US RE44,644 E1
Method and apparatus for spin-echo-train MR imaging using prescribed signal evolutionsGeneral
US RE44,644 E1
Method and apparatus for spin-echo-train MR imaging using prescribed signal evolutions
Tech Center:
2800 Semiconductors/Memory, Circuits/Measuring and Testing, Optics/Photocopying, Printing/Measuring and Testing
Examiner:
Melissa Koval
Art Unit:
2866 Printing/Measuring and Testing
Inventors:
John P. Mugler, III; James R. Brookeman
Assignee:
Priority:
12/21/00
Filed:
12/21/01
Granted:
12/17/13
Expiration:
01/15/29
Abstract
A magnetic resonance imaging “MRI” method and apparatus for lengthening the usable echo-train duration and reducing the power deposition for imaging is provided. The method explicitly considers the t1 and t2 relaxation times for the tissues of interest, and permits the desired image contrast to be incorporated into the tissue signal evolutions corresponding to the long echo train. The method provides a means to shorten image acquisition times and/or increase spatial resolution for widely-used spin-echo train magnetic resonance techniques, and enables high-field imaging within the safety guidelines established by the Food and Drug Administration for power deposition in human MRI.