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 vacuum feed-through assembly and a method for manufacturing the same including a conductor having a threaded outer diameter end, a plastic seal having a threaded inner diameter matching the threaded outer diameter end of the conductor, and an epoxy to epoxy bond the threaded inner diameter of the plastic seal to the threaded outer diameter end of the conductor.

Vacuum feed-through assembly

Testing, results and analysis of a Bi-2223 model superconducting generator coil produced under the DOE Superconductivity Partnership Initiative are presented. The test arrangement enables coil energization with DC and transient currents over a range of operating temperatures to explore coil performance under conditions analogous to those that would be experienced by a superconducting generator field coil. Analytic calculations of coil AC and ohmic losses and temperature rise compare well with experimental measurements. Good performance is predicted for a typical three-phase fault condition. Coil steady-state and transient performance can be predicted with confidence for full scale superconductor application.

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Test results for a Bi-2223 HTS racetrack coil generator applications

A magnet, such as a closed, superconductive, magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) magnet includes a main coil, a magnetizable article, and a shielding coil positioned radially outward from the main coil and magnetizable article. Two magnetizable members are positioned radially outward from the main coil and magnetizable article and radially inward from the shielding coil to supplement the strength, and increase the homogeneity of, the magnetic field created, at least in part, by the main coil and magnetizable article and to supplement the shielding provided, at least in part, by the shielding coil.

Magnet with shielding

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and a method for forming the MRI system. SOLUTION: The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system (200) has a vacuum vessel (146) arranged around an imaging volume, one or more high temperature superconductive coils (120) arranged in the vacuum vessel and a low temperature cooler (152) and is linked with the vacuum vessel and can operate the superconductive coils at a high temperature of 10K or higher. At least one inclined coil (156) is arranged between the imaging volume and the superconductive coils without a thermal shield inserted between the inclined coil and the superconductive coils. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Magnetic resonance imaging system which requires low necessity for cooling

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for automatically disconnecting a cryocooler from a cold mass reservoir of a MR system A cryocooler thermal link includes a first end plate configured to be thermally connected to a cryocooler and a second end plate configured to be thermally connected to a cold mass A wall encloses a space between the first and the second end plates, the wall having a first end attached to the first end plate and a second end attached to the second end plate A working fluid is positioned in the space

Evangelos Trifon Laskaris

Papers

Vacuum feed-through assembly

Test results for a Bi-2223 HTS racetrack coil generator applications

Magnet with shielding

Magnetic resonance imaging system which requires low necessity for cooling

Thermal switch for superconducting magnet cooling system