Abstract: The embodiments are based on a positioning apparatus designed to provide assistance by supporting and/or positioning a patient on a patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus includes a bearing unit to hold the patient and a fastening unit. The fastening unit is designed to fasten the positioning apparatus to the patient support apparatus. The bearing unit includes at least two bearing regions, where it is possible to set a position of the first bearing region in relation to a position of the at least one second bearing region.

Abstract: Apparatus for the, in particular, transperineal examination of patients, consisting of two leg holders (1) arranged symmetrically in relation to the longitudinal axis of the patient, wherein the leg holders (1) have arranged between them a carriage (2) which runs parallel to the center plane of the patient and can be displaced, and arrested, in the direction of the longitudinal axis and, at its patient end, has a frame (3) which is oriented perpendicularly to the displacement direction and is suitable for accommodating a grid (4) and/or a targeting device or an NMR coil.

Abstract: The present system and method for simulating particles and waves is useful for calculations involving nuclear and full spectrum radiation transport, quantum particle transport, plasma transport and charged particle transport. The invention provides a mechanism for creating accurate invariants for embedding in general three-dimensional problems and describes means by which a series of simple single collision interaction finite elements can be extended to formulate a complex multi-collision finite element.

Abstract: A local coil for a magnetic resonance imaging system has a head part and a neck part. The head part is tiltable in a tilting movement. The neck part is movable relative to the head part for compensation of the tilting movement. The local coil is a head-neck local coil.

Abstract: A head/neck local coil for an imaging magnetic resonance imaging system includes a head/neck local coil lower part that is tiltable with a tilting movement. The head/neck local coil also includes a neck part movable relative to the head/neck local coil lower part for compensating the tilting movement.

Abstract: Improvements in magnetic resonance imaging methods to obtain three-dimensional models and diagnoses of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome are described.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance device with at least one main field magnet and at least one gradient coil is provided. The magnetic resonance device provides more free space for the patient and treatment providers; the magnetic resonance device has at least one main field magnet, which is provided to generate a magnet volume. The magnet volume has an imaging region, which is displaced from the center of the main field magnet along a longitudinal axis defined by the main field magnet. The magnetic resonance device also has a gradient coil. In the direction of the longitudinal axis defined by the main field magnet, the gradient coil has a first side facing away from the main field magnet and a second side facing the main field magnet. The gradient coil has a cross-section with a larger area on the first side facing away than on the second facing side.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a plurality of elongated rails, a scanhead assembly, and a small animal mount assembly. The scanhead assembly is mounted to be moveable in a linear bidirectional manner along a longitudinal axis of the first rail. The small-animal mount assembly is mounted to be moveable in a linear bidirectional manner along a longitudinal axis of the second rail. The second rail is mounted relative to the first rail so the longitudinal axis of the second rail is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the first rail. The imaging system may also comprise a needle injection assembly that is mounted to be moveable in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the third rail. The third rail is mounted such that a longitudinal axis of the third rail is substantially coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the first rail.

Abstract: The embodiments include a magnetic resonance device having a head antenna unit configured for acquiring magnetic resonance signals, and a projection unit that has a presentation surface unit for presenting picture elements and a first projection surface unit for presenting a projection of the picture elements. The first projection surface unit has a center and the presentation surface unit has a center, where the center of the first projection surface unit defines an axis together with the center of the presentation surface unit. The projection unit has a second projection surface unit, a first mirror plane for projecting a picture element onto the second projection surface unit and a second mirror plane for projecting a picture element onto the first projection surface unit, the axis intersecting a normal vector of the first mirror plane and/or a normal vector of the second mirror plane.

Abstract: A stand-alone MR or hybrid PET-MR imaging system incorporating a surface stationary RF coil structure is disclosed. The imaging system includes a support assembly comprising a cradle to accommodate a subject and a bridge to receive the cradle and provide for translation therealong to enable an acquisition of imaging data. An RF coil structure is positioned between the bridge and the cradle, and includes a base portion, a cover portion, and an array of RF coil elements positioned on the cover portion. The cover portion includes contoured features that enable placement of RF coil elements in proximity to a subject and to provide a constant and uniform gap between the RF elements and the cradle. The RF coil structure also includes structural elements that support the cradle when rolling over the array of RF coil elements without deforming the RF coil elements.

Abstract: A local coil for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is a breast coil that includes at least one height adjustment apparatus.

Abstract: Scanner Systems with table stabilizers for stabilizing patient support structures during a surgery include a stabilizer block that can cooperate with the gantry to structurally support a head end portion of the table to prevent undesired movement of the table under an end load.

