公开(公告)号：US06408201B1

公开(公告)日：2002-06-18

申请号：US09591300

申请日：2000-06-09

申请人： Thomas K. F. Foo ,  Vincent B. Ho

发明人： Thomas K. F. Foo ,  Vincent B. Ho

IPC分类号： A61B505

CPC分类号： A61B5/055

摘要： A method and apparatus is disclosed to initially screen a patient's peripheral arterial vasculature for lesions, or stenotic vessels, using MR technology, and then grading the severity of any located stenosis. The invention includes tracking the passage of a contrast agent bolus through a patient, while acquiring a series of first MR images having low resolution. This initial examination uses flow sensitive bi-polar gradient waveforms with a gradient echo imaging pulse sequence to increase the sensitivity to lesion detectability. The bi-polar gradients generate a broad distribution of velocities in a large voxel. Relevant stenoses present in a voxel will result in intra-voxel flow dephasing in voxels immediate to and distal to the stenosis. After identifying a stenosis, a second MR image, having a higher resolution than the first, is used to grade the stenosis.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种方法和装置，其首先使用MR技术筛选病人的外周动脉脉管系统用于病变或狭窄血管，然后对任何位置狭窄的严重程度进行分级。 本发明包括在获取一系列具有低分辨率的第一MR图像的同时跟踪造影剂推注通过患者的通过。 该初步检查使用具有梯度回波成像脉冲序列的流敏双极梯度波形来增加对病变可检测性的敏感性。 双极梯度在大体素中产生广泛的速度分布。 存在于体素中的相关狭窄将导致体内血液流动相对于狭窄直接和远端的体素变形。 在确定狭窄后，使用比第一MR分辨率高的第二MR图像对狭窄进行分级。

公开(公告)号：US06963768B2

公开(公告)日：2005-11-08

申请号：US10063829

申请日：2002-05-16

申请人： Vincent B. Ho ,  Thomas K. F. Foo

发明人： Vincent B. Ho ,  Thomas K. F. Foo

IPC分类号： G01R33/28 ,  A61B5/055 ,  G01R33/563 ,  A61B5/05

CPC分类号： G01R33/56375 ,  A61B5/0555 ,  G06F19/00

摘要： 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.

摘要翻译： 本发明包括使用MR成像进行高灵敏度全身扫描的方法和装置。 本发明包括当患者移动通过磁体的等中心时获取MR数据，同时为操作者提供交互式控制以改变扫描参数和表格运动和方向。 该技术允许有效的全身扫描快速筛选异常，同时允许操作者在筛选过程中控制中断台面运动并重定向表的速度和方向，同时还允许控制采集平面，成像部分数量，间隔 间距和扫描位置。

公开(公告)号：US06249694B1

公开(公告)日：2001-06-19

申请号：US09118411

申请日：1998-07-17

申请人： Thomas K. F. Foo ,  Vincent B. Ho ,  Matthew A. Bernstein

发明人： Thomas K. F. Foo ,  Vincent B. Ho ,  Matthew A. Bernstein

IPC分类号： A61B5055

CPC分类号： G01R33/5635 ,  G01R33/5601 ,  G01R33/56572

摘要： A method of peripheral MR angiography is provided for imaging an artery or other vessel, wherein the vessel is of such length that MR data must be acquired at each of a plurality of scan stations spaced along the vessel. In accordance with the method, a contrast agent is intravenously injected, in order to provide a bolus which successively flows to each of the scan stations. After acquiring an initial subset of the MR data associated with a given scan station, the bolus is tracked to determine whether it has arrived at the next-following scan station. If so, at least some of the MR data associated with the next scan station are then acquired. However, if it is found that the bolus has not yet arrived at the next scan station, acquisition of further data at the given scan station is continued.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种用于对动脉或其他血管进行成像的外周MR血管造影术的方法，其中所述血管具有这样的长度，使得必须在沿着血管间隔开的多个扫描站中的每一个处获取MR数据。 根据该方法，静脉内注射造影剂，以提供连续流向每个扫描站的推注。 在获取与给定扫描站相关联的MR数据的初始子集之后，跟踪该推注以确定其是否到达下一个扫描站。 如果是，则随后获取与下一个扫描站相关联的至少一些MR数据。 然而，如果发现大剂量尚未到达下一个扫描站，则继续在给定扫描站获取进一步的数据。

