Means And Methods For Providing High Resolution MRI
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Abstract
Means and methods for improving the MRI “image quality in an MRI imaging” apparatus comprising a non-super-conducting electromagnet and a plurality of pole pieces are provided. Said means for improving the image quality chosen from the group consisting of (a) means for reducing degradation of MRI image quality due to B0 field instability; (b) means for decreasing or otherwise correcting residual magnetization; (c) means for providing a 3D scout image; and (d) any combination of the above. These means for improving the image quality provides greater resolution of the imaged object relative to an MRI apparatus not containing such means for improving image quality.
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Citations
35 Claims
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1-19. -19. (canceled)
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20. In an MRI apparatus comprising a non-superconducting electromagnet and a plurality of pole pieces, means for improving the image quality, said means for improving the image quality chosen from the group consisting of (a) means for reducing degradation of MRI image quality due to B0 field instability;
- (b) means for decreasing or otherwise correcting residual magnetization;
(c) means for providing a 3D scout image; and
(d) any combination of the above;
wherein said means for improving the image quality provides greater resolution of the imaged object relative to an MRI apparatus not containing such means for improving image quality. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23)
- (b) means for decreasing or otherwise correcting residual magnetization;
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24. In an MRI apparatus comprising a non-superconducting electromagnet and a plurality of pole pieces, means for providing Fast Spin-Echo (FSE) MRI, said means comprising:
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a. means for FSE calibration, said means comprising means for separating the odd and even echoes; b. means for calculating the shift in time and phase of said odd and even echoes; c. means for correcting residual magnetization, said means comprising; i. means for providing extra gradient pulses adapted to restore the magnetization of said plurality of pole pieces; and
,ii. means for providing at least one high current pulse to said electromagnet; and
,d. means for correcting concomitant fields; wherein said means for providing FSE MRI increases the resolution of acquired images, and minimizes the time necessary for acquisition of said images, relative to an MRI apparatus identical to said apparatus other than lacking said means for providing FSE MRI. - View Dependent Claims (25)
wherein said means for providing FSE MRI increases the resolution of acquired images, and minimizes the time necessary for acquisition of said images, relative to an MRI apparatus identical to said apparatus other than lacking said means for providing FSE MRI.
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26. In an MRI apparatus comprising a non-superconducting electromagnet and a plurality of pole pieces, a method for reducing degradation of MRI image quality due to B0 field instability by decreasing sensitivity to said B0 field instability, said method comprising steps of:
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a. correcting drift of the excited volume, said correcting performed by a method chosen from the group consisting of (a) applying RF excitation pulses with strong selection gradients, (b) changing the TX frequency in real time, and (c) any combination of the above; and
,b. collecting extra navigator echoes during the scan, thereby correcting drift of the observed frequency and phase of the acquired data.
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27. In an MRI apparatus comprising a non-superconducting electromagnet and a plurality of pole pieces, a method for decreasing or otherwise correcting residual magnetization, comprising steps of:
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a. providing extra gradient pulses adapted to restore the magnetization of said plurality of pole pieces; and
,b. optionally, providing a high current pulse adapted to restore the magnetization of said plurality of pole pieces.
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28. In an MRI apparatus comprising a non-superconducting electromagnet and a plurality of pole pieces, a method for providing a 3D scout image, said method comprising steps of:
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a. performing a 3D short TR scan; b. reconstructing three orthogonal main magnetic axis slices; and
,c. using said magnetic axis slices in 3-plane localizer software.
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29. In an MRI apparatus comprising a non-superconducting electromagnet and a plurality of pole pieces, a method for increasing or otherwise providing Fast Spin-Echo (FSE) MRI, said method comprising steps of:
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a. calibrating said FSE, said calibrating comprising steps of i. separating odd and even echoes; and
,ii. calculating the shift in time and phase of said odd and even echoes; b. correcting for residual magnetization; and
,c. correcting for concomitant fields. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification