The United States of America, As Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

The United States of America As Represented by the Department of Health

Han Wen

Robert S Balaban

Anthony H Aletras

Vinay Manjunath Pai

Steven D Wolff

Houxun Miao

David G Wiesler

Andrew S Chesnick

This disclosure generally relates to systems, methods, and devices for performing high-resolution computer tomography (CT) scans providing highly detailed images of particular regions using whole body clinical CT scanners while maintaining high imaging speeds and low dose levels. In particular, the disclosed systems use flat panel detectors in conjunction with common CT detectors to quickly produce high-resolution CT images.

Hybrid CT system with additional detectors in close proximity to the body

X-ray grating based and grid based imagers formed a fringe pattern modulated by a specimen. An X-ray beam is scanned so that the fringe pattern is modulated by these specimen along a plurality of projection directions. Corresponding fringe patterns are detected and aligned so as to produce a specimen phase image. X-ray beam scanning is based on electric or magnetic deflection of an electron beam to an X-ray generating target.

Demodulation of intensity modulation in X-ray imaging

An apparatus and method are disclosed for improving imaging based on a time-series of images. In one embodiment, a time-series of images are acquired using a same imaging protocol of the same subject area, but the images are spaced in time by one or more time intervals (e.g, 1, 2, 3 . . . seconds apart). A sub-region is projected across all of the images to perform a localized analysis (corresponding X-Y pixels or X-Y-Z voxels are analyzed across all images) that identifies temporal components within each sub-region. In some of the sub-regions, the temporal components are removed when the amplitude of the component is below a predetermined amplitude threshold. The images are then combined using the sub-regions with reduced components in order to obtain a single image with reduced noise.

Signal to-noise enhancement in imaging applications using a time-series of images

Magnetic resonance imaging method and apparatus are provided for mapping the internal or bulk motion of an object by labeling the phase of a specimen magnetization with a selected spatial function and measuring changes in the phase of the magnetization. The spatial function is selectable to provide magnetization phase modulation corresponding to displacements in a selected direction, such as a radial or azimuthal direction. Methods and apparatus for producing images based on magnetization phase modulation acquire image data based on stimulated echos and stimulated anti-echos. In an embodiment, a series of 180 degree pulses produces alternating stimulated and stimulated anti-echos that are measured and assigned to respective images.

Methods and apparatus for mapping internal and bulk motion of an object with phase labeling in magnetic resonance imaging

Navigator methods are disclosed that are based on detecting a flow-sensitive signal within a subject, and using the position of the signal to track subject motion between imaging sequences. In a disclosed embodiment, the fast-moving blood volume in the left ventricle of the heart is detected and used as a reference point to correct for cardiac motion that results from respiratory motion in a subject. The navigator based on the position of the fast-moving blood volume in the left ventricle may be applied prospectively to shift a subsequent imaging slice to compensate for subject motion, and thereby provide MRI images with increased clarity and resolution.

MRI navigator methods and systems

Methods are disclosed for obtaining electroacoustic images of specimens. One method includes applying an acoustic wave to a specimen and forming an image based on an electroacoustically induced electric field or voltage. In another method, an electric field or voltage is applied to a specimen and an electroacoustically induced acoustic wave is measured to form an image. Apparatus suitable for obtaining electroacoustc images are disclosed as well as methods for distinguishing image contributions from the electroacoustic, thermoacoustic, and Hall effects.

Electroacoustic imaging methods and apparatus

A system and method of imaging based on the interaction of ultrasonic pulses with a magnetic field. A static magnetic field is applied to an object having conductive properties. An ultrasound pulse is propagated into the object, and an electrical signal is detected which is related to the interaction of the ultrasound pulse local displacement of the conductive object and the magnetic field. Alternatively, and equivalently, an electrical pulse is propagated into the object, and an ultrasound signal is detected which is related to the interaction of the electrical pulse generated in the conductive object and the magnetic field. The acquired acoustic signals or the acquired electrical signals are processed to provide an image of the object. The acquired signals are dependent on local conductivity as well as local acoustic properties.

Ultrasound-hall effect imaging system and method

A method, and related apparatus, for suppressing the magnetic resonance signal to an experimentally adjustable depth by applying a spatially inhomogeneous field between the slice-select pulse and the data acquisition. Eliminating the signal from near surface regions allows one to shrink the field of view of an image without introducing aliasing artifacts, thereby improving the image's resolution or decreasing imaging time. Experimental tests on a phantom and a human subject indicate that the depth of signal suppression may be continuously varied to depths of over 80 millimeters with modest requirements on power supplies, pulse sequences, and materials.

Local magnetization spoiling using a gradient insert for reducing the field of view in magnetic resonance imaging

An MRI probe/transmitter coil has a pair of concentric cylinders with a plurality of inductively coupled freely rotating resonant elements radially mounted between the two cylinders. The coil can be tuned both symmetrically by pivoting all the resonant elements uniformly or asymmetrically by tuning them individually. The coil is driven in quadrature by a quad-hybrid circuit. A substantial part of the electromagnetic energy is stored in the resonant elements outside of the loading region of the coil to reduce perturbation in the coil operation due to the characteristics of the test subject.

Growing community of inventors

Bethesda, MD, United States of America

Han Wen