Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Grumman Aerospace Corporation

Terry Button

Robert E McGill

Glenn L Spacht

Justine D Cermignani

Robert P Bisey

Matthew A Salvitti

Francis D Reynolds

Eric Crugnale

Susan Barbour

Nathan I Nalven

Joseph S Baran

A hyperthermia treatment apparatus includes an annular radio frequency (RF) antenna array with bolus that is compatible with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. Antenna elements polarized parallel to the axis of the cylinder are used for forming a Specific Absorption Ratio (SAR) map as well as for directing the energy to accomplish hyperthermia. The array may be dynamically controlled to focus energy at any specified region within the cylinder. The array is positioned inside an MRI machine and is tuned to the machine's hydrogen resonant frequency. For treatment planning, the array is employed to form an SAR map via RF current density imaging. Using this map, array phase, amplitude, and temporal weighting are optimized until the SAR maxima is congruent with the treatment volume. For treatment, RF radiation is applied to the subject to induce heating of the treatment volume using these optimal array parameters. Temperature is periodically determined via noninvasive MRI methods (i.e., diffusion imaging, T.sub.1 map, etc.) in order to obtain an image that includes isotherms from which the pattern of heating can be observed. Feedback is provided such that adjustment may be made to compensate for bioheat transfer.

Magnetic resonance guided hyperthermia

A magnetic resonance imaging receiver system for producing high resolution images of the foot and ankle regions of a human subject. The magnetic resonance imaging receiver comprises an antenna for receiving resonance signals produced by a magnetic resonance imaging, radio frequency excitation magnetic apparatus, a free standing foot cradle assembly for supporting and rigidly holding the foot and ankle of the subject, and a tuning/impedance matching circuit for providing for the maximum transfer of radio frequency energy from the antenna to the receiver unit in the magnetic resonance imaging, radio frequency excitation magnet apparatus. The system utilizes fixed local coils which operate in the receive only mode for receiving electromagnetic signals from resonating nuclei produced by a whole body MRI scanner system or the like to produce high quality images.

Magnetic resonance imaging foot coil assembly

Growing community of inventors

East Patchogue, NY, United States of America

Terry Button