Method of imaging a vasculature of a patient

US6737866B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• MEDRAD, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Kenneth W. Belt · Fort Atkinson, US
• Michael Reichel · Pittsburgh, US
• J. Michael Watral · Johnstown, US
• Stanley R. Lewandowski · Springdale Township, US
• Bradley Adams · Vandergrift, US
• Lisa Augustine · Lower Burrell, US
• Robert Bell · Pittsburgh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 25, 2002
• Grant date: May 18, 2004
• Expiry date: Sep 25, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R33/3415
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method is provided for imaging a vasculature of a patient using an MRI system with an array of local coils. The method includes thestep of providing a housig by which (I) a first plurality of the coils is arrayed along an anterior surface of the patient, (II) a second plurality of the coils is arrayed along a posterior surface of the patient, and (III) the patient is oriented such that portions of the vasculature between and including the renal and feet portions thereof are aligned substantially coplanarly. The method also includes the step of injecting a contrast agent into the patient. The method further involves acquiring images of the vasculature from approximately the renal portion thereof to an including the feet portion thereof so that the images of the portions of the vasculature are acquired successively in timed relation to a progression of the contrast agent therethrough.