Abstract: A method for associating EKG waveform data with computed tomography image data using a data synchronization scheme including generating the EKG waveform data using an electrocardiogram device, operating a computed tomography imaging system so as to create the computed tomography image data, communicating an exposure marker-in signal to the electrocardiogram device such that the exposure marker-in signal is associated with the EKG waveform data and processing the computed tomography image data, the EKG waveform data and the exposure marker-in signal, so as to correlate the EKG waveform data with the computed tomography image data. Also claimed is a medium encoded with a machine-readable computer program code for associating EKG waveform data with image data generated by an imaging system using a data synchronization scheme, the medium including instructions for causing controller to implement the aforementioned method.

Abstract: A method of producing an MRI image of an object in cyclic motion by acquiring data in k-space according to the measured position of the object, and an analysis of data previously acquired. The invention also provides a magnetic resonance imaging heart monitor configured to use the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The method comprises the steps of monitoring the ECG of a patient and detecting the occurrence of R-waves (R1, R2, R3) in the ECG, acquiring a plurality of phase encoded MR signals (a1-3, b1-3, c1-3, d1-3, e1-3) per cardiac cycle by subjecting the patient to a sequence of RF pulses and magnetic field gradient pulses, and reconstructing an MR image from at least a part of the MR signals (a1-3, b1-3, C1-3, d1-3, e1-3).

Abstract: The invention relates to the association of a current (X-ray image) image of a body volume with one of several stored previous images, the ECG and the respiratory cycle being determined each time together with the images. Using this data, that one of the previous images is chosen which is closest to the current image in respect of cardiac rhythm and respiratory cycle. The resultant association yields a very high accuracy enabling superposed reproduction of the current image and the associated previous image.

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

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a method and system for measuring and imaging local lung function. The method includes triggering an image scan of at least a lung cross-section of a patient, scanning the lung cross-section during at least one of an inspiration and an expiration of air by the patient to obtain lung image data and measuring a lung function during at least one of an inspiration and an expiration of air by the patient to obtain lung function data. The method may also include performing a preview scan of the patient to identify the lung cross-section for imaging. Additionally, the lung image data and lung function data may be combined for use in diagnosis of the patient. The lung image data and lung function data may also be output. The method may further include processing the lung function data to generate a plot of lung attenuation versus time.

Abstract: Amyloid plaque in the brain of a subject is imaged in an MRI system with or without the use of a contrast agent. Contrast is achieved using a spin-echo pulse sequence that is both respiratory gated and cardiac gated to reduce motion artifacts at the very high image resolution required to see plaque. A preparatory pulse sequence is used to insure longitudinal magnetization remains constant for all the acquired views even if the effective TR changes during the scan due to irregular breathing.

Abstract: In a method for acquisition of magnetic resonance images of the heart, MR signals of the heart are acquired using an imaging sequence, wherein the magnetization is inverted by an RF inversion pulse before the acquisition of the MR signals; and of the heart activity is detected, and the point in time of the switching of the RF inversion pulse dependent on the detected heart activity.

Abstract: Diagnostic and Therapy apparatus and methods use non-ionizing radiations which are based on integration of nuclear magnetic resonance and radiation manipulation. Quantitative diagnostics integrate the following devices: manual control digital filter/selector (18), frequency matrix monitor (25), frequency image monitor (26), and control panel (28). Therapy integrates the following devices: resonating antenna for radio frequency (4), low radio frequency signal processor/modulator (10), radio frequency pulse amplifier (13) and central pulse control (16). Internal parameters of the emission, such as frequency, power and polarity are selectively manipulated to personalize the therapy and to significantly improve the levels of selectivity and/or differentiation of all the processes.

Abstract: This invention is a method for multi-slice CBF imaging using continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL) with an amplitude modulated control which is both highly effective at controlling for off resonance effects, and efficient at doubly inverting inflow spins, thus retaining the signal advantages of CASL versus pulsed ASL techniques.

Abstract: A method for acquiring MR image data pertaining an organ, moving between a first extreme and a second extreme position such as in motion due to breathing of the patient to be examined. A scout film is registered of the organ concurrently with the registration of a signal that is indicative for the position of such organ. Real-time MR image data are acquired in at least one scan-plane of said organ, and the scan-plane is adjusted depending on the concurrently measured signal estimating the position of said organ. Several scan-planes are employed. For each individual scan-plane of said plurality of scan-planes, its position as a function of time is defined in relation to pre-selected organ-positions is measured with the scout-film. During the acquisition of the real-time MR image data the respective scan-positions are each individually adjusted, each scan-plane position thereby depending on the signal indicative for the position of the organ. In particular the invention is used in cardiac MR-imaging.

Abstract: A method of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging comprising acquiring undersampled magnetic resonance signals for successive temporal time slots. In a space spanned by geometrical space and temporal frequency and on the basic of a priori information the aliased difference magnetic resonance data which are gained by subtracting for respective k-space sampling positions data of a baseline magnetic resonance image from the undersampled magnetic resonance signals are decomposed into difference data which essentially pertain to individual spatial positions at individual time slots.

Abstract: The invention includes a technique for efficient multi-slice image acquisition with black blood contrast in cardiac imaging such that MR data is acquired in each R-R interval of a cardiac cycle. The technique includes applying a non-selective inversion pulse, followed by a re-inversion pulse that is slice-selective over a region encompassing a plurality of slice selections. The inversion and re-inversion pulses are applied in each R-R interval. Execution of a series of RF excitation pulses in each R-R interval is timed such that signal from blood is near a null point before data acquisition.

Abstract: A two-dimensional or three-dimensional imaging of a target region in a hollow organ is provided. A two- or three-dimensional reconstruction image dataset is reconstructed from two-dimensional images from the inside of the hollow organ that are recorded by via a rotating image recording device and displayed, with images covering the entire target region being recorded during a partial rotation of the image recording device through a rotation angle.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging method involves detection of a series of trigger events and acquisition of successive segments of magnetic resonance signals from respective segments of k-space. The occurrence of the next trigger event is predicted, e.g. by way of a running average, on the basis of the detected series of trigger events. Acquisition of at least one individual segment of magnetic resonance signals is triggered on the basis of the occurrence of the predicted trigger event. Triggering of the acquisition is based on the predicted trigger event, e.g. in that the instant and duration of the acquisition is adjusted on the basis of the prediction of the trigger event. Finally, a magnetic resonance image is reconstructed from several segments of magnetic resonance signals.

Abstract: A method and system of gating for a medical imaging system includes utilizing a non-electrical sensor to acquire information for gating. A sensor assembly usable in the method and system of gating may include a non-electrical sensor coupled to one side of a patient-sensor interface, the other side adapted for securing to a patient.

Abstract: The method is related to control a measurement of a magnetic resonance device based on electrocardiogram signals of a patient detected by at least two channels. The method comprises the steps of: supplying the electrocardiogram signals in a first processing branch to a low pass filter and a derived value sum generator; comparing the output signal with a threshold value to generate a first comparison result; feeding the electrocardiogram signals in a second processing branch to a derived value generator; comparing said signals with an upper and a lower threshold value to generate a second comparison result; repeat the above steps for the second and if necessary further channels; evaluating all first and second comparison results for all channels in a weighted logic circuit; and triggering the measurement as a function of the result of the weighted logic circuit.

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 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 technique embodied in a method and apparatus is disclosed for acquiring MR images in 2D and 3D using a common pulse sequence switchable in real-time. The technique includes identifying a 3D imaging volume and applying a 3D pulse sequence having the slice encoding and rewinder gradients disabled in one dimension. The technique then allows localizing and monitoring by acquiring 2D MR data. When it is desirable to enter a 3D imaging mode, the slice encoding and rewinder gradients are re-enabled in the common pulse sequence for acquisition of 3D MR data.

Abstract: A apparatus includes an acquisition unit to acquire magnetic resonance data in every data group, a unit to control the acquisition unit to collect the data for one or a plurality of data groups during a collection period which is set based on a starting time phase of a cardiac cycle of the subject, a unit to determine the data among the data acquired by the acquisition unit as ineffective data if at least a part of it is related to a data group acquired during an ineffective period, and as effective data if all of it is related to a data group acquired during a period other than the ineffective period, the ineffective period being set based on an ending time point of the cardiac cycle in which the data is acquired, and a unit to reconstruct an image regarding the subject by using the effective data.

