Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080200800 | RESPIRATION SUPPRESSING MAT AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A respiration suppressing member includes a main body of an elastic material which is formed into a shape having a pressurizing portion for pressurizing that portion of the abdomen of a subject under imaging diagnosis by a medical modality which is located below the sternum and between the right and left ribs of the subject. | 08-21-2008 |
20080306376 | MARKERS FOR INTERVENTIONAL DEVICES IN MAGNETIC RESONANT IMAGE (MRI) SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatuses for locating a catheter, or other medical international devices are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary method includes providing a pressure sensitive device attached to a body of a catheter, providing a resonant circuit coupled to the pressure sensitive device in the catheter, the resonant circuit having an oscillating frequency, generating a magnetic field, the magnetic field inducing and causing the resonant circuit to oscillate, applying a pressure on the pressure sensitive device, the pressure applied on the pressure sensitive device changing the frequency of the resonant circuit, detecting the oscillation of the resonant circuit, and determining location of the catheter based on the oscillation of the resonant circuit. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. | 12-11-2008 |
20090054758 | Apparatus and Method for Reducing Interference - In an electronic circuit and method for reducing interference in a measurement signal or signals, wherein the interference comprises a plurality of interference components: (a) There is at least one primary signal processing unit, each having a primary signal processing unit comprising a respective measurement signal input for receiving a respective one of said measurement signal or signals. The or each primary signal processing unit comprises a plurality of interference reduction modules. (b) A respective compensation signal component input is provided for each interference reduction module. (c) A compensation signal processing unit is provided, having a compensation signal input and comprising means for deriving from at least one compensation signal, a plurality of compensation signal components each of which is related to a respective one or more of the interference components. (d) A respective compensation signal component output is connected to a respective one of the compensation signal component inputs. | 02-26-2009 |
20090076376 | Material For Electrical Isolation And Vibro-Acoustic Performance - The present invention provides a material for the construction of external coverings accessible by humans or animals. It aims to increase the breakdown voltage between a high voltage VRF, high frequency source of energy and the human or animal, by adaptation of materials and structures. According to an embodiment of the invention, a structure is provided for the cover | 03-19-2009 |
20090082662 | MRI BREAST IMAGE MAGNET STRUCTURE - Apparatus for producing magnetic resonance (MR) images of a subject over a limited volume, including a patient table, and a shielded unit housed under the patient table, the shielded unit including an RF pulse generator module, a magnet assembly for producing a static magnetic field in magnetic structure including a shaped magnetic “C” core, a gradient field generating assembly for generating magnetic field gradients in two orthogonal planes for producing MR images, a radiofrequency (RF) coil assembly for transmitting a broad band radiofrequency pulse and a RF field matching structure to simulate an infinite volume to the RF coil assembly, wherein the RF coil assembly detects a plurality of MR signals induced from a subject in response to RF pulses from the RF pulse generator. | 03-26-2009 |
20090112084 | MRI-GUIDED MEDICAL INTERVENTIONAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An MRI-guided interventional system for use with a body of patient and an interventional device includes a base and a targeting cannula. The base is configured to be secured to the body of the patient. The targeting cannula has an elongate guide bore extending axially therethrough and an inlet and an outlet at opposed ends of the guide bore. The guide bore defines a trajectory axis extending through the inlet and the outlet and being configured to guide placement of the interventional device. The frame is operable to move the targeting cannula relative to the base to position the trajectory axis to a desired intrabody trajectory to guide placement of the interventional device in vivo. The inlet tapers from an outer diameter distal from the guide bore to an inner diameter proximate the guide bore to guide and facilitate insertion of the interventional device into the guide bore. | 04-30-2009 |
20090149736 | ATOMIC MAGNETOMETER SENSOR ARRAY MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Devices disclosed according to various embodiments use one or more arrays of atomic magnetometers to directly detection of relaxation of magnetic field induced subatomic precession within a target specimen. The disclosed devices and methods relate to application of utilization of a magnetic sensor with unique properties requiring changes in design, allowing new functions, and requiring alternative analysis methodologies. Various embodiments are also directed to methods for obtaining and processing magnetic signals. These methods may take advantage of the unique spatial arrangement of the atomic magnetometers and the capacity sensors to be used in either a scalar or a vector mode. Various embodiments have advantages over current techniques utilized for imaging of anatomical and non-anatomical structures. Such advantages may include, for example: development of a wearable, portable array, lower power consumption, potential wafer-level fabrication, the potential for development of a more rapid signal, decreased need for development of strong magnetic fields, and lower cost allowing wider availability. | 06-11-2009 |
