116 results about "Mri scan" patented technology

A method and device are provided in order to achieve optimal or desired orientation of an acetabular cup for total hip replacement or hip resurfacing. The method and device utilize preoperative medical imaging such as CT or MRI scans, 3D computer modeling and a patient-specific alignment jig created from medical imaging data such as CT or MRI data and computer 3D modeling. The device allows accurate placement of a drill hole to establish an acetabular axis, and placement of an acetabular cup perpendicular to the axis.

A stereotactic device for use with an imager such as a magnetic resonance imager is disclosed, which permits an imaging scan to be taken with reference to a personal coordinate system (or PCS) that is independent of a machine coordinate system (or MCS). Methods using the device to obtain imaging scans are described such that the imaging scans are superimposable even if taken at different time periods using the same or a different imager. The device comprises a frame that can be reproducibly positioned on a subject and which is equipped with non-invasive affixing means and localizing means that provide the PCS. The device and methods of the invention are particularly well suited for routine initial or follow-up examinations, pre-surgical planning and post-surgical evaluation. Markers on a stereotactic device can be tracked during an MRI scan to compensate for patient motion during the scan.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a telemetry device which is in communication with an MRI system, and which is operable to communicate with an implantable medical device (IMD). The telemetry device includes a controller and telemetry circuitry. In one embodiment, the telemetry device is operable to automatically detect the presence of an IMD, and determine if the IMD is in an MRI-safe mode. If the IMD is not in an MRI-safe mode, the telemetry device can initiate processing to prevent the MRI system from conducting an MRI scan while the IMD in not in an MRI-safe mode.

MRI scans typically have higher resolution within a slice than between slices. To improve the resolution, two MRI scans are taken in different, preferably orthogonal, directions. The scans are registered by maximizing a correlation between their gradients and then fused to form a high-resolution image. Multiple receiving coils can be used. When the images are multispectral, the number of spectral bands is reduced by transformation of the spectral bands in order of image contrast and using the transformed spectral bands with the highest contrast.

An MRI-compatible electronic medical therapy system is provided for temporarily preventing current flow through an implanted lead wire in the presence of an induced radio frequency, magnetic, or static field. One or more normally closed switches are disposed in series between the AIMD and the one or more distal electrodes. The switch may be incorporated in the AIMD, lead wire, or within or adjacent to the electrode. The switch remains closed during normal AIMD-related therapy, but temporarily opens in the presence of an induced radio frequency, magnetic, or static field so as to prevent current flow through the electrode and lead wire. The switches prevent current from circulating that could be induced by a medical therapeutic diagnostic device, which can cause overheating of lead wires, excessive currents or temperatures and tissue damage.

MRI scans typically have higher resolution within a slice than between slices. To improve the resolution, two MRI scans are taken in different, preferably orthogonal, directions. The scans are registered by maximizing a correlation between their gradients and then fused to form a high-resolution image. Multiple receiving coils can be used. When the images are multispectral, the number of spectral bands is reduced by transformation of the spectral bands in order of image contrast and using the transformed spectral bands with the highest contrast.

A method and system for constructing from volumetric CT or MRI scan data of a patient region, a virtual two-dimensional fluoroscopic image of the patient region as seen from a selected point in space are disclosed. In practicing the method, a plurality of rays are constructed between a selected view point and each of a plurality of points in an XY array, where at least some of the rays pass through the patient target region, the points in the XY array correspond to the XY array of pixels in a display screen, and each pixel in the display screen includes multiple N-bit registers for receiving digital-scale values for each of multiple colors. For each pixel element, a sum of all M-bit density values associated with voxels along a ray extending from the selected point to the associated pixel element is calculated. The summing is carried out by distributing the M bits in the voxel density values among the multiple N-bit registers of that pixel, such that such that one or more bit positions of each M-bit value is assigned to a selected register. The image constructed of gray-scale values representing the summed M-bit density values at each pixel in the screen is displayed to the user.

Methods for measuring atrophy in a brain region occupied by the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. In one example, MRI scans and a computational formula are used to measure the medial-temporal lobe region of the brain over a time interval. This region contains the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex, structures allied with learning and memory. Each year this region of the brain shrank in people who developed memory problems up to six years after their first MRI scan. The method is also applicable for measuring the progression rate of atrophy in the region in an instance where the onset of Alzheimer's disease has already been established.

A method for performing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) guided core biopsies is tendered more accurate and efficient by precisely positioning a disengaged probe assembly with respect to a localization fixture attached to a breast coil platform. The precise position is defined by MRI stereotopic location of suspicious tissue with respect to a fiducial marker on the localization fixture. With the probe inserted, dual lumens in the probe assembly are used for drainage or insertion of fluids as well as inserting diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Core biopsies are performed by engaging a biopsy instrument handle containing a cutter, with the localization fixture providing support and position to the handle. Repeated MRI scans are facilitated by the ability to disengage the handle without risk of displacing the probe assembly from the biopsy site.

