University of Michigan

Scott D Swanson

Robert C Welsh

Kevin P Coulter

Timothy Chupp

Matthew S Rosen

A system, and corresponding method, that interfaces with a gas polarization system to deliver a polarized noble gas to a subject for inhalation. Large volumes of polarized noble gas are obtained by repeated production/freezing cycles of a spin-exchange system. A storage cylinder is provided for storing a polarized noble gas. A gas delivery line is coupled to the storage cylinder and selectively delivers the polarized noble gas to the storage cylinder, and from the storage cylinder to the subject. A vacuum means is in communication with the gas delivery line for evacuating the storage cylinder in the gas delivery line prior to the noble gas being delivered thereto. A plurality of non-metallic gas delivery valves, located between the gas delivery line and the vacuum means, selectively control communication between the vacuum means and the polarized noble gas to minimize depolarization of the polarized noble gas during delivery of the noble gas to the subject on a breath-by-breath basis, or at a constant delivery rate. Control of remotely activated pneumatic valves allows complete automation of the polarization/accumulation/storage/delivery cycle for use in a low maintenance commercial device suitable for clinical and research applications. The polarization stage can be optimized for a particular noble gas species and particular application by the specific programming of the control electronics or computer.

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Scott D Swanson