20090149737 | Microcontroller System for Identifying RF Coils in the Bore of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging System - A method and apparatus for identifying local RF coils in a MR system includes a microcontroller that is provided in the bore of the system. The microprocessor determines when local RF coils are connected, identifies the coils, and provides the information to an MR scanner. The controller is shielded to prevent electromagnetic interference. | 06-11-2009 |
20090171187 | CATHETER ELECTRODE THAT CAN SIMULTANEOUSLY EMIT ELECTRICAL ENERGY AND FACILITATE VISUALIZATION BY MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - An electrode for use on a medical device is disclosed. The electrode may have a main body of electrically conductive material extending along an axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. The body may be configured to emit electrical energy in accordance with a predefined diagnostic or therapeutic function. The body may have a groove disposed over an outermost surface of the body. The electrode may also include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tracking coil disposed in said groove. The MRI tracking coil may comprise electrically insulated wire, for example. A catheter including an electrode, as well as a method for determining the location of an electrode, are also disclosed. | 07-02-2009 |
20090187096 | Sensor Array for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging Systems and Method - The present invention generally provides improved devices, systems, and methods for measuring materials with NMR and/or MRI. Exemplary embodiments provide a sensor array for NMR mapping of the material. For example tissue can be measured with the sensor array mounted on a probe body having a distal portion which can be inserted through a minimally invasive aperture. While many tissues can be measured and/or diagnosed, one exemplary embodiment includes a probe adapted for insertion into a lumen of a blood vessel. The sensor array can provide improved spatial resolution of tissue and/or tissue structures positioned near the sensor array to diagnose potentially life threatening diseases, for example a fibrous cap covering a vulnerable plaque. In specific embodiments, the sensors are attached to an expandable member, for example a balloon, which can be inflated to urge the probe sensors radially outward to position the sensors near the tissue structures. | 07-23-2009 |
20090203991 | MULTIPLE IMAGING AND/OR SPECTROSCOPIC MODALITY PROBE - The apparatus and methods described herein enable an operator to simultaneously collect images and spectroscopic information from a region(s) of interest using a multiple modality imaging and/or spectroscopic probe, configured as a catheter, endoscope, microscope, or hand held probe. The device may incorporate, for example, an ultrasonic transducer and a fiber optic probe to translate images and spectra. The apparatus and methods may be used in any suitable cavity, for example, the vascular system of a mammal. | 08-13-2009 |
20090209846 | Apparatus and method for real-time motion-compensated magnetic resonance imaging - The present invention provides an apparatus and method for real-time motion compensated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a human or animal. The apparatus includes one or more magnetic-resonance compatible cameras mounted on a coil of the MRI device, a calculation and storage device, and an interface operably connected to the MRI device and the calculation and storage device. The apparatus may also include a set of magnetic resonance compatible markers, where the markers are positioned on the human or animal. Alternatively, the apparatus may use a facial recognition algorithm to identify features of the human or animal. For the present invention, the frame of reference is defined by the animal or human being imaged, instead of the typical magnetic resonance coordinate system. Based on continuous positional information, the apparatus controls the magnetic resonance scanner so that it follows the human or animal's motion. | 08-20-2009 |
20090209847 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE ELASTOGRAPH SYSTEM WITH HYDRAULIC DRIVER - A hydraulic driver of a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) system is provided. The hydraulic driver is adapted to be connected to at least a passive actuator for contacting with a subject. The hydraulic driver includes a pump, a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit operatively coupled to the pump, and a tube assembly. The tube assembly includes a proximal end in fluid communication with the hydraulic piston-cylinder unit and a distal end in fluid communication with the passive actuator. The passive actuator oscillates in response to hydraulic energy generated in a fluid in the hydraulic driver as the pump drives the piston forward and backward in the cylinder of the hydraulic piston-cylinder unit. | 08-20-2009 |
20090312626 | ARTICLES AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING MRI IMAGING - Described herein are articles and methods for improving MRI imaging. The articles and methods augment fat saturation, which improves the resolution of the MRI image and ultimately provides more precise and accurate diagnosis of diseases. | 12-17-2009 |
