WHOLE BODY MRI SCANNING WITH MOVING TABLE AND INTERACTIVE CONTROL
First Claim
1. A method of MR image acquisition comprising:
- positioning a subject on a movable table;
entering initial table motion control data and scan parameters;
automatically moving the movable table based on the table motion control data entered;
acquiring MR data based on the scan parameters entered while the movable table is in motion; and
allowing modification of the initial table motion control data and the scan parameters while automatically moving the table and acquiring MR data.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention includes a method and apparatus for high sensitivity whole body scanning using MR imaging. The invention includes acquiring MR data as the patient moves through the iso-center of the magnet while providing interactive control for the operator to change scan parameters and table motion and direction. The technique allows efficient whole body scanning for fast screening of abnormalities while allowing operator control during the screening process to interrupt table motion and redirect the speed and direction of the table while also allowing control over the acquisition plane, number of sections imaged, inter-section spacing, and the scan location.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of MR image acquisition comprising:
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positioning a subject on a movable table;
entering initial table motion control data and scan parameters;
automatically moving the movable table based on the table motion control data entered;
acquiring MR data based on the scan parameters entered while the movable table is in motion; and
allowing modification of the initial table motion control data and the scan parameters while automatically moving the table and acquiring MR data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An MRI apparatus with sensitive whole body screening ability comprising:
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a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system having a plurality of gradient coils positioned about a bore of a magnet to impress a polarizing magnetic field and an RF transceiver system and an RF switch controlled by a pulse module to transmit RF signals to an RF coil assembly to acquire MR images;
a table movable under computer control within the bore of the magnet;
a computer programmed to;
receive scan parameters and table translation parameters;
translate the table according to the table translation parameters;
acquire MR data according to the scan parameters while the table translates;
allow reception of user changes to the table translation parameters of scan parameters during table translation and if so received, modify translation in response thereto; and
allow reception of user changes to the scan parameters during data acquisition and if so received, modify MR data acquisition in response thereto. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of identifying a tumor in a patient comprising:
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placing a patient on a movable table;
translating the movable table and acquiring MR data as the patient moves through a magnetic field;
reconstructing and displaying MR images of patient anatomy as the movable table is translating;
analyzing the MR images and if an area of interest is identified for further study, returning the movable table such that the area of interest is within the magnetic field and modifying MR data acquisition and table translation parameters in real-time; and
acquiring one of higher resolution MR data and differing plane MR data to allow further analysis of the area of interest. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification