Abstract: A system and method for nodule boundary visualization superimposed on a scan image, including generating phantom image measurements of at least one synthetic calibration object in relation to a body to calibrate a scanner; acquiring a first image of a nodule on the calibrated scanner; computing and marking a boundary on the image; displaying the first image with the boundary superimposed over the first image; presenting the initial boundary to a user for modification where the user can add one or more modification points to the image to create a modified boundary that is encompassed by the one or more modification points; once the user has marked the one or more modification points on the image, computing an updated boundary that adapts to include the new points.

Abstract: A system for compensating a neurally triggered or other self-caused displacement of a tissue of an animal including man comprises a base provided with a means for immobilizing the animal or body part thereof comprising the tissue, one or more displacement means in contact with the base, a means for sampling position data from a marker disposed in or in the proximity of the tissue, a means for sampling source activity data from one or more sources of displacement, microprocessor means for correlating position data and source activity data to generate a predictive correspondence, a means for controlling the one or more displacement means by source activity data based on the predictive correspondence. Also disclosed is a corresponding method and use.

Abstract: A measuring device for a magnetic resonance device is provided. The measuring device has a sensor unit. The sensor unit includes at least one acoustic sensor element for detecting heart sounds of a patient. The sensor unit also includes a resonating body unit. The resonating body unit has a hollow space for filtering interfering signals emitted by the magnetic resonance device from the heart sounds of the patient.

Abstract: A medical imaging method and associated device for generating an image data record of a recording region of a patient, which region is influenced by a cyclical cardiac motion, in which an EKG signal is used to derive a series of recording pulses matched to the cardiac motion, by which pulses the imaging is actuated in a pulsed fashion. In at least one embodiment, a time window of a future recording pulse is calculated taking into account at least one dispersion parameter characterizing the variation in the cycle duration and a location parameter characterizing the expected value of the cycle duration, wherein the dispersion parameter is included into the calculation of the time window using a weighting determined on the basis of the location parameter.

Abstract: A control unit for an equipment arrangement is provided. The control unit includes an imaging modality, a measurement device for measuring a control variable and a controllable injection device for a regulatory substance influencing the control variable, wherein the injection rate of the injection device may be varied during a data acquisition such that a proposed value for the control variable is reached.

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: A system acquires images in the presence of a contrast agent of relatively long persistence using a synchronization processor, image acquisition device and imaging controller. The synchronization processor provides an image acquisition trigger signal for acquiring images at a particular point within both a cardiac and a respiratory cycle in response to signals representing cardiac and respiratory cycles. The image acquisition device includes an assembly comprising a radiation emitter and detector rotatable about a patient for acquiring images of a portion of patient anatomy at different angles. The imaging controller initiates acquisition of data representing multiple images in the presence of a contrast agent of relatively long persistence by repetitively, initiating rotation of the assembly to an angle, acquiring an image at the angle in response to the trigger signal and incrementally increasing the angle.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for estimating internal position information of a target in real-time based on a single gantry-mounted x-ray imager and a respiratory signal. The x-ray imaging is done periodically to limit radiation dosage. Initial parameters for the estimation model are determined in a pre-treatment session using four dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) in combination with a respiratory signal acquired from the patient. The model parameters are updated during treatment based on the periodic x-ray image data and the respiratory signal.

Abstract: A method for selecting data to reconstruct a three-dimensional (3D) image of a subject of interest includes acquiring a 3D emission dataset of the subject of interest, acquiring a respiratory signal of the subject of interest, the respiratory signal including a plurality of respiratory cycles, and calculating a respiratory profile using the respiratory signal. The method further includes, for each respiratory cycle, generating a gating window, calculating a minimum total squared difference (TSD) between a plurality of phases in the respiratory profile and the same plurality of phases in the respiratory cycle, and positioning the gating window based on the TSD values calculated, and reconstructing a 3D image using only the emission data within the plurality of gated windows. A system and non-transitory computer readable medium are also described herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing determination of patient position change relative to an imaging device and/or allowing digital subtraction in an operative position. The system can include devices for determining a position of a patient at various times and comparing the various positions of the patient. Further, a digital subtraction may be performed if the patient change is not above a threshold value and/or if motion correction can occur.

