By using a multiple receiving coil composed of receiving coils, an imaging portion of a subject is subjected to a first pulse sequence to create n sensitivity images (701 to 703) fewer than the examination images. When these sensitivity images are created, an NMR signal is measured for only the low-frequency region of the k space. A second pulse sequence from which a phase encode step is removed is conducted to create m (m>n) examination images (704, 705) of the subject by using the receiving coils. When sensitivity distributions (707, 708) of the receiving coils are determined for the sensitivity images (701 to 703), and if there are no sensitivity distributions corresponding to the slice positions of the examination images (704, 705), they are determined by slice interpolation using the sensitivity distributions (701 to 703), and the aliasing artifacts of the examination images (704, 705) are removed by matrix operation by using the sensitivity distributions (707, 708).

Magnetic resonance imaging device

A surgical instrument including a switching mechanism which allows a surgeon to selectively advance or retract a staple driver and/or cutting member within a staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument can include a handle, a trigger operatively coupled to the handle, a firing drive, and an end effector. The firing drive can include a first ratchet assembly configured to advance a cutting member in the end effector and a second ratchet assembly configured to retract the cutting member. The trigger can include first and second pawls pivotably mounted thereon which are configured to be selectively engaged with the first and second ratchet assemblies, respectively. In at least one embodiment, the trigger can be configured to slide between a first position in which the first pawl is engaged with the first ratchet assembly and a second position in which the second pawl is engaged with the second ratchet assembly.

Surgical instrument having a directional switching mechanism

Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus

PURPOSE: To develop a superconducting magnetic resonance (MR) imager that provides direct access to the patient and permits interactive MR-guided interventional procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 0.5-T superconducting magnet that allows a region of vertical access to the patient was designed and constructed. This magnet was integrated with newly designed shielded gradient coils, flexible surface coils, and nonmagnetic displays and with position-monitoring probes and device-tracking instrumentation. RESULTS: The magnet homogeneity was 12.3 ppm, and the gradient field was linear to within 1% over an imaging region 30 cm in diameter. The signal-to-noise ratio was 10% higher than in a comparable 0.5-T superconducting imager. Images were obtained in several anatomic regions with use of routine pulse sequences. Interactive image plane selection and near real-time imaging, with use of fast gradient-recalled echo sequences, were demonstrated at a rate of one image every 1.5 seconds. CONCLUSION: MR-guided interv...

Superconducting open-configuration MR imaging system for image-guided therapy.

Magnetic resonance information acquired by a movable magnetic resonance instrument is used to monitor hyperthermia treatments such as tissue ablation. The instrument may include both the magnetic resonance equipment and an energy applicator such as a high intensity focused ultrasound unit. The treatment can be conducted under automatic control after the operator marks a treatment volume on an image of the subject, such as a magnetic resonance image acquired using the movable magnetic resonance instrument. The automatic treatment can be based on interpolation of tissue response curves at plural test points near the treatment volume. The system can also provide automatic supervisory control during manual operation, to prevent application of heat to sensitive anatomical structures.

MRI-guided therapeutic unit and methods

A superconducting magnet is described and includes at least one superconducting coil, at least one support member coupled to the superconducting coil and at least one compliant interface between the superconducting coil and the support member. The superconducting coil defines a radial direction. The superconducting coil supports the superconducting coil along an axial direction that is substantially perpendicular to the radial direction. The compliant interface is configured to move along the radial direction when the superconducting magnet is energized.

Superconducting magnets with an improved support structure

We present the engineering and design aspects of a cryo-free 10 T high-field magnet system for a completely new type of superconducting application. Design criteria and specifications for the racetrack shaped conduction-cooled magnet and the cryostat are discussed and disclosed.

A Cryo-Free 10 T High-Field Magnet System for a Novel Superconducting Application

Design and test of a simplified and reliable cryogenic system for high speed superconducting generator applications

A flexible stator bar generally includes a stranded conductor having a rectangular shaped cross sectional profile, wherein the stranded conductor comprises a plurality of wires having a gauge dimension effective to impart flexibility; and a thermoplastic elastomeric insulating material disposed about the stranded conductor. Also disclosed herein are processes for fabricating the flexible stator bar, which generally comprises depositing a thermoplastic elastomeric insulating material onto the flexible stranded conductor, which can be flexibly oriented into a desired position, thereby improving dimensional control relative to Roebel-type stator bars. The insulated flexible stranded conductor may then be coated with a B-stage epoxy or the like and cured to form the final shape after assembly within the desired electrical machine application.

Flexible stator bars

A rotor having a superconducting coil winding is disclosed having a rotor core having at least one conduit extending through the core; at least one tension rod extending between the pair of side sections of the coil winding and through said at least one conduit of the rotor; and an insulator in the conduit thermally separating the tension rod from the rotor.

Evangelos Trifon Laskaris

Papers

Superconducting magnets with an improved support structure

A Cryo-Free 10 T High-Field Magnet System for a Novel Superconducting Application

Design and test of a simplified and reliable cryogenic system for high speed superconducting generator applications

Flexible stator bars

High temperature superconductor synchronous rotor coil support insulator