Abstract:
In an NMR diagnostic apparatus, it is desirable to obtain a scanogram of an imaginarily cross-sectionally sliced portion (S) of a patient (P), which has a high spatial resolution. The specific nucleus of the patient (P) is first excited by receiving the 90° pulse (H 1 ) under the influence of the first linear gradient field (G z ). The spin of the excited sliced portion (S) of the patient (P) is secondly warped by the linear gradient field (G z ), the field strength of which is determined by the given equation (3). Under the influence of the warping linear gradient field (G z ), another linear gradient field (G x y) is superimposed thereto. Finally NMR signals are derived from the excited sliced portion (S) and thus are processed by Fourier transformation so as to obtain the scannogram.
Abstract:
In an NMR diagnostic apparatus, it is generally necessary to tune a receiver tuning unit with respect to a patient. The NMR diagnostic apparatus (200; 300) is comprised of a standard signal generator (4) for generating a CW signal, a receiver tuning unit (5) which is mainly constructed by a receiver probe head (2) and a series circuit of a capacitor (52) and a variable capacitance diode (51) and receives the NMR signals induced from the CW signal, quadrature detectors (7A, 7B) which detect the NMR signals, and a signal processor (13) which processes the detected NMR signals so as to produce the control voltages "Vc". The automatic tuning operation is carried out in such a manner that varying the control voltage "Vc" which is applied to the variable capacitance diode (51) enable the receiver tuning unit (5) to be tuned with respect to the object that is positioned in the receiver probe head (2).
Abstract:
Tomographic images (1 1 and 1 2 ) of a body are constructed by placing a plurality of surface electrodes (1 to 16) at spaced intervals on the body (M), causing currents to flow in the body, and measuring the potential between pairs of electrodes, calculating the potential in each case on the assumption that the body consists of one uniform medium, plotting the isopotentials corresponding to the calculated results to create a uniform image of the body, obtaining the ratio between the measured potential and the calculated potential in each case, and modifying the image in accordance with the respective ratios by increasing the impedance along an isopotential in proportion to a ratio greater than unity or decreasing the impedance in proportion to a ratio less than unity. The calculations of potentials and the obtaining of ratios are carried out using a computer and the plotting of the isopotentials is carried out by a visual display unit (VDU) and/or a print-out unit run off the computer.
Abstract:
A method for eliminating or reducing breathing artifacts due to motion-induced phase errors in the phase-encoding dimension when using Fourier transform imaging methods, such as spin warp, utilizes a repetition time (TR) which is an odd multiple of one quarter of the breathing cycle. In the preferred embodiment, the breathing cycle is determined by monitoring the integrated spin-echo signal magnitude spectrum as a function of time.
Abstract:
A selective tissue conductance meter is described which can be used to assess pain, abnormal sensation or sympathetic dysfunction in a human being or animal. Two concentric electrodes are mounted in fixed relative relationship on a housing which is capable of being held in one hand of the user. Contained in the housing is an electric circuit connected to the two electrodes, which circuit produces an electrical signal having a pulse frequency that varies according to the measured conductance. A battery capable of providing low voltage power is connected to the circuit. Several devices are disclosed for monitoring or measuring the electrical signal to permit the user to detect the pulse frequency of the signal. One such device comprises an audio circuit capable of producing an audible sound or click for each pulse of the electrical signal. A liquid crystal display can provide a digital readout of the number of pulses covered over a short time span.
Abstract:
An insert for a horizontal cryostat penetration includes a plurality of foam particles or spheres between which are disposed disks of high thermal conductivity. The spheres or particles are disposed in an annular'volume defined by two concentric,thin-wall, low thermal conductivity conduits. This foam filled insert provides thermal insulation and significantly reduces the formation of coolant vapor convection currents in the penetration which would otherwise significantly increase the rate of coolant evaporation from the cryostat. The insert is constructed so that the foam particles are ejected from the penetration upon the buildup of excessive internal pressure. The insert has also preferably one or more string-like lengths of sealing material disposed in a helical pattern about the outer one of the concentric conduits. Accordingly, when this insert is placed within a third conduit, a helical coolant vapor path is formed for insert cooling and exterior ventilation.
Abstract:
An agent for contrast enhancement in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging comprises micellular particles such as phospholipid vesicles associated with or enclosing a paramagnetic material. The particles may be formulated with an agent, such as cholesterol, to promote vesicle stability and water exchange across the vesicle bilayer. The vesicles may or may not have antibodies or other cell recognition targeting agents attached to the surface to provide specific targeting. The vesicles provide enhanced target specificity, reduced burden of toxic contrast material and amplified contrast enhancement.
Abstract:
To determine the degree of neuromuscular blockage, the apparatus of the invention electrically, supramaximally stimulates the motor nerve of a patient by stimulus means, applies the resulting electromyogram (EMG) produced by the muscle associated with that motor nerve and integrates the amplified EMG with respect to time. The integrated, amplified EMG is then displayed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention means are also provided for displaying the integrated, amplified EMG, taken after a muscle relaxant has been administered to the patient, as a ratio of a control EMG taken with the apparatus before the administration of the drug.