WARF: P96011US
Three-Dimensional Digital Subtraction Magnetic Resonance Angiography

INVENTORS

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Charles Mistretta, Frank Korosec, Thomas Grist, Richard Frayne, Jason Polzin

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) uses the magnetic resonance (MR) phenomenon to produce images of the human vasculature, often in conjunction with a contrast agent that enhances the MR signal. MRA image quality is optimized when the required data are properly timed relative to the arrival of contrast in the arteries of interest. To ensure this, a time series of images must be acquired at a high rate during contrast agent injection. However, most current MR imaging (MRI) scans either produce a single image that is often difficult to time, or greatly sacrifice spatial resolution by omitting important data to permit acquisition of a time series. This invention is an MRI technique, called Time-Resolved Imaging of Contrast kineticS (TRICKS), that greatly increases the temporal resolution of image acquisition during MRA, while maintaining excellent image quality. TRICKS samples the central region of k-space data more frequently than the outer regions to reconstruct an image, while still updating the high spatial frequencies during contrast arrival, unlike previously used keyhole sequences. Frequent sampling of the center of k-space data ensures that time frames with adequate image contrast and minimal artifacts and venous overlap, will be obtained. Another key feature of TRICKS is that a reference image or "mask," representing tissues prior to contrast arrival, can be subtracted from the optimal image to create an angiogram with fewer artifacts.

• Excellent tool for dynamic angiography studies
• Provides greatly improved temporal resolution without sacrificing significant image quality and diagnostic value
• Particularly suited to 3-D acquisitions
• Removes uncertainties imposed by contrast injection timing and reduces artery-vein overlap by displaying contrast dynamics
• Less sensitive to motion (e.g. patient breathing)
• Safer and more effective for angiography than conventional X-ray
• Higher temporal frame rate allows images to be produced by the subtraction of two frames, resulting in angiograms with fewer artifacts
• May be used with other methods for speeding image acquisition, such as limited field of view (FOV) techniques

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