20100094123 | TRANSMISSION LINE FOR RF SIGNALS WITHOUT MATCHING NETWORKS - The present invention relates to an electrically conductive transmission line for transmitting RF signals, in particular for transmitting MR signals between a transmission and/or receiving coil ( | 04-15-2010 |
20100121179 | Systems and Methods for Reducing RF Power or Adjusting Flip Angles During an MRI for Patients with Implantable Medical Devices - Techniques are provided for controlling magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems for imaging patients having implantable medical devices. In one example, a scaling factor is determined based on maximum local specific absorption rate (SAR) values for patients with implants and for patients without implants. The MRI determines the radio-frequency (RF) power and flip angle sequences to be used for a given patient, without regard to the presence of an implanted device. However, for patients with implanted devices, the MRI reduces its RF power or adjusts its flip angle sequences based on the scaling factor so as to ensure that the local SAR within the patient does not exceed acceptable levels. In other examples, rather than reducing the RF power of the MRI or adjusting the flip angles, blankets or pads formed of RF power attenuating materials, such as dielectrics, are positioned around the patient near the implantable device, to reduce the RF power incident tissues adjacent the device. | 05-13-2010 |
20100280359 | MRI GUIDEWIRE - A guidewire ( | 11-04-2010 |
20110092807 | Specimen positioning system for imaging machines - 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. | 04-21-2011 |
20110130646 | PATIENT SUPPORT DEVICE, SUCH AS A PATIENT BED, TABLE OR CHAIR FOR USE WITH MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUSES - A patient support device for use with a Magnetic Resonance Imaging apparatus includes a patient support surface and at least one receptacle for housing and/or removably coupling a coil adapted to receive signals from anatomic regions upon excitation thereof by the Magnetic Resonance Imaging apparatus, the at least one receptacle being arranged in an area of the patient support surface corresponding to a position of an anatomic region to be imaged. The receptacle is adapted for removable fastening of removably connectable bases of the receiver coil, and the base of each coil and its respective housing or coupling receptacle include complementary mechanisms for electrical connection to at least one dedicated electrical line such that the electrical connection is automatically effected when the base of each coil is fitted and/or mechanically fastened in a respective housing or coupling receptacle. | 06-02-2011 |
20110130647 | System And Method Using Coupler-Resonators For Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy - A coupler-resonator for electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy in subjects has a wire loop formed into a coupling loop, a central transmission portion, and sensor loops. The sensor loops hold EPR sensor materials and are coated with biocompatible plastic. The coupler-resonator is implanted in a subject, the subject in a nonuniform magnetic field with a pickup coil for RF response measurement apparatus near the subject's skin and inductively coupled to the coupling loop. Resonances are measured at multiple sensor loops distinguished by sweeping magnetic field or radio frequency. A biopsy sampler has an outer needle with sensor loop and a central sampling needle with cavity for biopsy samples and EPR sensor material. A device for EPR of fingernails has sensor loops in a partial glove for holding loops next to fingertips. A device for EPR of teeth has sensor loops in plastic chips that can be held between the teeth. | 06-02-2011 |
20110152672 | MRT OPTOCOUPLER - Device and method for detecting electromagnetic fields occurring in imaging magnetic resonance tomography MRT/MRI tests. Relates to an implantable medical device (IMD) comprising a hermetically sealed housing, control unit(s), detection unit(s) for MRT interference fields connected/connectable to control unit(s) and to electrode(s) and/or to antenna(s) and/or coil(s), wherein the MRT interference detection unit contains at least one electro-optical converter which converts induced voltages from the electrode(s) and/or the antenna(s) and/or the coil(s) to optical signals, which are optically transmitted in a potential-free manner within the detection unit for MRT interference fields to an evaluation unit for the detection unit for MRT interference fields, and when a threshold for the optical signal and/or a predetermined periodic occurrence of the optical signals is exceeded, the evaluation unit triggers switching to an MRI-safe state or transmits a corresponding signal to the control unit(s). | 06-23-2011 |
20110152673 | MRT SIGNALING - A device and a method for handling and withstanding electromagnetic fields, specifically such fields as occur in magnetic resonance tomography examinations (i.e., MRT or MRI). This refers in particular to an IMD that can transmit data and/or parameters to an MRT device. | 06-23-2011 |
20110224537 | Multi-field Magnetic Tracking - A magnetic tracking system includes a first set of magnetic field generators configured to produce a first magnetic field having a first shape within a three dimensional region and at least a second set of magnetic field generators configured to produce a second magnetic field having a second shape within the three dimensional region. The system also includes a computing device configured to compute a position of a sensor within the three dimensional region based on the first and second magnetic fields being detected by the sensor. | 09-15-2011 |
