Patent classifications
G01R33/4804
Simultaneous proton resonance frequency shift thermometry and T.SUB.1 .measurements using a single reference variable flip angle T.SUB.1 .method
A computer implemented method for measuring T.sub.1 in an anatomical region of interest during a dynamic procedure includes acquiring a reference MR image of the anatomical region of interest using a first flip angle. A first set of dynamic MR images of the anatomical region of interest are acquired using a second flip angle. The reference MR image and the first set are used to calculate a reference T.sub.1 value for tissue in the anatomical region of interest. During an intervention where the T.sub.1 value may change, a second set of dynamic MR images of the anatomical region of interest is acquired using the second flip angle. The reference MR image and the second set are used to calculate an estimated T.sub.1 value. The reference T.sub.1 value, the estimated T.sub.1 value, and the first and second flip angles may then be used to correct the estimated T.sub.1 value.
PHANTOM CALIBRATION BODY AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING AT LEAST ONE QUANTITATIVE DIFFUSION PARAMETER EXTRACTED FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF A TISSUE IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
A phantom calibration body (110) for a method for determining at least one quantitative diffusion parameter extracted for characterization of a tissue being suspicious to a tumorous modification in magnetic resonance imaging is disclosed, wherein the phantom calibration body (110) is designed for being characterized during characterization of the tissue by the magnetic resonance imaging. Herein, the phantom calibration body (110) comprises a first compartment (112) having a first cross-section, the first compartment (112) being filled with a first solution comprising a calibration substance having a first concentration; and a second compartment (114) having a second cross-section, the second cross-section having at least two different partitions with differing diameters, wherein the second compartment (114) is filled with a second solution comprising the calibration substance having a second concentration, the second concentration differing from the first concentration. The present invention allows determining absolute quantitative parameters in an individualized fashion for each individual tissue independent from various times of recording, applied software algorithms for post-processing of the raw MRI data, MR devices, or MR vendors. The present invention, thus, allows using the absolute quantitative data extracted from the phantom calibration body (110) measured with every tissue for comparability of quantitative data, being a prerequisite for introducing quantitative diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) into clinical routine.
Simultaneous Multi-Slab Thermometry During MR-Guided Thermal Therapy
A method for performing magnetic resonance-guided thermal therapy includes selecting a first set of sampling characteristics for acquiring a first set of slabs covering a first anatomical region of interest. Additionally, a second set of sampling characteristics is selected for acquiring a second set of slabs covering a second anatomical region of interest. This second set of sampling characteristics is distinct from the first set of sampling characteristics. An interleaved acquisition of the first set of slabs and the second set of slabs may then be performed using the first set of sampling characteristics and the second set of sampling characteristics.
SIMULTANEOUS PROTON RESONANCE FREQUENCY SHIFT THERMOMETRY AND T1 MEASUREMENTS USING A SINGLE REFERENCE VARIABLE FLIP ANGLE T1 METHOD
A computer implemented method for measuring T.sub.1 in an anatomical region of interest during a dynamic procedure includes acquiring a reference MR image of the anatomical region of interest using a first flip angle. A first set of dynamic MR images of the anatomical region of interest are acquired using a second flip angle. The reference MR image and the first set are used to calculate a reference T.sub.1 value for tissue in the anatomical region of interest. During an intervention where the T.sub.1 value may change, a second set of dynamic MR images of the anatomical region of interest is acquired using the second flip angle. The reference MR image and the second set are used to calculate an estimated T.sub.1 value. The reference T.sub.1 value, the estimated T.sub.1 value, and the first and second flip angles may then be used to correct the estimated T.sub.1 value.
Liquid crystal thermometer for MRI
Provided herein are novel liquid crystal based devices for the facile measurement of temperature in an MRI system. The thermometers comprise a plurality of vessels wherein each vessel contains a liquid crystal composition having a unique phase transition temperature. By scanning with appropriate techniques, the state of the liquid crystals in each vessel can be assessed, and the temperature at the time of the scan can be determined by the state of the liquid crystal compositions. Also provided are novel vessels and assemblies of vessels that can be used as MRI thermometers and which are compatible with MRI phantoms.
MULTI-NUCLEAR ABSOLUTE MR THERMOMETRY
System and methods that reconstruct absolute temperature using a multi-nuclear approach. Specifically, the methods and systems utilize independent NMR/MRI information provided by the precession frequency of two different nuclei to reconstruct a map of the absolute temperature.
Systems and methods for targeted deep hyperthermia by time-shared RF inductive applicators
The present disclosure provides, inter alia, a system and methods for targeted hyperthermia effective to differentially heat target organs. In certain embodiments, the system and/or method utilizes one or more pairs of inductive applicators coupled to the one or more RF generators and configured to deposit radio frequency radiation on a region of interest based on a set of configurable parameters.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE GENERATION OF A MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SEQUENCE
A magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus and method for controlling a generation of an imaging sequence for imaging a subject. The method includes generating an MR tracking sequence for tracking a position of an MR active device located in the subject; obtaining MR signals detected by the MR active device as a result of the generated tracking sequence; processing the obtained MR signals to determine the position of the MR active device; determining whether a trigger condition is satisfied by comparing the determined position of the MR active device to a predetermined trigger position; and generating the imaging sequence if the trigger condition is satisfied, wherein if the trigger condition is not satisfied, the imaging sequence is not generated.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE TEMPERATURE IMAGING METHOD AND APPARATUS
The present invention provides a magnetic resonance temperature imaging method and apparatus, and relates to the field of magnetic resonance. According to the magnetic resonance temperature imaging method and apparatus, accuracy and precision of a water-fat tissue temperature image at a current moment are improved by using a two-step iterative temperature estimation algorithm, a magnetic resonance signal model includes multiple fat peaks, and a fourth strength amplitude value of a water signal, a fourth strength amplitude value of a fat signal, a fourth field drift caused by a non-uniform main magnetic field, and the water-fat tissue temperature image at the current moment that minimize a difference between signal strength and signal strength before fitting are estimated.
Real-time methods for magnetic resonance spectra acquisition
The invention pertains to advances in real-time methods in nuclear magnetic resonance by offering: a new real-time processing method for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum acquisition without external resonator(s), which remains stable despite magnetic field fluctuations, a new processing method for nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum acquisition, which remains stable despite magnetic field fluctuations and resonator stability, a new method of constructing predetermined magnets from appropriate magnetic material that allows for focusing the magnetic field in a target region, a new dual frequency dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) generator that polarizes the spin of electrons and acts as an NMR transmitter.