Abstract: DIR imaging of blood vessels by administering a series of DIR preparation pulse modules at a repetition interval short enough that at least two DIR preparation pulse modules generally occur within each RR interval, and by acquiring image data for a plurality of slices following each DIR module.

Abstract: MRA data is acquired from a large region of interest by translating the patient through the bore of the MRI system as a three-dimensional MRA data set are acquired. The pulse sequence is altered during the scan to change the lateral FOVL of the acquired image to better match the size of the region of interest along its length. Patient table movement is controlled to track a bolus of contrast agent as it passes through the region of interest. A seamless image of the entire region of interest is reconstructed after the acquired data is resampled in regions where the lateral FOVL is altered.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a collecting unit which collects magnetic resonance data regarding a subject by a predetermined pulse sequence, and a control unit which controls the collecting unit so that it collects the magnetic resonance data for at least a slice within an inhaling or an exhaling period of the subject.

Abstract: In a method for automatic determination of the actual speed interval of a flowing medium in flow measurements in magnetic resonance imaging, an overview image (localizer) is acquired displayed on a screen, a scout flow measurement is performed by acquiring an image series during a motion cycle at a pre-determined speed interval in a tissue-area to be measured, the peak speed of the medium in the tissue area to be measured is determined on the basis of the scout flow measurement, an optimized flow measurement is performed by acquiring the same images from the acquired image series on the basis of the determined peak speed, and the speed-resolved tissue area obtained by means of the optimized flow measurement is displayed on the screen.

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: A method for selecting images for coronary analysis using time stamps to correlate cardiovascular images to corresponding physiological or hemodynamic monitoring, e.g., ECG, data. The method uses time stamps that are intrinsic to a distributed network clock synchronization protocol for correlation of images and data. A coronary analysis system is employed to correlate images with physiologic data, e.g., using time stamp data as well as offset data derived using the distributed network clock synchronization protocol.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system includes a high-frequency magnetic field generating unit for generating and applying a high-frequency magnetic field to a subject placed in a static magnetic field, a gradient magnetic field generating unit for generating a gradient magnetic field to be superimposed on the static magnetic field, and a sequencer for controlling the high-frequency magnetic field generating unit and the gradient magnetic field generating unit to acquire, within a specified part of the heartbeat of the subject, MR data that pertains to a plane through which an axis substantially identical to the body axis of the subject in a k-space extends, and to cause the plane to rotate, at every heartbeat, about the axis substantially identical to the body axis.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus and method with motion correction in an angiography examination with magnetic resonance-monitored vessel intervention, a contrast agent-supported exposure of the vessel system (road map) is registered, with one exposure ensuing at the end of expiration and one exposure ensuing at the end of inspiration of the patient, and a magnetic resonance-visible medical intervention device introduced into the vessel system also is registered. A corrected road map of the vessel system is interpolated from the exposures at the end of inspiration and the end of expiration and the exposure of the intervention device is superimposed on the corrected road map.

Abstract: A two-dimensional (2D) chemical shift correlated MR spectroscopic (COSY) sequence integrated into a new volume localization technique (90°-180°-90°) for whole body MR Spectroscopy. Using the product operator formalism, a theoretical calculation of the volume localization as well as the coherence transfer efficiencies in 2D MRS is presented. A combination of different MRI transmit/receive rf coils is used. The cross peak intensities excited by the proposed 2D sequence are asymmetric with respect to the diagonal peaks. Localized COSY spectra of cerebral frontal and occipital gray/white matter regions in fifteen healthy controls are presented.

Abstract: A method and system for physiological gating for radiation therapy is disclosed. A method and system for detecting and predictably estimating regular cycles of physiological activity or movements is disclosed. Another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to predictive actuation of gating system components. Yet another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to physiological gating of radiation treatment based upon the phase of the physiological activity.