20110245658 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING A MAGNETIC RESONANCE ELASTOGRAM (MRE), DEVICE FOR PRODUCING THE SAME, AND BALL VIBRATOR FOR PRODUCING THE SAME - A ball vibrator, which generates a vibration caused by a centrifugal force accompanied by a rotation of a non-magnetic ball in a circumferential direction thereof around a center point thereof, is disposed in contact with a prescribed portion of a subject of which an image is produced. Then, a magnetic resonance elastogram (MRE) pulse sequence is employed for the subject and the vibration from the ball vibrator is used to produce a magnetic resonance elastogram (MRE). | 10-06-2011 |
20110270079 | COMPRESSION DEVICE FOR ENHANCING NORMAL/ABNORMAL TISSUE CONTRAST IN MRI INCLUDING DEVICES AND METHODS RELATED THERETO - Featured are devices for compression of target tissue while magnetic resonance imaging the target tissue and methods and systems related thereto. The method includes disposing target tissue between the fixed surface and the moveable member of a compression device and compressing the target tissue between the fixed surface and the moveable member. The method also includes acquiring one or more, more specifically a plurality, of sequences of image data of the compressed target tissue using an MRI imaging technique (MRI). In particular embodiments, the MRI technique is a SENC MRI technique, where tissue encoding is done prior to compressing the tissue and acquiring includes adding a gradient moment in the slice-selection direction to cause demodulation with a specific frequency. In further embodiments, the sequences of image data are acquired one of during successive periodic compressions of the tissue or successive periodic relaxation of the tissues. | 11-03-2011 |
20110288403 | MULTILAYER HELICAL WAVE FILTER FOR MRI APPLICATIONS - A multilayer helical wave filter having a primary resonance at a selected MRI RF pulsed frequency or frequency range, includes an elongated conductor forming at least a portion of an implantable medical lead. The elongated conductor includes a first helically wound segment having at least one planar surface, a first end and a second end, which forms a first inductive component, and a second helically wound segment having at least one planar surface, a first end and a second end, which forms a second inductive element. The first and second helically wound segments are wound in the same longitudinal direction and share a common longitudinal axis. Planar surfaces of the helically wound segments face one another, and a dielectric material is disposed between the facing planar surfaces of the helically wound segments and between adjacent coils of the helically wound segments, thereby forming a capacitance. | 11-24-2011 |
20120029342 | MULTILAYER HELICAL WAVE FILTER FOR MEDICAL THERAPEUTIC OR DIAGNOSTIC APPLICATIONS - A multilayer helical wave filter having a primary resonance at a selected RF diagnostic or therapeutic frequency or frequency range, includes an elongated conductor forming at least a portion of an implantable medical lead. The elongated conductor includes a first helically wound segment having at least one planar surface, a first end and a second end, which forms a first inductive component, and a second helically wound segment having at least one planar surface, a first end and a second end, which forms a second inductive element. The first and second helically wound segments are wound in the same longitudinal direction and share a common longitudinal axis. Planar surfaces of the helically wound segments face one another, and a dielectric material is disposed between the facing planar surfaces of the helically wound segments and between adjacent coils of the helically wound segments, thereby forming a capacitance. | 02-02-2012 |
20120143044 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING COMPATIBLE CATHETER - A method, consisting of passing a cylindrical carbon fiber through a press so as to produce a flat ribbon. The method further includes weaving multiple strands of the flat ribbon together to create a cylindrical braid. | 06-07-2012 |
20120179029 | PROBES, METHODS OF MAKING PROBES, AND METHODS OF USE - Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for probes, methods of using the probe, methods of making the probe, method of imaging a condition (e.g., pre-cancerous tissue, cancer, or a tumor), methods of planning resection of a brain tumor, methods of imaging a brain tumor, and the like. | 07-12-2012 |
20120197107 | GLUCOSE ANALYZING BLOOD EXAMINER (GABE) - In one embodiment, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) apparatus is described. The example NMR apparatus includes a first field generator configured to apply a first magnetic field to a sample (e.g., blood, interstitial fluid). A pulse generator is configured to provide a radio frequency (RF) pulse sequence. The pulse sequence may include a first RF pulse and a second RF pulse. The frequency of the RF pulses is chosen to produce an NMR signal associated with a specific chemical species (e.g., glucose) in the sample. A phase logic is configured to measure the decay of the NMR signal by measuring the phase differences that have accumulated between the spins of the nuclei of the chemical species in the sample. A calculation logic is configured to measure the amount of the chemical species in the sample. | 08-02-2012 |
20120203100 | RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION CATHETER AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SYSTEM - A catheter comprising:-a transmission line ( | 08-09-2012 |
