second data sets are processed to identify breathing movement at the acquisition time of at least one of the data sets, by comprising a transformation of the data sets in Cartesian space and calculating a phase difference between respective complex data pointes of the data sets having the same spatial position. The processing result is stored together with a time value that depends on a point in time of the acquisition of the first data set and/or the second data set.

Abstract: A system and method for MR imaging is disclosed that includes displaying a series of MR images of an ROI in real-time and localizing a slice within the ROI. The method also includes using a parallel imaging technique to acquire gated MR data from the localized slice and reconstructing a prescribed fixed number of gated MR images of the localized slice.

Abstract: A method for generation of an image exposure of the heart of an examination subject with an imaging medical examination apparatus in particular a magnetic resonance apparatus, the image exposure requiring preparation includes the steps of: preparation of the heart in a heart position that is relevant for the image acquisition and determination of the associated heart position, determination of at least one current heart position in the further course of the heart cycle, comparison of the determined current heart position with the heart position relevant for the image acquisition, and given correlation of the current heart position and the heart position relevant for the image acquisition, starting the image acquisition through a control device of the imaging medical examination apparatus.

Abstract: A method for acquiring MR data from a beating heart during subject respiration includes a prescan phase in which a respiratory compensation table and a k-space sampling schedule are produced. The k-space sampling table is produced using a spatio-temporal model of the beating heart and time sequential sampling theory. During the subsequent scan an imaging pulse sequence which is prospectively compensated for respiratory motion is used to acquire k-space data from the subject. The imaging pulse sequence is repeated to play out the phase encodings in the order listed in the k-space sampling schedule.

Abstract: A magnetic-resonance imager is operated by, within the time of a R-R interval of the heart, carrying out a preparation sequence for suppressing signal contributions from the blood is carried out, in particular by a saturation sequence. At least the first refocusing pulse is generated simultaneously with a layer-selective gradient magnetic field that acts orthogonally to the layer-selective gradient magnetic field at the time of the generation of the RF excitation pulse. In addition the measuring value acquisition and image generation takes place by means of subsampling the data space and/or partially sampling the data space.

Abstract: A bi-directional communications link between an active implanted medical device (AIMD) and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine enables information to be exchanged to determine whether an operational mode of the AIMD and MRI is acceptable. For example, the bi-directional communications link enables information to be exchanged to determine whether the AIMD and MRI machine are acceptably operating within at least one operational limit. An operation of the MRI machine may be permitted if the operation is acceptably within the operational limit and may be stopped if not.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for acquiring cardiac image data of a subject of examination, in particular in the context of magnetic resonance tomography, a first image acquiring technique is implemented, in which image data acquiring takes place only in a part of the cardiac cycle, and/or not in each cardiac cycle, and a second image acquiring technique is alternatingly implemented, such that the image data acquiring using the second image acquiring technique takes place at times in which image data acquiring using the first image acquiring technique is not occurring.

Abstract: According to one of the aspects of an MRI apparatus of the present invention, the 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: Neuro-response data including Electroencephalography (EEG) and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data is collected, filtered and/or analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of stimulus materials such as marketing and entertainment materials. A data collection mechanism obtains fMRI signals indicating a hemodynamic response to marketing or entertainment stimuli. In certain embodiments, such signals include region-specific blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signals that correlate with region-specific neural activity. fMRI signal acquisition is triggered by one or more EEG signatures indicating neural activity in response to exposure to stimulus materials.

Abstract: In a method and medical data acquisition system for the correction of interference signals (in particular those caused by gradient coils) in a magnetic resonance apparatus given the determination of a point in time in the cardiac cycle of a patient by the acquisition of cardiac noises with a sound sensor arranged on the patient, a calculated and/or pre-measured interference signal that describes the interference noise of the gradient coils is obtained and is subtracted from a raw signal measured by the sound sensor.

Abstract: A method, computer program and device for creating a viewing protocol for medical images is described. At least a first site of interest is identified in a medical imaging data set captured from the patient. Patient record data or computer assisted detection information can be used to identify the site of interest, which may be a potential lesion. A viewing protocol for displaying medical images to a user is planned. The viewing protocol includes a viewing path along which an image of the site of interest will be displayed. The viewing protocol also includes a trigger associated with the site of interest. When the trigger event is encountered the dynamic mode of image display is reconfigured to dynamically highlight the site of interest. The viewing protocol can then be used to control the display of images so as to provide, for example, a virtual endoscope.

Abstract: A system and method for non-contrast enhanced pulmonary vein magnetic resonance imaging substantially suppresses the signal from cardiac tissue adjacent to the left atrium and pulmonary vein is provided. Significant conspicuity of the left atrium and pulmonary vein versus adjacent anatomical structures is produced. In this manner, more accurate measurements of pulmonary vein ostia size are facilitated, as well as more accurate registration of imaging volumes with a radiofrequency ablation catheter during pulmonary vein isolation procedures. In addition, more robust three-dimensional volume views of the left atrium and pulmonary vein are produced without the administration of contrast agents.

Abstract: A cardiac gated acquisition of MR data during a breath-hold employs a hybrid PR pulse sequence to acquire projection views from which image frames may be reconstructed at a plurality of cardiac phases during each heartbeat. Composite images are reconstructed at each cardiac phase using interleaved projection views acquired during all the heartbeats. The composite images are used to reconstruct the highly undersampled image frames at the same cardiac phase using a highly constrained backprojection method.

Abstract: An ECG-prep scan is used to set an optimum time phase in both systole and diastole of the heart. At each of the different time phases, an imaging scan is started to acquire a plurality of sets of echo data. An artery/vein visually separated blood flow image is produced from the echo data. The imaging scan uses a half-Fourier technique, for example. This provides high-quality blood flow images with shorter scan time, without injecting a contrast medium. Additionally, with a readout gradient pulse applied substantially parallel with a direction of slowly flowing blood, a scan is performed in synchronism with an optimally determined cardiac time phase. The readout gradient pulse has a dephasing pulse for enhancing differences in a flow void effect depending on blood flow velocities. This enables slow-speed flows, such as blood flows in the inferior limb, to be depicted without fail.