Apparatus and methods for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of cavities using fluids polarized at low temperatures
US5617859A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 1995 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/055
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A magnetic resonance (MR) active invasive device system employs a small, high-field polarizing magnet, and a large magnetic resonance (MR) imaging magnet for the purpose of generating MR images of selected body cavities. A subject is positioned in a large low-field MR imaging magnet. A substance, intended to be used as a contrast agent is first cooled, and then passed through the small high-field polarizing magnet where it becomes highly polarized. The substance is then heated to physiologic temperatures, vaporized, and introduced into the subject through a transfer conduit as a vapor. Radiofrequency (RF) pulses and magnetic field gradients are then applied to the patient as in conventional MR imaging. Since the vapor is highly polarized, it can be imaged even though it has a much lower density than the surrounding tissue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.