公开(公告)号：US06741880B1

公开(公告)日：2004-05-25

申请号：US09595117

申请日：2000-06-16

申请人： Thomas K. F. Foo ,  Vincent B. Ho ,  Manojkumar Saranathan

发明人： Thomas K. F. Foo ,  Vincent B. Ho ,  Manojkumar Saranathan

IPC分类号： A61B505

CPC分类号： G01R33/54 ,  A61B5/0263 ,  G01R33/56

摘要： A method and apparatus is disclosed in which a two-tiered approach is taken to first grade a patient to identify the presence of any suspected stenosis, and then a second step is used to acquire more detailed information to grade the stenosis. The invention includes performing a screening study by acquiring a first MR image having a low resolution to scan a suspected stenosis region. After analyzing the first MR image to identify a suspected stenosis within the suspected stenosis region, a more detailed study is performed by acquiring a second MR image having a higher resolution than the first MR image to scan the identified suspected stenosis. If no lesions, or stenotic vessels, are identified after the first MR image, the second MR image need not be obtained. Since the first MR image is designed to be more sensitive to the detection of such stenosis, by increasing the conspicuity of the lesions, and using a fast acquisition sequence, this two-tiered approach increases the efficiency for accurate coronary artery stenosis detection and assessment.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种方法和装置，其中采用双层方法来对患者进行一级评分，以确定是否存在任何可疑的狭窄，然后使用第二步来获得更详细的信息以对狭窄进行分级。 本发明包括通过获取具有低分辨率的第一MR图像来扫描疑似狭窄区域来进行筛选研究。 在分析第一MR图像以识别可疑狭窄区域中的可疑狭窄之后，通过获取具有比第一MR图像更高分辨率的第二MR图像来扫描所识别的疑似狭窄来进行更详细的研究。 如果在第一MR图像之后没有识别病变或狭窄血管，则不需要获得第二MR图像。 由于第一MR图像被设计为对这种狭窄的检测更敏感，通过增加病变的显着性并使用快速采集序列，这种双层方法提高了精确的冠状动脉狭窄检测和评估的效率。

公开(公告)号：US06425864B1

公开(公告)日：2002-07-30

申请号：US09292548

申请日：1999-04-15

申请人： Thomas K. F. Foo ,  Vincent B. Ho ,  Rebecca A. McCann

发明人： Thomas K. F. Foo ,  Vincent B. Ho ,  Rebecca A. McCann

IPC分类号： A61B5055

CPC分类号： G01R33/563 ,  G01R33/281

摘要： A system and method for optimally imaging the peripheral vasculature is disclosed which includes defining a given number of scan stations along a patient's peripheral vasculature and initially injecting a relatively small amount of contrast agent into the patient to pass a test bolus through the patient's peripheral vasculature, and thereafter tracking the test bolus through the patient and adjusting the patient on a moveable table within the MR imaging device from one scan station to a next station to determine a maximum travel time that the test bolus takes to travel through each of the given number of scan stations. Additional contrast agent is then injected into the patient to pass an exam bolus through the patient's peripheral vasculature, and using the test bolus travel time, MR data can be acquired from each scan station while it is known that the exam bolus is present in that station to optimize image resolution. Initially, central k-space data is acquired for each scan station, and if time permits, the higher spatial frequency k-space data can be acquired. Otherwise, once the central k-space data is acquired for each station, the patient table is adjusted to the scan stations that require additional data acquisition. Similarly, if there is time remaining after all MR data is acquired for a particular scan station, the patient table can be moved to a previous scan station to acquire additional data in that station before moving to a subsequent scan station to acquire the central k-space data when the exam bolus arrives in that particular scan station.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种用于对外围脉管系统进行最佳成像的系统和方法，其包括沿着患者的外周脉管系统定义给定数量的扫描站，并且首先将相对少量的造影剂注射到患者中以使测试推注通过患者的外周脉管系统， 然后通过患者跟踪测试团块并将患者调整在MR成像设备内的可移动台上，从一个扫描站到下一个站，以确定测试弹丸穿过每个给定数量的 扫描站。 然后将另外的造影剂注射到患者中以通过患者的外周脉管系统进行检查推注，并且使用测试推注旅行时间，可以从每个扫描站获取MR数据，同时已知该测试团存在于该站 以优化图像分辨率。 首先，针对每个扫描站获取中心k空间数据，并且如果时间允许，则可以获取较高的空间频率k空间数据。 否则，一旦为每个站获取中心k空间数据，则将患者表调整到需要附加数据采集的扫描站。 类似地，如果在针对特定扫描站获取所有MR数据之后剩余时间，则可以将患者表移动到先前的扫描站以在移动到随后的扫描站以获取中央k-位之前获取该站中的附加数据， 考试团到达该特定扫描站时的空间数据。