Abstract: A transfer station is provided that is suitable for use in association with an incubator and an MR scanner for neonatal infants. The transfer station may include a transfer station platform attached atop a transfer station base. The transfer station may be placed between and an incubator and an MR scanner and may include mechanisms for engaging the incubator and the MR scanner. The transfer station may include a movable bed for a patient that may be placed in the MR scanner.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to devices and methods for MRT imaging with a MRT, where a patient table having the scan subject is moved in at least one direction along at least one displacement path, determination of a quantity representing the SAR effect on the scan subject being carried out at a plurality of positions along the displacement path, a suitable position of the patient table, lying on a displacement path, being determined, at which the MRT imaging of the scan subject imaging region, to be scanned, of the scan subject is subsequently intended to be carried out.

Abstract: An apparatus and method perform non-invasive lithium measurement of a patient wherein an apparatus comprising a permanent magnet, and at least one radiofrequency coil tuned to the resonant frequency of one or more isotopes of lithium are coupled to a cavity less than 5 cm in diameter in which a subject's body part (other than the subject's brain) can be inserted, wherein, the concentration of lithium in the subject's body is assessed based on one or more measurements of an amount of lithium detected in the body part without the need for withdrawing fluids from the body.

Abstract: An encapsulatable life support mechanism (ELSM) for an analyzed animal, including: a cradle or bed adapted by means of size and shape to accommodate the animal; an anesthetization gas mask (AGM) characterized by a cup with conic cross section, comprising a plurality of apertures located at the outer circumference of the cup; a fluid supplying mechanism (FSM) in which the AGM is placed, the FSM is in a continuous fluid communication with (i) an anesthetization gas inlet positioned outside the ELSM and an outlet located within the ELSM; (ii) an air suction scavenging device positioned outside the ELSM and a mask and an air suction outlet located within the ELSM; and a plurality of (iii) air conditioning tubes; and an airtight shell enveloping the same. The airtight ELSM prevent leakage of anesthetization gas.

Abstract: An encapsulatable life support mechanism (ELSM) for an analyzed animal, including: a cradle or bed adapted by means of size and shape to accommodate the animal; an anesthetization gas mask (AGM) characterized by a cup with conic cross section, comprising a plurality of apertures located at the outer circumference of the cup; a fluid supplying mechanism (FSM) in which the AGM is placed, the FSM is in a continuous fluid communication with (i) an anesthetization gas inlet positioned outside the ELSM and an outlet located within the ELSM; (ii) an air suction scavenging device positioned outside the ELSM and a mask and an air suction outlet located within the ELSM; and a plurality of (iii) air conditioning tubes; and an airtight shell enveloping the same. The airtight ELSM prevent leakage of anesthetization gas.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transfer table assembly suitable for use in association with an MR scanner. The transfer table assembly includes a transfer table attached to a transfer table base that may releasably engage an incubator. The transfer table may be dimensionally constructed such that it may be inserted directly into an MR scanner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for radially compressing bodily tissue and performing medical procedures from a selected one of a plurality of circumferential positions and angles, a selected one of a plurality of different elevations and elevational angles. Some embodiments include a tissue-compression fixture having members that are configured to be moved to radially compress bodily tissue such that each of a plurality of areas of biological tissue are exposed between the plurality of members, and wherein the fixture is compatible with use in an MRI machine in operation; an actuator having a receiver for a medical-procedure probe; and a computer system operatively coupled to the actuator to move the probe. The computer receives user commands, and based on the commands, moves the actuator to a selected one of a plurality of different positions around the tissue-compression fixture and then extends the probe into the patient.