Apparatus for analyzing brain MRI, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an input for receiving a first and a second MRI scans at the beginning and end of a predetermined time interval post contrast administration; a subtraction map former for forming a subtraction map from said first and said second MRI scans by analyzing said scans to distinguish between two primary populations, a slow population, in which contrast clearance from the tissue is slower than contrast accumulation, and a fast population in which clearance is faster than accumulation; and an output to provide an indication of distribution of said two primary populations, wherein said predetermined time period is at least twenty minutes.

A method, computer program product, and data processing system for building a training set and classifier model for tissue classification from MRI images using limited training data are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the method begins with a given set of multispectral MRI scans of an abdominal slice of a human organ. A clustering algorithm is applied to the image data to cluster different objects in the image into unique clusters. A deterministic initialization procedure is applied to the clustering algorithm to ensure solution uniqueness, convergence, and the creation of meaningful clusters. A human domain expert then produces a corrected set of clusters by retaining only clusters of interest. A training set is generated that represents samples of each of the tissue types of interest, as well as a validation set. One or more classifiers are constructed from the training set and then evaluated for accuracy using the validation set.

A stereotactic device for use with an imager such as a magnetic resonance imager is disclosed, which permits an imaging scan to be taken with reference to a personal coordinate system (or PCS) that is independent of a machine coordinate system (or MCS). Methods using the device to obtain imaging scans are described such that the imaging scans are superimposable even if taken at different time periods using the same or a different imager. The device comprises a frame that can be reproducibly positioned on a subject and which is equipped with non-invasive affixing means and localizing means that provide the PCS. The device and methods of the invention are particularly well suited for routine initial or follow-up examinations, pre-surgical planning and post-surgical evaluation. Markers on a stereotactic device can be tracked during an MRI scan to compensate for patient motion during the scan.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system including a memory for storing machine executable instructions and a processor for controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system. The MRI system for performing a plurality of MRI scans for acquiring magnetic resonance data from a target volume of a patient in accordance with respective predefined scan geometries. The execution of the machine executable instructions causes the processor to control the MRI system to at least: perform a first calibration scan; perform a second calibration scan; generate geometry transformation data; determine a deviation of the target volume caused by a movement of the patient; update each of the predefined scan geometries and the second scan geometry as a function of the geometry transformation data; and perform at least one MRI scan of the plurality of MRI scans to acquire image data in accordance with the respective updated predefined scan geometry.

When subjecting a patient to an MRI scan, noise generated by gradient coils in an MRI device is beautified by playing a complementary musical piece that matches the gradient coil noise in one or both of tempo and musical key. Complementary musical pieces (e.g., songs, tunes, melodies, etc.) are pre-generated for specific gradient coil sequences. Upon selection of one or more sequences to be executed during an MR scan, complementary musical pieces for the selected sequence(s) are identified and played back to a patient in the bore of the MRI device during the scan to alleviate patient stress. Tempo and / or musical key of the complementary musical pieces is adjustable (a priori or in real time) to synchronize the complementary musical piece(s) to a specific gradient sequence both rhythmically and harmonically.

Apparatus for operating MRI is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a control for operating an MRI scanner to carry out an MRI scan; an input for receiving first and second MRI scans respectively at the beginning and end of a predetermined time interval post contrast administration; a subtraction map former for forming a subtraction map from the first and the second MRI scans by analyzing the scans to distinguish between a population in which contrast clearance from the tissue is slower than contrast accumulation, and a population in which clearance is faster than accumulation; and an output to provide an indication of distribution of the populations. The control is configured to carry out the first scan at least five minutes and no more than twenty minutes post contrast administration and to carry out the second scan such that the predetermined time period is at least twenty minutes.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus includes a housing which has a bore to which a magnetic field for use in an MRI scan is applied, a moving table on which an inspection target may be placed and that enters the bore of the housing, a projector which projects an image onto an inner wall that forms the bore of the housing, and a controller which controls the projection unit and transmits a video signal to the projector.

A system and method for tracking catheter electrode locations with the body of a patient during an MRI scan sequence includes mitigation logic configured to identify one or more impedance measurements that were taken during potentially noise-inducing conditions (i.e., magnet gradients, RF pulses), and were thus subject to corruption by noise. The mitigation logic is configured to replace the potentially corrupt impedance measurements with previously-obtained impedance measurements taken from an immediately preceding acquisition cycle (e.g., from a previous time-slice).

A method and system are provided for creating and simultaneously displaying medical scan images, from each of first (780) and second (530) medical scan datasets, obtained by scanning a 3-dimensional (3-D) object with different scanning modalities. A first image (410) is derived from the first (780) dataset, the first image (410) lying in a first plane corresponding to an acquisition plane of the first (780) dataset. A second image (420) is obtained from the second dataset (530), the second image also lying in the first plane. The second image may be obtained by re-slicing the second data set. One or both medical scan datasets may be multivolume datasets. The invention may improve viewing resolution and / or speed, when viewing a multi-series MRI scan together with a CT and / or a PET scan.

A method for magnetic resonance imaging performs unsupervised training of a deep neural network of an MRI apparatus using a training set of under-sampled MRI scans, where each scan comprises slices of under-sampled, unclassified k-space MRI measurements. The MRI apparatus performs an under-sampled scan to produce under-sampled k-space data, updates the deep neural network with the under-sampled scan, and processes the under-sampled k-space data by the updated deep neural network of the MRI apparatus to reconstruct a final MRI image.

MRI-guided robotics offers possibility for physicians to perform interventions remotely on confined anatomy. While the pathological and physiological changes could be visualized by high-contrast volumetric MRI scan during the procedure, robots promise improved navigation with added dexterity and precision. In cardiac catheterization, however, maneuvering a long catheter (1-2 meters) to the desired location and performing the therapy are still challenging. To meet this challenge, this invention presents an MRI-conditional catheter robotic system that integrates intra-op MRI, MR-based tracking units and enhanced visual guidance with catheter manipulation. This system differs fundamentally from existing master / slave catheter manipulation systems, of which the robotic manipulation is still challenging due to the very limited image guidance. This system provides a means of integrating intra-operative MR imaging and tracking to improve the performance of tele-operated robotic catheterization.

Methods for measuring atrophy in a brain region occupied by the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. In one example, MRI scans and a computational formula are used to measure the medial-temporal lobe region of the brain over a time interval. This region contains the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex, structures allied with learning and memory. Each year this region of the brain shrank in people who developed memory problems up to six years after their first MRI scan. The method is also applicable for measuring the progression rate of atrophy in the region in an instance where the onset of Alzheimer's disease has already been established.

An MRI compatible communication system is disclosed. An interface module manages communications between devices within and external to the MRI scan room. The interface module also translates messages between varying wireless communication standards and protocols for retransmission to other devices. The communication system is configurable to transmit and / or receive data between physiological sensors, the MRI controller, patient monitoring devices, patient entertainment devices, and other computers. The interface module is configurable to be placed either in the control room or in the scan room.

When subjecting a patient to an MRI scan, noise generated by gradient coils in an MRI device is beautified by playing a complementary musical piece that matches the gradient coil noise in one or both of tempo and musical key. Complementary musical pieces (e.g., songs, tunes, melodies, etc.) are pre-generated for specific gradient coil sequences. Upon selection of one or more sequences to be executed during an MR scan, complementary musical pieces for the selected sequence(s) are identified and played back to a patient in the bore of the MRI device during the scan to alleviate patient stress. Tempo and / or musical key of the complementary musical pieces is adjustable (a priori or in real time) to synchronize the complementary musical piece(s) to a specific gradient sequence both rhythmically and harmonically.

A co-registration and navigations system in which 3D and / or 2D ultrasound images are displayed alongside virtual images of a patient and / or CT or MRI scans, or other similar imaging techniques used in the medical field.

MRI scans typically have higher resolution within a slice than between slices. To improve the resolution, two MRI scans are taken in different, preferably orthogonal, directions. The scans are registered by maximizing a correlation between their gradients and then fused to form a high-resolution image. Multiple receiving coils can be used. When the images are multispectral, the number of spectral bands is reduced by transformation of the spectral bands in order of image contrast and using the transformed spectral bands with the highest contrast.

Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for compensating for motion of a subject during an MRI scan of the subject. k-space data may be received from the MRI scan of the subject. Motion information may be received for the subject. Based on the received motion information, a translational motion of the subject may be determined between a first point in time and a second point in time. A search space for motion correction may be reduced using the determined change and an error margin of the capturing technique. A motion-compensated, graphical image of the subject may be generated using the reduced search space.

A method of selecting a portion of k-space data for acquisition in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of a body, the body having a target therein. The method includes defining the target in real space, translating the defined target into a k-space representation thereof and selecting the region corresponding to the k-space representation of the target for data acquisition during the MRI scan, wherein the MRI scan is substantially limited to acquisition of the selected region. In addition, this method may include the target having an orientation relative to the principal axis of the MRI scan and the target defining step includes defining the target in terms of target length “LR”, target width “WR”, and target angular orientation “θR” relative to the MRI scan principal axis and the translating step may include converting LR, WR, and θR to their k-space representations LK, WK, and θK.