公开(公告)号：US06317620B1

公开(公告)日：2001-11-13

申请号：US09565978

申请日：2000-05-04

申请人： Vincent B. Ho ,  Thomas K. F. Foo

发明人： Vincent B. Ho ,  Thomas K. F. Foo

IPC分类号： A61B5055

CPC分类号： G01R33/56308 ,  G01R33/56316

摘要： A method and apparatus is disclosed to rapidly assess the severity of a stenosis using MR technology. The invention includes identifying a suspected stenotic vessel and applying a phase contrast pulse sequence to the stenotic vessel in which the MR operator is allowed to control the amplitude and direction of the flow encoding gradient. Peak flow velocity is determined in the suspected stenotic vessel by correlating the flow encoding gradient with the onset of flow velocity aliasing. In a preferred embodiment, the invention utilizes a 2D fast gradient echo pulse sequence having flow sensitizing bipolar gradient waveforms. The resulting flow sensitizing gradients are substantially coincident in time, thereby allowing rotation of the resultant flow sensitizing gradient direction. The amplitude of the flow encoding gradient is increased until the observance of flow related aliasing. Once flow related aliasing is observed, the velocity encoding (VENC) value is recorded and used as the indicator of peak flow velocity in the suspected stenotic vessel. The process can be repeated along the suspected stenosis vessel to isolate and assess the severity of the stenosis by comparing the peak flow velocity VENC values obtained at various locations along the suspected stenosis.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种使用MR技术快速评估狭窄严重程度的方法和装置。 本发明包括识别怀疑的狭窄血管并将相位对比脉冲序列应用于允许MR操作者控制流动编码梯度的幅度和方向的狭窄血管。 通过将流动编码梯度与流速混叠的开始相关联，在疑似狭窄的血管中确定峰值流速。 在优选实施例中，本发明利用具有流敏增强双极梯度波形的2D快速梯度回波脉冲序列。 所得到的流动敏化梯度在时间上基本一致，从而允许所得到的流动增感梯度方向旋转。 流编码梯度的幅度增加，直到遵循流相关混叠。 一旦观察到流相关的混叠，记录速度编码（VENC）值，并将其用作疑似狭窄血管中峰值流速的指标。 可以沿着疑似狭窄血管重复该过程，以通过比较沿着可疑狭窄处在不同位置处获得的峰值流速VENC值来分离和评估狭窄的严重性。

公开(公告)号：US06246897B1

公开(公告)日：2001-06-12

申请号：US09210334

申请日：1998-12-11

申请人： Thomas K. F. Foo ,  Vincent B. Ho

发明人： Thomas K. F. Foo ,  Vincent B. Ho

IPC分类号： A61B500

CPC分类号： G01R33/5635 ,  G01R33/56316

摘要： A system and method for the acquisition of preferential arterial and venous images is disclosed. The invention includes setting a noise level in the phase image, that is proportional to the velocity encoding value, at a threshold level above the venous signal but below the arterial signal during a systolic portion of the cardiac cycle and acquiring a phase contrast MR image during the systolic portion that effectively acquires the arterial signal and suppresses the venous signal. During the diastolic portion of the same R—R interval, the velocity encoding value is then set to establish a noise threshold level in the phase image lower to a value below the venous signal but above the arterial signal to acquire the venous signal and suppress the arterial signal. In this manner, either an arterial only image or a venous only image can be displayed. Alternatively, the images can be combined to create a higher SNR arterial and venous image.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种用于获取优先动脉和静脉图像的系统和方法。 本发明包括在心脏周期的收缩期内在静脉信号以上的阈值水平处设定与速度编码值成比例的相位图像中的噪声水平，并且在心动周期的收缩期部分中获取相位对比度MR图像 收缩部分有效获取动脉信号并抑制静脉信号。 在相同RR间期的舒张部分期间，速度编码值被设置为在相位图像中建立低于静脉信号但低于动脉信号的值的噪声阈值电平，以获取静脉信号并抑制动脉信号 。 以这种方式，可以显示仅动脉图像或仅静脉图像。 或者，可以组合图像以产生更高SNR的动脉和静脉图像。

公开(公告)号：US07738944B2

公开(公告)日：2010-06-15

申请号：US10907883

申请日：2005-04-19

申请人： Vincent B. Ho ,  Thomas K. F. Foo

发明人： Vincent B. Ho ,  Thomas K. F. Foo

IPC分类号： A61B5/05

CPC分类号： G01R33/56375 ,  A61B5/0555 ,  G06F19/00

摘要： 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.

摘要翻译： 本发明包括使用MR成像进行高灵敏度全身扫描的方法和装置。 本发明包括当患者移动通过磁体的等中心时获取MR数据，同时为操作者提供交互式控制以改变扫描参数和表格运动和方向。 该技术允许有效的全身扫描快速筛选异常，同时允许操作者在筛选过程中控制中断台面运动并重定向表的速度和方向，同时还允许控制采集平面，成像部分数量，间隔 间距和扫描位置。

公开(公告)号：US06580937B2

公开(公告)日：2003-06-17

申请号：US09681092

申请日：2000-12-30

申请人： Vincent B. Ho ,  Thomas K. F. Foo

发明人： Vincent B. Ho ,  Thomas K. F. Foo

IPC分类号： A61B505

CPC分类号： G01R33/56375 ,  G01R33/281 ,  G01R33/5619

摘要： A method and apparatus are disclosed for creating peripheral MR angiographic images and performing an MRA examination using an intravascular contrast agent in which MR data acquisition is optimized in the most distal stations in a multi-station acquisition. The technique includes administering a contrast agent into the blood stream of the patient, acquiring low spatial resolution MR images of the arterial vasculature, and tracking the passage of the contrast agent through the patient. The patient table is moved in response to the tracking. The technique continues to acquire low spatial resolution images at each of the proximal stations until the most distal station is reached where a high spatial resolution image data set is then acquired of preferentially arterial vascular structures. Higher spatial resolution images are then acquired in the proximal stations.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种用于创建外周MR血管造影图像并使用血管内造影剂进行MRA检查的方法和装置，其中在多站采集中在多数远端站中优化MR数据采集。 该技术包括将造影剂施用到患者的血液流中，获取动脉脉管系统的低空间分辨率MR图像，以及跟踪造影剂通过患者的通过。 响应于跟踪，移动患者台。 该技术继续获得每个近端站处的低空间分辨率图像，直到达到最远端站点，然后获得优先动脉血管结构的高空间分辨率图像数据集。 然后在近端站获得较高的空间分辨率图像。

公开(公告)号：US06493569B2

公开(公告)日：2002-12-10

申请号：US09681090

申请日：2000-12-30

申请人： Thomas K. F. Foo ,  Vincent B. Ho

发明人： Thomas K. F. Foo ,  Vincent B. Ho

IPC分类号： A61B505

CPC分类号： G01R33/5601 ,  G01R33/5613

摘要： A system and method are disclosed that use the steady-state free precessing (SSFP) technique for MR imaging to allow the acquisition of MR angiography images in which the acquisition is not time dependent upon the first passage of a contrast agent. The technique includes applying a pulse sequence with refocusing S− signals from a train of RF pulses to a desired field-of-view (FOV) in a patient in which a contrast bolus has been injected. An SSFP image of the desired FOV is acquired, together with an S− SSFP mask image of the desired FOV. The S− SSFP mask image is subtracted from the SSFP image in order to reconstruct an image with improved visualization of the arterial and venous structures and reduce mis-registration artifacts.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种系统和方法，其使用用于MR成像的稳态自由进动（SSFP）技术来允许获取MR血管造影图像，其中采集不依赖于造影剂的第一次通过时间。 该技术包括在已经注射造影剂的患者中施加具有来自RF脉冲串的重聚合S-信号到脉冲期望视场（FOV）的脉冲序列。 获取所需FOV的SSFP图像以及所需FOV的S- SSFP掩模图像。 从SSFP图像中减去S- SSFP掩模图像，以便重建具有改善的动脉和静脉结构可视化的图像并减少误配对伪影。