Johns Hopkins University

Siemens Healthcare Gmbh

Siemens Aktiengesellschaft

Wesley David Gilson

Eva Rothgang

Jan Fritz

Paul Arthur Bottomley

Arne Hengerer

Lars Lauer

Jonathan S Lewin

Clifford R Weiss

Katarzyna J Macura

Matthias Stuber

Dara L Kraitchman

Volker Matschl

Robert Grimm

Wilhelm Strehl

A method for performing image-guided embryo transfer for in vitro fertilization includes performing a pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of a subjects pelvic region to yield a first MRI image dataset. A computer applies a segmentation routine to the first MRI image dataset to yield segment data which is then used by the computer to create an anatomical model of the subjects pelvic region. The computer determines an optimal implant location based on the anatomical model and creates a three-dimensional rendering of the optimal implant location based on the first MRI image dataset.

Image-guided embryo transfer for in vitro fertilization

A magnetic resonance method and system are provided for magnetic resonance (MR) image-guided insertion of an object into a biological tissue along a predetermined trajectory. The trajectory provides a path between a starting point and a target site within the tissue. Sufficiently high resolution images can be generated in real time to precisely guide the needle placement. A compressed sensing approach is used to generate the images based on minimization of a cost function, where the cost function is based on the predetermined needle path, artifact effects associated with the needle, the negligible changes in the images away from the trajectory, and the limited differences between successive images. The improved combination of spatial and temporal resolution facilitates an insertion procedure that can be continuously adjusted to accurately follow a predetermined trajectory in the tissue, without interruptions to obtain verification images.

System and method for real-time MRI-guided object navigation

Sterile RF coil arrangements for use in magnetic resonance imaging are provided. The sterile coil arrangements can be formed by spraying or coating a curable liquid onto an RF coil housing and allowing the liquid to cure or dry to form a continuous sterile layer on the coil housing. The thickness of the sterile layer can be between 100 and 1000 micrometers. The curable liquid can include an antimicrobial or antibacterial agent, such as silver ions or triclosan, to better maintain sterility of the coil arrangement. The curable liquid can be selected such that it adheres to the housing when cured and is also removable without leaving residue behind.

Sterile RF coils for MR imaging systems

A configurable coil arrangement for use with MRI-guided procedures is provided that facilitates optimal imaging for both pre-procedure planning and imaging of the target sites during the procedure. The coil arrangement includes a plurality of connected coil elements. Spacers connecting the coil elements can be adjustable and/or deformable to provide one or more openings in the coil arrangement of optimal size for accessing the subject within the imaged region. Individual coil elements can also be removed to provide access openings during such procedures, or left in the array for improved pre- and post-procedure image quality. The MRI system can be configured to detect configurations of the coil arrangement and modify imaging parameters to optimize image quality.

Magnetic resonance imaging coil with adjustable opening

A magnetic resonance imaging system and method are provided that include user control of certain functions using physical gestures, such as hand motions or the like. The gesture control aspects can include one or more cameras, and a processor configured to detect and recognize gestures corresponding to predetermined commands and to provide signals to execute the commands. A verification switch, such as a foot switch, can be included to improve safety and reliability of the gesture control aspects. This switch can be used to activate the gesture detection aspects and/or to confirm a recognized gesture command prior to its execution.

Gesture-controlled MR imaging system and method

Featured are methods for magnetic resonance imaging of a volume, such a volume having susceptibility-generating objects or interfaces having susceptibility mismatches therein. Such a method includes selectively visualizing one of susceptibility-generating objects or interfaces having susceptibility mismatches as hyperintense signals, where such visualizing includes controlling variable imaging parameters so as to control a geometric extent of a signal enhancing effect, m more particular aspects of the present invention, such selectively visualizing includes attenuating or essentially suppressing signals from fat and/or water, namely on-resonant water protons, so as to thereby enhance a signal(s) associated with magnetic susceptibility gradient(s). Also featured are MRI systems, apparatuses and/or applications programs for execution on a computer system controlling the MRI data acquisition process embodying such methods.

Method for magnetic resonance imaging using inversion recovery with on-resonant water suppression including MRI systems and software embodying same

A method for tracking a needle along a path under real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance includes extracting a candidate needle artifact region from a plurality of incoming MR images of a needle inside biological tissue, determining an initial needle direction vector from the candidate needle artifact region in each of the plurality of incoming needle images, determining an initial needle base point from an intersection of the needle direction vector with a first incoming needle image, and an initial needle tip point from an intersection of the needle direction vector with a last incoming needle image, and tracking said needle by minimizing a cost function of the initial base point and initial direction vector to calculate an updated base point and updated direction vector. The updated base point and direction vector are used to visualize the advance of the needle along the path through the biological tissue.

System and method for passive medical device navigation under real-time MRI guidance

A method for determining a concentration of fat within a region of a subject includes acquiring at least three gradient echo images from at least two different flip angles. The first and third images occur at an in-phase time when resonance signals of fat and water are in-phase with one another. The second images occur at an opposed-phase time when the resonance signals of fat and water are 180&#xb0; out of phase with one another. T2* and T1 relaxation time maps are approximated based on the acquired images. Fat and water signals are distinguished based on observed relative signal phase. The amplitude of the fat and water signals are modulated using the T2* and T1 relaxation time maps. A ratio between fat and water signals for one or more voxels of the images is calculated based on the amplitude modulated fat and water signal images.

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Northbeach, MD, United States of America

Wesley David Gilson