Abstract: An imaging interface for diffuse optical tomography of breast includes a plurality of concentric rings. Each concentric ring can include a plurality of optical input/output apertures arranged on a radially inner surface thereof. The rings can have different inner and outer diameters from each other and can be arranged in a stacked configuration. The rings can translate independently of each other along a central axis of the stack. During imaging the breast is inserted into an inner region of the stacked rings. The rings can be translated such that the optical input/output apertures are brought into touch contact (i.e., non-compressing contact) with the surface of the breast, so as to accommodate different size breasts. The rings may be translated such that the spacing between adjacent rings is increased for large breasts and reduced for smaller breasts. Rings may be removed or additional rings added to further accommodate additional breast sizes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating x-ray attenuation, where the x-ray attenuation compound can comprise a molecule having at least two conformational states, a first k-edge atom attached to the molecule at a first position, and a second k-edge atom attached to the molecule at a second position, where the molecule changes from a first conformational state to a second conformational state in response to an external stimulus. Additionally, a first interatom distance between the first k-edge atom and the second k-edge atom in the first conformational state can be within a first harmonic error of 0 to about 0.2, and a second interatom distance between the first k-edge atom and the second k-edge atom in the second conformational state can be within a second harmonic error of about 0.8 to 1.0.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with gated optical coherence tomography (OCT) are described. One example method includes generating an image control signal to control an OCT apparatus to acquire an image of an embryonic heart at a specified point in time during a cardiac cycle of the embryonic heart. The method may also include controlling the OCT apparatus to acquire the image based on the image control signal. In different examples, the image may be acquired in vivo or from an excised heart that is paced. The OCT apparatus and the embryonic heart may be housed in an environmental chamber having a set of controllable environmental factors. Therefore, the method may include detecting and controlling the set of controllable environmental factors.

Abstract: A method for generating one or more images includes collecting data samples representative of a motion of an object, acquiring image data of at least a part of the object over a time interval, synchronizing the data samples and the image data to a common time base, and generating one or more images based on the synchronized image data. A method for generating one or more images includes acquiring image data of at least a part of an object over a time interval, associating the image data with one or more phases of a motion cycle, and constructing one or more images using the image data that are associated with the respective one or more phases.

Abstract: The system and method of the present application includes an image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) system, combined with a medical ventilator, to form a closed-loop system to optimize treatment of a tumor for patients who cannot comply with a normal respiratory management procedure. The ventilator may be used to generate respiratory maneuvers to facilitate clean images for dose planning, so that clinicians can more clearly visualize a target with fewer of the image artifacts associated with respiratory motion. The combined IGRT and ventilation systems approach facilitates treatment of specific organs most susceptible to respiratory motion artifact, and helps minimize the doses to the heart in left-breast treatments. Improved positioning of the anatomical target structures for exposure to external beam radiation may be accomplished through combinations of respiratory-gating, respiratory pause, and selective right or left lung mechanical ventilator techniques.

Abstract: An image processing device includes an image acquisition section that acquires an image that has been acquired by imaging a tissue using an endoscope apparatus, an in vivo position identification information acquisition section that acquires in vivo position identification information that specifies an in vivo position of the endoscope apparatus when the image has been acquired, a in vivo model acquisition section that acquires a in vivo model that is a model of the tissue, an on-model position determination section that specifies an on-model position that corresponds to the position specified by the in vivo position identification information on the acquired in vivo model, and a linking section that links information about the acquired image to the specified on-model position.