20120226142 | IMPLANTABLE OR INSERTABLE NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANT IMAGING SYSTEM - Nuclear Magnetic Resonant Imaging (also called Magnetic Resonant Imaging or “MRI”) devices which are implantable, internal or insertable are provided. The disclosure describes ways to miniaturize, simplify, calibrate, cool, and increase the utility of MRI systems for structural investigative purposes, and for biological investigation and potential treatment. It teaches use of target objects of fixed size, shape and position for calibration and comparison to obtain accurate images. It further teaches cooling of objects under test by electrically conductive leads or electrically isolated leads; varying the magnetic field of the probe to move chemicals or ferrous metallic objects within the subject. The invention also teaches comparison of objects using review of the frequency components of a received signal rather than by a pictorial representation. | 09-06-2012 |
20120277574 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GUIDING CATHETERS USING REGISTERED IMAGES - Systems and methods for imaging a body cavity and for guiding a treatment element within a body cavity are provided. A system may include an imaging subsystem having an imaging device and an image processor that gather image data for the body cavity. A mapping subsystem may be provided, including a mapping device and a map processor, to identify target sites within the body cavity, and provide location data for the sites. The system may also include a location processor coupled to a location element on a treatment device to track the location of the location element. The location of a treatment element is determined by reference to the location element. A treatment subsystem including a treatment device having a treatment element and a treatment delivery source may also be provided. A registration subsystem receives and registers data from the other subsystems, and displays the data. | 11-01-2012 |
20130137969 | Garment MRI Antenna Array - An MRI antenna array including a housing and a substrate, antenna elements and circuitry encapsulated by the housing. The housing, antenna elements, and substrate are flexible to allow the housing to distort in three dimensions to closely conform to contours of a patient. The antenna elements are mounted to the substrate in a manner that permits each element to maintain a desired resonance when the housing is distorted in three dimensions. The circuitry is electrically coupled with the antenna elements to maintain tuning and isolation of the elements when the housing is distorted in three dimensions. The housing, antenna elements, and substrate may be elastic to allow the housing to be worn by a plurality of different sized patients so that the housing is in close contact with the patient and conforms to contours of the patient. | 05-30-2013 |
20130274593 | Electrophysiological mapping system using external electrodes - A system and method for generating an electrophysiological map are provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to receive a signal generated by an electrode disposed at a position on an external surface of the body and indicative of electric potential. The ECU is further configured to identify a surface boundary of an object of interest within the body using an image of the object. The ECU is further configured to identify intervening objects along a pathway between the position on the external surface and the surface boundary of the object of interest from one or more images of the pathway. The ECU is further configured to obtain an impedance value for each of the intervening objects and to determine an electric potential at the surface boundary of the object of interest responsive to the signal from the electrode and the impedance values of the intervening objects. | 10-17-2013 |
20140066753 | WIRELESSLY POWERED MRI SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An implantable parametric circuit enables local signal amplification and wireless transmission of RF signals in connection with magnetic resonance imaging systems. The parametric circuit detects RF signal detected during magnetic resonance imaging procedure, amplifies the detected RF signal, and transmits the amplified RF signal in a wireless manner to an external pick-up coil. The parametric amplifier is also configured to use another RF signal generated by an external source as the primary power source. As a result, implanted or catheter coils could be used as a wireless signal transducer without the need for a battery or a power connection. | 03-06-2014 |
20150038831 | METHOD OF UTILIZATION OF HIGH DIELECTRIC CONSTANT (HDC) MATERIALS FOR REDUCING SAR AND ENHANCING SNR IN MRI - Provided are a spectroscopic method and spectroscopic device for analyzing a region. Layers or coats of materials with high dielectric constant or permittivity with very low conductivity are inserted in between radiofrequency (RF) coil or coil's conductive elements and the sample to enhance the signal to noise ratio (SNR), improve image contrast, and reduce the specific absorption rate (SAR) of magnetic resonance imaging or magnetic resonance spectroscopy instruments. The embodiments of the present invention can be used as an auxiliary device to the standard pre-constructed RF coils or incorporated with RF coil constructions for enhancing RF coil performances in both transmission and reception. | 02-05-2015 |
20150301132 | RHEOLOGY UNIT FOR MRI WITH INTEGRATED OSCILLATOR AND RF ANTENNA - The present invention provides a rheology module ( | 10-22-2015 |