Abstract: A patient table adapted for use in association with an MR scanner for neonatal infants is provided. The patient table has an extendable patient bed attached to and extendable from the patient table. The patient bed may be at least partially inserted into an MR scanner without requiring the patient table to enter the MR scanner. A transport mechanism is on the underside of the patient table so that it may be readily moved over the floor on which it rests. The patient table includes a latching mechanism that may operate to releasably attach the patient table to a patient table docking assembly. The docking assembly is operative to selectively move the patient table towards, into and away from the MR scanner.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of an embodiment includes: a bed top plate provided with a connector which can be coupled with a receiving coil; a bed which supports the bed top plate, the bed being configured to shift the bed top plate vertically and horizontally, the bed being configured to be jointly coupled with a stretcher apparatus having a stretcher top plate, and the stretcher top plate being placed on top of the bed top plate in a case where the stretcher apparatus is jointly coupled and; a bed controller configured to control a shift of the bed top plate correspondingly to at least one of a joint coupling condition between the bed and the stretcher apparatus and a coupling condition between the receiving coil and the connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for designing and fabricating a pantomesh. The pantomesh includes a plurality of pantomesh elements each including a pairs of links connected to one another by a revolute joint at points between their ends. Each of a plurality of the pantomesh elements is connected using spherical joints to a plurality of neighboring pantomesh elements, wherein a first line that extends along one side of a first pantomesh element forms a first variable angle with a second line that extends along an opposite side of the first pantomesh element. In some embodiments, at least some of the pantomesh elements of the pantomesh are not isosceles trapezoidal elements. In some embodiments, the pantomesh is used to compress breast tissue during an MRI procedure. In some embodiments, the pantomesh is connected to one or more actuators that facilitate remote control of the amount of compression provided.

Abstract: Optical devices for use with a magnetic resonance imaging breast compression system include light wands and optical adapters that can releasably mate with grids. These devices, and their associated methods, may reduce or eliminate the need for biopsy by allowing for the differentiation of cancerous tumors, non-cancerous tumors, calcifications and cysts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a subject placement device for use in a diagnostic and/or therapeutical treatment setting. The subject placement device of the present invention includes: (a) a board for receiving a body of the subject, and (b) a head cradle extending from said board, said head cradle being enabled to receive a range of head diameters.

Abstract: Investigation of in vivo models of disease requires imaging studies involving single subjects in single imaging sessions, serial imaging of individuals or groups of subjects, and integration of data across diverse and heterogeneous experimental methodologies. Each type of experiment is preferably supported by various feature sets that can be rigorously applied to produce quantitative, reproducible results. Current imaging scanners are not equipped with standardized capability that supports an automated and scientifically rigorous workflow suited to hypothesis testing. An imaging system includes a research workstation at which a user can design, execute, study, and report imaging plans. Flexibility that comes along with a modular design of the system allows the user to customize workflow parameters for more robust hypothesis testing.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a method for detecting indications of the presence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementia-inducing, motor-control-related pathologies, and other diseases in the human brain using a magnetic-resonance based technique for measuring fine tissue and bone textures. Specifically, the invention focuses on refinements/adaptations to a prior art magnetic resonance fine texture measurement technique that facilitates/enables pushing the detection limits closer to the cellular level, so as to be able to measure the fine scale structures and tissue changes that are known to be characteristic of the neurodegenerative processes involved in the development of these diseases.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including, while an endoluminal data-acquisition device is being moved through a subject's lumen, acquiring a plurality of endoluminal data points of the lumen using the endoluminal data-acquisition device. It is determined that respective endoluminal data points correspond to respective locations along the lumen. A display is driven to display at least some of the plurality of endoluminal data points in a stack. While a second endoluminal device is inside the lumen, a current location of at least a portion of the second endoluminal device with respect to the lumen is determined. In response thereto, an image of the second endoluminal device is displayed within the stack, at a location within the stack corresponding to the current location of the second endoluminal device. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a receive coil assembly for use in magnetic resonance imaging of breast tissue. In certain embodiments the assembly comprises separable parts: a configurable mechanical support and a flexible receive coil array. The adjustability and separability of the receive coil array relative to the mechanical support allows the receive coil array to substantially conform to the breasts of the patient during imaging.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance device for scanning an extremity of a patient, in particular a leg, comprising a housing and an extremity radiography unit containing an imaging region, into which the extremity can be introduced when patients situated outside the extremity radiography unit, in which case the extremity radiography unit is arranged along a horizontal transverse axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis toward one side of the housing, in which case a magnet unit forming the extremity radiography unit is configured to be capable of pivoting around a horizontal pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by means of a pivot mechanism at a certain angular interval located about a horizontal situation of the longitudinal axis is provided.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a gantry and a movable bed. A magnet, a gradient coil, and a radio frequency coil are built in the gantry. The movable bed is configured to be positioned to the gantry by a positioning mechanism having different structures at different positions in a longitudinal direction of the bed.

Abstract: A drape is provided for use in a surgical or diagnostic procedure using MRI and a patient stabilization device. The drape protects a coil portion of a coil. The drape further includes one or more attachment members to selectively attach and secure the drape to the stabilization device.

