Patent US5553619A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5553619A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for administration of contrast agents for use in magnetic resonance arteriography
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1995-01-25
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Granted: 1996-09-10
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Expires: 2015-01-25
Abstract
Abstract The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing preferential enhancement of an artery of interest relative to adjacent veins and background tissue. The method and apparatus adapts the timing of a maximum or substantially elevated rate of infusion to correlate with the collection of image data corresponding to the center of k-space. The technique and apparatus temporally correlates the timing of a maximum or substantially elevated rate of infusion and the mapping of k-space according to the location of the artery of interest, the size of the artery of interest, the physical condition of the patient, the time delay due to the configuration of the contrast agent delivery system, and/or the type of pulse sequence employed by the imaging apparatus. Adapting the timing of a maximum or substantially elevated rate of infusion to correlate with the collection of image data corresponding to the center of k-space provides a period of a maximum or substantially elevated contrast concentration in the artery of interest relative to adjacent veins during collection of at least a portion of the image data corresponding to the center of k-space.
Inventors
- 👤 Martin R. Prince
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 01:52
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/41; A61B5/414; A61B5/416; A61B5/411; A61K; A61K49/00; A61K49/06; A61K49/18; G; G01; G01R; G01R33/00; G01R33/20; G01R33/44; G01R33/48; G01R33/54; G01R33/56; G01R33/5601; G01R33/563; A61B5/20; A61B5/201; A61B5/72; A61B5/7271; A61B5/7285; G01R33/28; G01R33/281; G01R33/561; G01R33/5619; G01R33/56308
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 59
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of imaging an artery in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, comprising, collecting image data; and administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient prior to collecting image data, by intravenous infusion, at a rate of infusion sufficient to provide a substantially elevated concentration of the contrast agent in the artery during collection of image data representative of a center of k-space.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of imaging an artery in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, comprising, collecting image data; and administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient prior to collecting image data, by intravenous infusion, at a rate of infusion sufficient to provide a substantially elevated concentration of the contrast agent in the artery during collection of image data representative of a center of k-space.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of administering the contrast agent to the patient further includes administering a paramagnetic contrast agent at a rate of infusion which is greater than 0.0015 Liters/Kg-sec 2 divided by a relaxivity of the paramagnetic contrast agent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of administering the contrast agent to the patient further includes administering the contrast agent at an infustion rate and for a perid which proivdes a substantially elevated concentration of the magnetic resonance contrast agent in the artery during more than 50% of the period of collecting image data representative of the center of k-space.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of administering the contrast agent to the patient further includes administering the contrast agent at a infusion rate which is sufficient to provide an increase in a signal intensity from the artery of greater than about a factor of 2 during collection of at least a morton of the image ata representative of the center of k-space.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of imaging an artery in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, comprising, collecting image data; and administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient while collecting image data, by intravenous infusion, at a rate of infusion sufficient to provide a substantially elevated concentration of the contrast agent in artery relative to adjacent veins during collection of image data corresponding to a center of k-space.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of imaging an artery in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, comprising, collecting image data; and administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient while collecting image data, by intravenous infusion, at a rate of infusion sufficient to provide a substantially elevated concentration of the contrast agent in artery relative to adjacent veins during collection of image data corresponding to a center of k-space.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the step of administering the contrast agent to the patient further includes administering the contrast agent for a period sufficient to provide a substantially elevated concentration of the magnetic resonance contrast agent in the artery for at least 50% of the period of collecting image data corresponding to the center of k-space.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the step of administering the contract agent to the patient further includes administering the contrast agent at a rate which is sufficient to provide an increase in a signal intensity from the artery of greater than about a factor of 2 during collection of at least a portion of the image data representative of the center of k-space.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the step of administering magnetic resonance contrast agent includes administering the contrast using a mechanical injector which is one of a spring-loaded, a pneumatic powered, and an electrically powered.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the step of administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent includes administering the contrast agent using a mechanical injector wherein the mechanical injector includes a non-magnetic spring to pressurize the contrast agent for infusion into the patient.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the step of administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent includes administering a gadolinium chelate using a mechanical injector which is adapted to receive a vessel containing the gadolinium chelate wherein the mechanical injector includes a non-magnetic spring.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of imaging an artery in a patient using a gadolinium chelate, comprising, collecting image data; and p1 administering the gadolinium chelate to the patietn, by intravenous infusion, at a rate of infusion which provideds a maximum concentration of the gadolinium chelate in an artery relative to the adjacent veins during collection of image data corresponding to a center of k-spae.