Pulsed magnetic particle imaging systems and methods

US11231469B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Steven M. Conolly · Walnut Creek, US
• Patrick W. Goodwill · Oakland, US
• Daniel Hensley · Emeryville, US
• Zhi Wei Tay · Berkeley, US
• Bo Zheng · Aurora, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 16, 2018
• Grant date: Jan 25, 2022
• Expiry date: Apr 25, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B5/0515
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A pulsed magnetic particle imaging system includes a magnetic field generating system that includes at least one magnet, the magnetic field generating system providing a spatially structured magnetic field within an observation region of the magnetic particle imaging system such that the spatially structured magnetic field will have a field-free region (FFR) for an object under observation having a magnetic nanoparticle tracer distribution therein. The pulsed magnetic particle imaging system also includes a pulsed excitation system arranged proximate the observation region, the pulsed excitation system includes an electromagnet and a pulse sequence generator electrically connected to the electromagnet to provide an excitation waveform to the electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet when provided with the excitation waveform generates an excitation magnetic field within the observation region to induce an excitation signal therefrom by at least one of shifting a location or condition of the FFR. The pulsed magnetic particle imaging system further includes a detection system arranged proximate the observation region, the detection system being configured to detect the excitation sign…