Abstract: A radiation therapy system comprises a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system combined with an irradiation system, which can include one or more linear accelerators (linacs) that can emit respective radiation beams suitable for radiation therapy. The MRI system includes a split magnet system, comprising first and second main magnets separated by gap. A gantry is positioned in the gap between the main MRI magnets and supports the linac(s) of the irradiation system. The gantry is rotatable independently of the MRI system and can angularly reposition the linac(s). Shielding can also be provided in the form of magnetic and/or RF shielding. Magnetic shielding can be provided for shielding the linac(s) from the magnetic field generated by the MRI magnets. RF shielding can be provided for shielding the MRI system from RF radiation from the linac.

Abstract: A medical imaging device is provided. The medical imaging device has a detector unit, a receiving area for receiving a patient for the purposes of a medical imaging examination, and a patient table. The receiving area is cylindrically surrounded by the detector unit. The medical imaging device has at least one deposit unit which can be attached to the patient table.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging device and a control thereof, with the magnetic resonance imaging device including a magnet assembly, a patient table provided with a transfer unit introducing a patient to inside of the magnet assembly and a fixing unit supporting the transfer unit, an image output unit which is provided on the magnet assembly or the patient table to output photographic information or general image information of the magnetic resonance imaging device, and a system control unit configured to perform control such that an image of the image output device is output over a facial area of a patient positioned in the magnet assembly according to a moving distance of the transfer unit and thus the patient sees the photographic information or the general image information in the magnet assembly, thereby providing the patient with photographic information.

Abstract: A support unit is disclosed for positioning a patient within a medical imaging apparatus with at least one magnetic resonance device; along with a patient positioning apparatus and a medical imaging apparatus including such a support unit. In an embodiment, the support unit includes at least one bearing element for movable positioning relative to a patient positioning apparatus and a coil unit for receiving magnetic resonance raw data. The coil unit includes a flat supporting surface for positioning the patient.

Abstract: In a method and a device for phase-sensitive flow measurement of a volume segment of an examination subject in a measurement system, the volume segment is divided into multiple partial volume segments and the following steps are executed repeatedly until the volume segment has been completely measured: movement of a table such that a center of one of the partial volume segments to be measured essentially corresponds to the isocenter of the magnetic resonance system, and implementation of the phase-sensitive flow measurement for the partial volume segment to be measured while the center of the partial volume segment essentially corresponds to the isocenter.

Abstract: A patient support and/or transport device is proposed. The patient support and/or transport device comprises a receptacle in particular for a push-in patient support plate. At least one metal detection device is provided on the receptacle adjacent to the patient support plate when the patient support plate is pushed in.

Abstract: A device for radiation therapy implemented with image monitoring has a magnetic resonance device and an exposure device. The magnetic resonance device has a magnet and primarily serves for image monitoring an examination object of a patient in an examination volume of the magnetic resonance device. The exposure is fashioned to be static and serves to expose the examination subject in the examination volume with therapeutic beams. The patient (and therefore the examination subject) are supported by a patient positioning device such that the examination subject can be moved relative to the magnetic resonance device and the exposure device around at least one rotation axis.

Abstract: A method of treating a cancerous region in a breast of a patient comprising (i) imaging the breast in a three-dimensional coordinate system, (ii) stereotactically determining the location of the cancerous region in the breast, (iii) optionally determining the volume of the entire cancerous region to be treated, and (iv) while maintaining the breast in a three-dimensional coordinate system that is identical to or corresponds with the three-dimensional coordinate system used in (i), noninvasively exposing the cancerous region of the breast of the patient to a cancer-treatment effective dose of radiation; and equipment for use in such a method.

Abstract: An animal holder is provided with a specialized coupling that is releasably mountable to a number of different imaging machines such as X-ray, CAT, MRI and PET machines. Composite images created from combining images from such different machines are particularly clear due to the predetermined alignment of the animal holder within the center of the field of view of each machine.

Abstract: Allows the specificity of an automatic MRT detection to be increased in a simple manner. This is achieved using an automatically calibrating position sensor, so that the user does not have to perform additional calibration of this sensor. Incorrect sensor calibrations are thus eliminated as well.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a magnet having a two poles and a wall connecting the poles; the poles delimiting a patient-imaging space; and a table which is slidably connected to one of the two poles between the two poles and which table extends substantially parallel to the two poles; a drive for displacing the table relative to the magnet; a lock for locking the table in a selected position relative to the magnet; a drive for rotating the magnet about the axis; the table connected to the magnet such that the table rotates with the magnet when the magnet rotates about the axis; the magnet and the table being rotatable from a position in which the poles and the table are horizontal to a position in which the table and the poles are vertical.

