Magnetic resonance imaging using hyperpolarized noble gases
US6593144B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/24
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of imaging a spatial distribution of a noble gas by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry includes detecting a spatial distribution of at least one noble gas by NMR spectrometry and generating a representation of said spatial distribution of the noble gas. The noble gas is selected from noble gas isotopes having nuclear spin, preferably Xenon-129 and/or Helium-3. The noble gas is at least thermally or equilibrium polarized and is preferably hyperpolarized, most preferably hyperpolarized by optical (laser) pumping in the presence of an alkali metal or by metastability exchange. The generation of the representation of the noble gas spatial distribution includes at least one dimension, preferably 2 or 3 dimensions of the spatial distribution. The noble gas may be imaged according to the invention in chemical or biological systems, preferably in a human or animal subject or organ system or tissue thereof. Also, apparatus for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of the spatial distribution of at least one noble gas includes means for imaging a noble gas by NMR spectrometry and means for providing and/or storing imageable quantities of a noble gas, preferably hyperpolarized Xeno…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.