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: The invention generally relates to intravascular imaging and methods of improved image quality by triggering image operations with a vessel flush. The invention provides systems and methods for intravascular imaging in which a flush such as the influx of clear saline or radiopaque dye triggers the imaging operation. The flush is detected by a mechanism—such as a pressure sensor or optical device on the imaging catheter, an external angiography system, or other device—that uses detection as a trigger to initiate imaging. Thus, when the blood is flushed, the catheter automatically takes a picture of the vessel wall.

Abstract: A method includes automatically determining at least one gating signal based on a physiological signal from a subject being imaged by an imaging system, automatically determining, based upon prior analysis and knowledge of the imaging system's capabilities, a timing of each of a plurality of exposures within a single or multiple cycles of the physiologic signal, and performing the multiple acquisitions.

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: A system and a method for acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system is provided. The system can include a gantry that completely annularly encompasses at least a portion of the subject, with a source positioned within and movable relative to the gantry. The source can be responsive to a signal to output at least one pulse. The system can include a detector positioned within and movable relative to the gantry to detect the pulse emitted by the source. The system can also include a detector control module that sets detector data based on the detected pulse, and an image acquisition control module that sets the signal for the source and receives the detector data. The image acquisition control module can reconstruct image data based on the detector data. The signal can include a signal for the source to output a single pulse or two pulses.

Abstract: A system (200) includes a first imaging system (201) that utilizes first radiation to image an interior region of interest of a subject, including a first agent in the region of interest and a second imaging system (218) that utilizes second radiation to image a second agent in the region of interest, wherein an output of the second imaging system is used to trigger the first imaging system to scan the region of interest, including the first agent in the region of interest.

Abstract: This patent document discusses assemblies and methods for remotely detecting a position of a surgical instrument in the presence of a magnetic field. In varying examples, a position detection system includes an encoder coupled to move in concert with the instrument. The encoder includes an a translucent substrate and light blocking indicia disposed thereon. A light source and a light detector array are effectively disposed outside of the magnetic field. Light from the light source is carried to an encoder first side using an input optical fiber, while the light passing through the encoder is received at an encoder second side by an output optical fiber. The light received by the output optical fiber is transmitted to the light detector array, which converts the received light to position representative electrical signals. Such signals are subsequently transmitted to a control module adapted to formulate and convey a position of the instrument.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including a sensor for sensing a phase of cyclic activity of a subject's body system. A tool modulator includes a gate configured: in a first cycle of the cyclic activity, to allow movement of a tool, in response to the cyclic activity being at a first given phase thereof, following the given phase in the first cycle and prior to an occurrence of the given phase in a subsequent cycle of the cyclic activity, to inhibit the movement of the tool, and in a second cycle of the cyclic activity, subsequent to the inhibiting of the movement, to allow movement of the tool, in response to the second cycle of the cyclic activity being at the given phase thereof. An accumulation facilitator facilitates an accumulation of the tool in the tool modulator, and/or an accumulation of energy in the tool.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes: a breathing device comprising an air pressure generator for generating air pressure, a tube for delivering the air pressure to a patient, and a sensor configured to sense a characteristic associated with a breathing of the patient; and a processing unit configured to receive an output from the sensor, and generate a control signal for controlling a medical device based at least in part on the output from the sensor.

Abstract: A method of compensating for breathing and other motions of a patient during treatment includes periodically generating internal positional data about an internal target region. The method further includes continuously generating external positional data about external motion of the patient's body using an external sensor and generating a correlation model between the position of the internal target region and the external sensor using the external positional data of the external sensor and the internal positional data of the internal target region. The method further includes predicting the position of the internal target region at some later time based on the correlation model.