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of imaging an artery in a patient using a gadolinium chelate, comprising, collecting image data; and p1 administering the gadolinium chelate to the patietn, by intravenous infusion, at a rate of infusion which provideds a maximum concentration of the gadolinium chelate in an artery relative to the adjacent veins during collection of image data corresponding to a center of k-spae.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the step of administering the gadolinium chelate further includes administering the gadolinium chelate at a rate of infusion which is greater than 0.0015 Liters/Kg-sec 2 divided by a relaxivity of the gadolinium chelate.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent into a vein of a patient to enhance a magnetic resonance image of an artery of the patient, the method including: collecting image data; and administering the contrast agent into the vein at an infusion rate and for a period of time sufficient to provide a maximum concentration of the contrast agent in the artery during collection of at least a portion of the image data which corresponds to a center of k-space.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent into a vein of a patient to enhance a magnetic resonance image of an artery of the patient, the method including: collecting image data; and administering the contrast agent into the vein at an infusion rate and for a period of time sufficient to provide a maximum concentration of the contrast agent in the artery during collection of at least a portion of the image data which corresponds to a center of k-space.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the step of administering the contrast agent to the patient further includes administering a paramagnetic contrast agent at a rate of infusion which is greater than 0.0015 Liters/Kg-sec 2 divided by a relaxivity of the contrast agent.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of administering the contrast agent to the patient further includes administering the contrast agent at a rate which is sufficient to provide an increase in a signal intensity from the artery of greater than about a factor of 2 during collection of at least a portion of the image data representative of the center of k-space.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method of claim 15 wherein the step of administering the contrast agent to the patient further includes administering the contrast aent at an infusion rate which provides a substantially elevated concentration of the magnetic resonance contrast agent in the artery relative to adjacent veins for at least 50 % of the time of the step of collecting image data corresponding to the center of k-space.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent includes administering the contrast agent using a mechanical injector which is one of a spring-loaded, a pneumatic powered, and an electrically powered.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the step of administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent includes administering a gadolinium chelate using a mechanical injector which is adapted to receive a vessel containing the gadolinium chelate wherein the mechanical injector includes a non-magnetic spring to pressurize the contrast for infusion into the patient.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the step of administering the contrast agent to the patient further includes administering gadolinium chelate at a rate of infusion which is greater than 0.0015 Liters/Kg-sec 2 divided by a relaxivity of the contrast agent.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
90 words
An apparatus for administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent into a vein of a patient to enhance a magnetic resonance image of an artery of the patient, the apparatus comprises: an infusion mechanism, including infusion means for matching an infusion rate with a mapping of at least a portion of k-space and for infusing the contrast agent at rate sufficient to provide a substantially elevated concentration of the contrast agent in the artery during collection of at least a portion of image data which corresponds to a center of k-space.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
90 words
An apparatus for administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent into a vein of a patient to enhance a magnetic resonance image of an artery of the patient, the apparatus comprises: an infusion mechanism, including infusion means for matching an infusion rate with a mapping of at least a portion of k-space and for infusing the contrast agent at rate sufficient to provide a substantially elevated concentration of the contrast agent in the artery during collection of at least a portion of image data which corresponds to a center of k-space.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the infusion means infuses the contrast agent at a rate which provides a substantially elevated concentration of a contrast agent in the artery for at least 50% of a period of collecting image data which corresponds to the center of k-space.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the infusion means is coupled to a container having the magnetic resonance contrast agent contained therein.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the container includes an orifice and wherein the apparatus further includes fluid flow restrictor coupled to the orifice.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the infusion means infuses the contrast agent into the patient at a rate which provides an increase in a signal intensity from the artery of greter than about a factor of 2 during collection of at least a portion of the image data representative of the center of k-space.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of imaging an artery in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, comprising: administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient; and collecting image data which is representative of a center of k-space when a concentration of the contrast agent in the artery is substantially higher than a concentration of the contrast agent in veins adjacent to the artery.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of imaging an artery in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, comprising: administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient; and collecting image data which is representative of a center of k-space when a concentration of the contrast agent in the artery is substantially higher than a concentration of the contrast agent in veins adjacent to the artery.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of collecting image data includes using a 3D gradient echo pulse sequence.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the step of collecting image data includes using a TR of less than 50 milliseconds, a TE of less than 10 milliseconds, and a flip angle within a range of about 20 to about 90 degrees.