Abstract: In a measuring space of the object (1), an essential measurement region (41, 61, 71, 81, 111, 131) having a center region of the measuring space and a plurality of peripheral measurement regions (42, 62, 63, 72, 82, 112, 132) which do not have any region overlapped with the essential measurement region are set. Then, the essential measurement region is combined with a selected peripheral portion of the plurality of the peripheral measurement regions to measure in a preceding manner a nuclear magnetic resonance signal from the object as data of the measuring space. The essential measurement region is combined with the peripheral measurement region of the plurality of the peripheral measurement regions which has not been selected in the preceding measuring step to measure a nuclear magnetic resonance signal from the object as data of the measuring space.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging “MRI” method and apparatus for lengthening the usable echo-train duration and reducing the power deposition for imaging is provided. The method explicitly considers the t1 and t2 relaxation times for the tissues of interest, and permits the desired image contrast to be incorporated into the tissue signal evolutions corresponding to the long echo train. The method provides a means to shorten image acquisition times and/or increase spatial resolution for widely-used spin-echo train magnetic resonance techniques, and enables high-field imaging within the safety guidelines established by the Food and Drug Administration for power deposition in human MRI.

Abstract: A method for anatomical imaging includes acquiring image data representative of three-dimensional volume segments of an image volume of interest in a subject. The image data are acquired in synchronism with corresponding physiological cycles of the subject. Each volume segment contains image data distributed in three dimensions. Acquiring image data includes selecting a sequence of scan lines for each respective volume segment configured to minimize an occurrence of motion artifacts throughout the image volume. The image data representative of the volume segments is combined to produce a representation of a three-dimensional anatomical image of the image volume.

Abstract: Noninvasive, MR-compatible methods and systems optically detect mechanical cardiac activity by anatomic (e.g., esophageal) movements. Most preferably, esophageal motion is detected optically and is indicative rhythmic cardiac activities. This esophageal motion may then be detected and used to provide a signal indicative of periods of cardiac activity and inactivity. The signal may be further processed so as to generate a trigger signal that may be input to a MR scanner. In such a manner, MR microscopy may be accomplished to acquire information at a specific phase of the cardiac cycle, for example, in synchrony with periods of cardiac inactivity. Moreover, since mechanical cardiac activity is detected and employed, instead of electrical activity as is employed in conventional techniques, the present invention is immune to electromagnetic interference during MR microscopy. As a result, robust cardiac signals may be monitored and gated during 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional in vivo microscopy.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance cardiac imaging method for imaging during a cardiac cycle interval includes monitoring an electrocardiographic signal (90) associated with the imaged heart for a first trigger event (102). Responsive to the first trigger event, a data acquisition sequence (112, 120) is applied, including a first preparation sequence block (114), a first imaging sequence block (116) having at least one readout interval (228) that collects first data (118), a second preparation sequence block (122), and a second imaging sequence block (124) having at least one readout interval (228) that collects second data (126). The data acquisition sequence (112, 120) occupies an acquisition time interval which is less than the cardiac cycle interval of the imaged heart.

Abstract: A magnetic imaging technique which is resistant to changes in breathing while allowing the use of phase ordering to provide effective motion artifact reduction in an optimal time. This is provided by apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging a target object subject to periodic motion, comprising a magnetic resonance imaging scanner for exciting said target object and recovering imaging data in k-space; a sensor for detecting a signal indicative of a position of said target object; classifying logic for classifying said at least one line of imaging data into one of a plurality of groups of lines of imaging date in dependence upon said position detected by said sensor as said target object was excited, each group of lines corresponding to one of a plurality of contiguous ranges of position and scan terminating logic for detecting when two or more groups of lines corresponding to contiguous ranges of position together containing a set of lines of imaging date spanning k-space from which an image can be derived.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for three-dimensional cine EBA/CTA imaging. The method includes monitoring a cardiac cycle of a patient and selecting a trigger point along the cardiac cycle. When the cardiac cycle of the patient reaches the trigger point, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the patient is initiated. At least two CT scans of the patient are performed during a time period over two or more cardiac cycles. A cine angiography image is constructed from the at least two CT scans.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for monitoring inflammation of the epithelium. The device consists of a head region, a handle region and an optical bundle. At least two of the optical fibers in the bundle are utilized as a source of radiation, these two fibers are at two different angles from normal. At least one of the other optical fibers is utilized as a detector for the reflected radiation, or alternatively an image guide can be used as the detector. The device of the invention can be part of an external or internal system that can include a light source, the device, a multiplexer, a spectrometer, and a computer for data analysis. The method of the invention allows for the detection and monitoring of general inflammation of the oral epithelium. The inflammation of the epithelium can be detected or monitored to diagnose diseases of the oral epithelium, monitor such diseases, monitor treatment of such diseases, or pre-screen for and monitor preventative treatments of such diseases.