Abstract: A system and method for confocal imaging of tissue in vivo and in situ, e.g., for minimally invasive diagnosis of patients. A catheter is provided that has a dye carrier coupled to the distal end of a fiber optics bundle, which allows for the introduction of at least one fluorescent dye therein the dye carrier into a portion of the tissue of interest of a subject or patient when the dye carrier is selectively brought into contact with the portion of the tissue of interest. The resulting confocal images permit the acquisition of diagnostic information on the progression of diseases at cellular/tissue level in patients. Furthermore, a system for ECG-triggered image acquisition is provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for assisting in determination of the suitability of a patient for a scan of the heart of the patient using an X-ray computer tomograph. In at least one embodiment of the method, a) an electrocardiogram of the patient is recorded; b) the electrocardiogram is evaluated by predicting the occurrence time of at least the immediately following R wave on the basis of at least four immediately consecutive R waves of the electrocardiogram which were measured last, and comparing this with the actual measured occurrence time of the next R wave; and c) wherein the quality of the prediction is visualized qualitatively. Further, in at least one embodiment, a device is disclosed including an ECG instrument and a computation device for carrying out the method. At least one embodiment of the invention furthermore relates to a method and a device for scanning the heart of a patient on the basis of a prediction of R waves.

Abstract: A navigation system for catheter-based interventions, the system comprising a processing device; an angiogram x-ray system connected by data transfer connection to the processing device and capable of capturing angiographic images of a patient; an electrocardiogram monitoring device that is also connected by data transfer connection to the processing device and to the x-ray system; a medical instrument to be inserted into the area of the patient captured by the angiographic image; a position capture module for getting position information about the position of the medical instrument, the unit connected by data transfer connection to the processing device, wherein the processing device is capable of triggering the capturing of the angiographic images as a roadmap and superimposing on the roadmap the position information about the medical instrument.

Abstract: A method of processing image data that includes obtaining image data, determining a phase of a respiratory cycle, and associating the image data with the determined phase within 60 seconds, and more preferably, within 15 seconds, after the image data is obtained. A system for processing image data that includes a processor configured for obtaining image data, determining a phase of a respiratory cycle, and associating the image data with the determined phase within 60 seconds, and more preferably, within 15 seconds, after the image data is obtained. A method of processing image data that includes obtaining image data during an image acquisition session, determining a phase of a respiratory cycle, and associating the image data after the image data is obtained but before the image acquisition session is completed.

Abstract: A method of performing physiological gating in a medical procedure includes acquiring a sequence of images having at least a first image and a second image of a target region, determining a first composite image based on the first and second images, and gating a medical procedure based on the composite image. A method of performing a medical procedure includes providing a plurality of templates, each of the templates having an image and treatment data, acquiring an input image, registering the input image with one of the templates, and performing a medical procedure based on the treatment data of the one of the templates that is registered with the input image.

Abstract: A method for the acquisition of measurement data of a breathing examination subject by magnetic resonance includes the following steps: (a) detect the physiological breathing signal of the examination subject with a breathing signal detection unit, (b) evaluate the detected breathing signal in an evaluation unit, (c) based on the evaluated breathing signal, calculate in a computer at least one parameter affecting the type of acquisition of measurement data by means of magnetic resonance, (d) detect a current physiological breathing signal with the breathing signal detection unit, (e) compare the last detected breathing signals with at least one trigger condition, (f) initiate the acquisition of measurement data using the calculated parameter from step (c) upon satisfaction of the trigger conditions from step (e), (g) repeat the steps (d) through (f) until all desired measurement data have been acquired, and (h) store and/or process the acquired measurement data in a memory and/or processing unit.

Abstract: A method for collecting three-dimensional data of an object from a series of projection images recorded by a biplane C-arm system is provided. A cardiac activity is recorded. The cardiac frequency and a start cardiac phase are determined for calculating parameters of the C-arm planes. The C-arm planes are set with the parameters and data is acquired in the start cardiac phase. The C-arm planes are uniformly rotated at a same speed in a forward motion over an angular area and record data at different angular areas at different cardiac phases. Data is acquired in the start cardiac phase after termination of the forward motion. The C-arm planes are uniformly rotated at a same speed in a backward motion over an angular area and records data at different angular areas at different cardiac phases. The captured data are reconstructed after termination of the backward motion upon completed acquisition.