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent includes administering the contrast agent to the patient by bolus injection.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent includes administering the contrast agent to the patient substantially throughout collecting image data which is representative of a center of k-space.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of collecting data which is representative of a center of k-space includes collecting data when the concentration of the contrast agent in the artery is above a predetermined level.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of collecting data which is representative of the center of k-space includes collecting at least a portion of the data when a signal intensity from the artery increases by a factor of greater than about 2.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of collecting data which is representative of a center of k-space includes collecting at least 50% of the data which is representative of the center of k-space while the concentration of contrast agent in the artery is substantially higher than the concentration of the contrast agent in veins adjacent to the artery.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 25 wherein the step of administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent includes administering the contrast agent using a mechanical injector which is one of a spring-loaded, a pneumatic powered, and an electrically powered.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
75 words
A method of imaging at least a portion of an artery in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging comprising, performing a 3D gradient echo pulse sequence to obtain an image of the artery, including, administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient; and collecting image data for imaging the artery including collecting data which is representative of a center of k-space when a concentration of the contrast agent in the artery is substantially elevated.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
75 words
A method of imaging at least a portion of an artery in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging comprising, performing a 3D gradient echo pulse sequence to obtain an image of the artery, including, administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient; and collecting image data for imaging the artery including collecting data which is representative of a center of k-space when a concentration of the contrast agent in the artery is substantially elevated.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 34 wherein the step of collecting image data for imaging the artery includes collecting data which is representative of the center of k-space when the concentration of the contrast agent in the artery is above a predetermined level.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 34 wherein the step of collecting image data includes using a TR of less than 50 milliseconds, a TE of less than 10 milliseconds, and a flip angle within a range of about 20 to about 90 degrees.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 34 wherein the step of collecting image data includes collecting at least 50% of the data which is representative of the center of k-space while the concentration of contrast agent in the artery is substantially elevated.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 34 wherein the step of collecting image data includes collecting at least a portion of the image data while a signal intensity from the artery increases by a factor of greater than about 2.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of imaging a portion of an artery in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, said method comprising, administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient; and collecting a portion of image data which is representative of a center of k-space while a concentration of the contrast agent in the artery is substantially elevated.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of imaging a portion of an artery in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, said method comprising, administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient; and collecting a portion of image data which is representative of a center of k-space while a concentration of the contrast agent in the artery is substantially elevated.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient includes administering the contrast agent to the patient by a bolus injection.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent includes administering the contrast agent to the patient substantially throughout collecting image data which is representative of a center of k-space.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of collecting image data which is representative of the center of k-space includes collecting image data when the concentration of the contrast agent in the artery is a maximum.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of collecting image data which is representative of the center of k-space includes collecting at least a portion of the image data while a signal intensity from the artery increases by a factor of greater than about 2.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of collecting data which is representative of the center of k-space includes using a 3D gradient echo pulse sequence and the step of administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient includes administering the contrast agent to the patient by a bolus injection.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 44 wherein the step of collecting data includes using a TR of less than 50 milliseconds, a TE of less than 10 milliseconds, and a flip angle within a range of about 20 to about 90 degrees.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent includes administering the contrast agent to the patient at a variable rate of injection.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent includes administering the contrast agent to the patient during collection of magnetic resonance image data.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent includes administering the contrast agent to the patient manually through a fluid flow restrictor.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent includes administering the contrast agent to the patient using a mechanical injector.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of collecting the image data which is representative of the center of k-space includes collecting at least a portion of the data while a signal from an imaging region increases by more than about 20%.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the step of collecting the image data which is representative of the center of k-space includes collecting at least a portion of the data while a signal from an imaging region increases by more than about 50%.
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