Abstract: This invention is a method for multi-slice CBF imaging using continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL) with an amplitude modulated control which is both highly effective at controlling for off resonance effects, and efficient at doubly inverting inflow spins, thus retaining the signal advantages of CASL versus pulsed ASL techniques.

Abstract: A technique embodied in a method and apparatus is disclosed for acquiring MR images in 2D and 3D using a common pulse sequence switchable in real-time. The technique includes identifying a 3D imaging volume and applying a 3D pulse sequence having the slice encoding and rewinder gradients disabled in one dimension. The technique then allows localizing and monitoring by acquiring 2D MR data. When it is desirable to enter a 3D imaging mode, the slice encoding and rewinder gradients are re-enabled in the common pulse sequence for acquisition of 3D MR data.

Abstract: A method and system for physiological gating for radiation therapy is disclosed. A method and system for detecting and predictably estimating regular cycles of physiological activity or movements is disclosed. Another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to predictive actuation of gating system components. Yet another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to physiological gating of radiation treatment based upon the phase of the physiological activity.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system is disclosed to perform an imaging pulse sequence that acquires data to generate an image of at least a portion of the patient. The magnetic resonance imaging system comprises an acoustic transducer to irradiate an anatomic structure in the patient using ultrasonic energy. A receiver, in response to ultrasonic energy, generates echo signals. Using the echo signals, a signal analyzer generates a plurality of gating signals, including a first gating signal in response to a first period of motion of the anatomic structure and the second gating signal in response to a second period of motion of the structure. The magnetic resonance imaging system, in response to the first gating signal, acquires data from the center of k-space, and, in response to the second gating signal, acquires the periphery of k-space.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging method and apparatus includes a navigator region defined within the subject by selective excitation. Blood flow is measured within the selected region using the principles of phase contrast MR angiography. A cardiac cycle plot is constructed from Fourier transformed data that represents measured velocity of blood flow through the navigator region as a function of time. On the basis of the cardiac cycle plot and the navigator measurements, data acquisition is synchronized or gated to portions of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: MRA data is acquired from a large region of interest by translating the patient through the bore of the MRI system as a three-dimensional MRA data set are acquired. Patient table movement is controlled to track a bolus of contrast agent as it passes through the region of interest. Fluoroscopic images may be acquired during the scan to enable accurate bolus tracking. A seamless image of the entire region of interest is reconstructed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining the filling of a lung, wherein the movement of an anatomical structure which moves with breathing, or one or more points on the moving anatomical structure whose movement trajectory is highly correlated with lung filling, is detected with respect to the location of at least one anatomical structure which is not spatially affected by breathing, and wherein each distance between the structures is assigned a particular lung filling value.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed to acquire high temporal resolution free-breathing cardiac MR images. The technique includes monitoring heart rate of a patient just prior to image acquisition to acquire a time period of an R—R interval, and using this time period from the heart rate monitoring to prospectively estimate future R—R intervals. The acquisition of MR data can then commence at any point in an R—R interval and extend for the time period recorded. The data acquisition can be segmented and acquired in successive R—R intervals, then combined to create high temporal resolution images.

Abstract: An MR system correlates MR images with acquired physiological data. MR image data and physiological data is acquired through two independent pipelines. Both pipelines range from analog to digital conversion to image or data display. The pipelines are synchronized by triggers calculated from data contained in the physiological pipeline which are then used to trigger the acquisition of data in the MR image pipeline. Another embodiment includes time synchronization of a distributed acquisition and processing system having the ability to correlate physiological and MR data using a common time base and the ability to selectively store physiological data. Simplified network time protocol is used to synchronize timers and a separate data conduit is used for sending physiological data to the data store process. This supports different modes of synchronization between acquisition and the physiological signal.

Abstract: A trigger generator for supplying a trigger signal to a medical device. The generator includes a respiratory signal device associated with the subject that generates a respiratory signal representing the flow of gas into and out of the subject's lungs during the subject's breathing cycle. A trigger generator integrates the respiratory signal and generates a trigger signal when the integrated respiratory signal has a value representing a selected point in the subject's breathing cycle.

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.