Abstract: An image data subtraction system enhances visualization of vessels subject to movement using an imaging system. The imaging system acquires data representing first and second anatomical image sets comprising multiple temporally sequential individual mask (without contrast agent) and fill images (with contrast agent) of vessels respectively, during multiple heart cycles. An image data processor automatically identifies temporally corresponding pairs of images comprising a mask image and a contrast enhanced image and for the corresponding pairs, automatically determines a shift of a contrast enhanced image relative to a mask image to compensate for motion induced image mis-alignment. The image data processor automatically shifts a contrast enhanced image relative to a mask image in response to the determined shift.

Abstract: A method includes dynamically varying a data acquisition sample rate between at least two data acquisition sample rates during a contrast enhanced perfusion scan based on a level of contrast in image data generated during the scan. A system includes a computed tomography scanner and a console that controls the scanner based on a scan protocol, wherein the console dynamically varies a data acquisition sample rate of scanner during a contrast enhanced perfusion scan based on a level of contrast in the image data generated during the scan. A method for optimizing dose of a scan includes reducing a data acquisition sampling rate during at least a sub-portion of the scan in which a state of interest is not being scanned.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically gating an imaging device is disclosed. Physiological process information of a patient may be derived from a plethysmographic signal, for example, by analyzing the plethysmographic signal transformed by a continuous wavelet transform. Other techniques for deriving physiological process information of a patient include, for example, analyzing a scalogram derived from the continuous wavelet transform. The physiological process information may be used to automatically gate imaging data acquired from an imaging device in order to synchronize the imaging data with the physiological process information.

Abstract: A system and method of optimizing delivery of a radiation therapy treatment. The system optimizes treatment delivery in real-time to take into account a variety of factors, such as patient anatomical and physiological changes (e.g., respiration and other movement, etc.), and machine configuration changes (e.g., beam output factors, couch error, leaf error, etc.).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for imaging a cyclically moving organ of a human or animal body, with a device supported such that it can be rotated at an angular velocity around the body recording images of the organ from different angle positions, with the angular velocity being modulated with a reference signal representing the movement phase of the organ. During the rest phase of the organ images of the organ are recorded at nominal angular speed. In the movement phase of the organ the device is slowed down, turned back and accelerated again such that on entry into the next rest phase the device records images for the next angle range at nominal angular velocity without major angle gaps in respect of the previous angle range, to generate the most complete data record possible.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing images of structures undergoing physiological motion comprises acquiring a first volume of data over a first motion cycle. The first volume comprises a first overlap volume. A second volume of data is acquired over a second motion cycle and comprises a second overlap volume. The first and second overlap volumes comprise like anatomical regions with respect to each other. A reconstructed volume of data is formed based on temporal data within the first and second overlap volumes.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided with an ultrasound catheter and a controller coupled to the ultrasound catheter. The catheter includes a localizer sensor configured to generate positional information for the ultrasound catheter, and an imaging ultrasound sensor having a restricted field of view. The controller co-registers images from the imaging ultrasound sensor with positional information from the localizer sensor.

Abstract: A system and method to display a four-dimensional (4D) model of an imaged anatomy is provided. The system comprises a controller, and an imaging system including an imaging probe in communication with the controller. The imaging probe can acquire generally real-time, 3D image data relative to a direction of image acquisition along an imaging plane. The system also includes a tracking system in communication with the controller. The tracking system includes at least one tracking element integrated with the imaging probe. The system is operable to process the generally real-time, 3D image data acquired by the imaging probe relative to generally real-time tracking information acquired by the tracking system so as to display the 4D model of the imaged anatomy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for synchronizing an image capture device with a first image data set. The image capture device is used for recording a second image data set of a periodically moving area or object. Each first image data set contains information as to the point in time, relative to the periodically moving area or object, when recording took place. The device additionally acquires periodically recurring, current information of the area as well as information concerning the recording instant of the first image data set. From the periodically recurring information and the recording instant of the first image data set, a triggering instant is derived which controls at least one recording of the second image data set by the image capture device in such a way that the second image data set contains image data synchronized to the first image data set.