Abstract: A system and a method of performing a frameless image-guided biopsy uses imaging, a six-dimensional robotic couch system, a laser guidance system, an optical distance indicator, and a needle control apparatus. A planning CT scan is made of the patient with stereotactic fiduciary markers to localize and produce digitally reconstructed radiographs. Two stereoscopic images are generated using an imaging device to visualize and identify a target tumor. The images are fused with the digitally reconstructed radiographs of the planning CT scan to process tumor location. The tumor location data are communicated to the movable robotic couch to position the target tumor of the patient at a known isocenter location. A biopsy needle is guided with a laser alignment mechanism towards the isocenter at the determined depth using a needle positioning apparatus and an Optical Distance Indicator, and a biopsy sample of the target tumor is obtained.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a magnet having two poles and a wall connecting the poles; the poles delimiting a patient-imaging space; and a table which is slidably connected to one of the two poles between the two poles and which table extends substantially parallel to the two poles; a drive for displacing the table relative to the magnet; a lock for locking the table in a selected position relative to the magnet; a drive for rotating the magnet about the axis; the table connected to the magnet such that the table rotates with the magnet when the magnet rotates about the axis; the magnet and the table being rotatable from a position in which the poles and the table are horizontal to a position in which the table and the poles are vertical.

Abstract: A MRI/CAT scan patient arm support assembly comprising a lower frame including a pair of horizontal side members positioned parallel to each other, at least one cross member connecting the pair of horizontal side members, the pair of horizontal side members and the at least one cross member forming a MRI/CAT scan bed-engaging surface, an upper frame connected to and extending angularly upward from the lower frame, the upper frame having a pair of vertical side members positioned parallel to each other, a handle interconnecting the pair of vertical side members, the handle oriented in a substantially horizontal manner and positioned above the lower frame, the handle vertically adjustable along the vertical side members, and at least one removable armrest connected to one of the vertical side members of the upper frame, the removable armrest rotatably adjustable about the vertical side member and adjustable along the vertical side member.

Abstract: An animal handling system for use in an MRD device, including: a first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a first geometry, and a second first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a second geometry. The first second geometry comprises a first cross-sectional area which is larger than a second cross-sectional area of the second geometry. The first elongated enclosure is inserted into a first input port of the MRD device and the second elongated enclosure is inserted in a second input port of the MRD device diametrically opposite to second input port, such that on insertion of the first elongated enclosure into the first input port and insertion of the second elongated enclosure into the second input, the second elongated enclosure slides into the first elongated enclosure through the open distal end of the first elongated enclosure.

Abstract: A method for automated landmarking comprising obtaining one or more localizer images of a patient, comparing the one or more localizer images with a reference image, computing a difference between the one or more localizer images and the reference image, determining a desired position of the patient based on the computed difference, and maneuvering the patient, a support platform, or both the patient and the support platform to the desired position for imaging an anatomical region of interest in the patient.

Abstract: An assembly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient and a method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient using different MRI scanners is disclosed. In one example, the assembly includes a plurality of RF coils, wherein the RF coils are configured to be positioned adjacent to an anatomy of interest, a patient support structure configured to support of the patient, a base removably coupled to the patient support structure, the base and the patient support being configured for receipt in the bore of an MRI scanner, and an interface coupled to the plurality of RF coils and to the MRI scanner and configured to connect the plurality of RF coils and the MRI scanner and to selectively control a first RF coil and a second RF coil included in the plurality of RF coils.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging tissue of a patient positioned in a supine position is disclosed. The system includes an imaging array comprising a flexible mounting element, wherein the flexible mounting element includes at least a first articulating member configured to flex into position responsive to pressure and hold a flexed position upon release of pressure. In another example, the imaging array includes a curved portion, sized and dimensioned for positioning adjacent to a naturally positioned breast in response to articulation of the at least one articulating member of the flexible mounting element. In another example, the imaging array includes an RF coil array disposed on the flexible mounting element.

Abstract: A method computer program for displaying relative movement between vertebrae or other medical objects is provided. The method generally includes acquiring at least two images of adjacent vertebrae, wherein the at least two images are acquired from a substantially similar acquisition position and illustrate the vertebrae in two different positions. The method further includes displaying a first image to a user on a screen, displaying a second image to the user overlaid onto the first image, translating, via user input, the first or second image to align a stationary feature present in both the first and second images, and alternately displaying the translated first and second images to display relative movement between the stationary feature and adjacent features.