Method for imaging an artery using a magnetic resonance contrast agent
First Claim
1. A method of imaging an aorta and aortic aneurysm of a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, comprising, performing a first imaging sequence to identify the location of the aneurysm;
- performing a second imaging sequence to image the aorta and extent of the aortic aneurysm, including, collecting image data; and
administering magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient while collecting image data, by intravenous infusion, at a rate of infusion sufficient to provide a substantially elevated concentration of the contrast agent in the artery during collection of image data representative of a center of k-space.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is a technique and apparatus for acquiring anatomic information used in diagnosing and characterizing abdominal aortic aneurismal disease and the like. This technique provides anatomic information, in the form of images, using a combination of a plurality of magnetic resonance angiography sequences, including a spin-echo and four contrast enhanced (e.g., gadolinium) magnetic resonance angiography sequences. The anatomic images may be used in, for example, pre-operative, operative and post-operative evaluation of aortic pathology, including aneurysms, atherosclerosis, and occlusive disease of branch vessels such as the renal arteries. The gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography provides sufficient anatomic detail to detect aneurysms and all relevant major branch vessel abnormalities seen at angiography operation. This technique and apparatus allows for imaging the aorta at a fraction of the cost of conventional aortography and without the risks of arterial catheterization or iodinated contrast.
-
Citations
26 Claims
-
1. A method of imaging an aorta and aortic aneurysm of a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, comprising,
performing a first imaging sequence to identify the location of the aneurysm; performing a second imaging sequence to image the aorta and extent of the aortic aneurysm, including, collecting image data; and
administering magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient while collecting image data, by intravenous infusion, at a rate of infusion sufficient to provide a substantially elevated concentration of the contrast agent in the artery during collection of image data representative of a center of k-space. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
10. A method of imaging aorta or aortic aneurysm using magnetic resonance imaging, comprising,
performing a first imaging sequence to identify the location of the aneurysm; performing a second imaging sequence to image the aorta and extent of the aortic aneurysm, including, collecting image data; and
administering magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient prior to collecting image data, by intravenous infusion, at a rate of infusion sufficient to provide a substantially elevated concentration of the contrast agent in the artery during collection of image data representative of a center of k-space. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
19. A method of imaging portions of the aorta or its major branches in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, comprising,
performing a first imaging sequence to identify the location of the aorta; performing a second imaging sequence to image the lumen of the aorta, including, collecting image data representative of the center of k-space while the patient suspends respiration; and
administering magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient, by intravenous infusion, at a rate of infusion sufficient to provide a substantially elevated concentration of the contrast agent in the artery during collection of image data representative of a center of k-space. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
-
23. A method of imaging aorta or renal arteries of a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, comprising,
performing a first imaging sequence to identify the location of the aorta and aorta branch vessels; performing a second imaging sequence to image the lumen of the aorta, including, collecting image data; and
administering magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient prior to or while collecting image data, by intravenous infusion, at a rate of infusion sufficient to provide a substantially elevated concentration of the contrast agent in the artery during collection of image data representative of a center of k-space. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
Specification