Abstract: An imaging system selects a medical imaging protocol using a repository of information associating multiple ranges of contrast agent peak time with corresponding different imaging protocols. An imaging protocol comprises a method for acquiring images using an imaging system and using data identifying at least one of (a) an imaging rate within an imaging scan cycle and (b) an interval between imaging scans. A contrast agent peak time comprises a time a contrast agent concentration substantially reaches a peak value in an anatomical region of interest of a patient relative to a time of start of contrast agent injection. A contrast agent peak time detector detects a contrast agent peak time. An imaging processor adaptively selects an imaging protocol from the imaging protocols in response to a comparison of a detected contrast agent peak time with at least one of the plurality of ranges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for estimating blood analyte levels using a noninvasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) based physiological monitor. An algorithm correlates OCT-based estimated blood analyte data with actual blood analyte data determined by other methods, such as invasively. OCT-based data is fit to the obtained blood analyte measurements to achieve the best correlation. Once the algorithm has generated sets of estimated blood analyte levels, it may refine the number of sets by applying one or more mathematical filters. The OCT-based physiological monitor can be calibrated using an Intensity Difference plot or the Pearson Product Moment Correlation method.

Abstract: A cardiac functional analysis system reconstructs a 3D anatomical image volume using image frames acquired at predetermined cardiac phases over multiple cardiac cycles in response to a trigger derived from hemodynamic signals. A medical imaging system generates 3D anatomical imaging volume datasets from acquired 2D anatomical images. The system includes an image acquisition device for acquiring 2D anatomical images of a portion of patient anatomy in selectable angularly variable imaging planes in response to a synchronization signal derived from a patient blood flow related parameter. A synchronization processor provides the synchronization signal derived from the patient blood flow related parameter. An image processor processes 2D images acquired by the image acquisition device of the portion of patient anatomy in multiple different imaging planes having relative angular separation, to provide a 3D image reconstruction of the portion of patient anatomy.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a subject is prompted to take breaths that are different at least in depth, and the subject's motion associated with respiration is captured. A timing when the subject is scanned is controlled according to the captured motion of the subject associated with respiration. A two-dimensional detector formed like a two-dimensional plane detects an X-ray beam having passed through the subject. Data is collected from the two-dimensional detector to acquire volume data on the subject.

Abstract: A system and method to image an imaged subject is provided. The system comprises an ultrasound imaging system including an imaging probe operable to move internally and acquire ultrasound image data of the imaged subject, a fluoroscopic imaging system operable to acquire fluoroscopic image data of the imaged subject during image acquisition by the ultrasound imaging system, and a controller in communication with the ultrasound imaging system and the fluoroscopic imaging system. A display can be illustrative of the ultrasound image data acquired with the imaging probe in combination with a fluoroscopic imaging data acquired by the fluoroscopic imaging system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating computed tomographic (CT) images from image data acquired during different biological cycles are provided. A computer is programmed to receive a plurality of scan data acquired during a gated acquisition window of each of a plurality of biological cycles, blend the scan data acquired during a first of the plurality of biological cycles with the scan data acquired during a second of the plurality of biological cycles, and construct a final image from the blended data.

Abstract: A time series data analyzer includes a segment condition input section, an analysis condition input section, and an optimum condition deriving section for analyzing all segments based on the segment conditions and analysis conditions inputted in the respective input sections, under all analysis conditions by a maximum entropy method and a nonlinear least squares method. The time series data analyzer derives the optimum segment length and the optimum lag value in correspondence to selected results, and an analysis execution section executes analysis by the maximum entropy method by setting the optimum analysis conditions derived as described above. The trending of the spectrum of electroencephalogram data is used as an indicator of the state of the subject based on the findings that the spectrum of electroencephalogram data is an exponential spectrum and the gradient changes depending on the state of the subject.

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.