Steven Lee Wolff

US Patent:

6384601, May 7, 2002

Filed:

Oct 19, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/403530

Inventors:

David G. Wiesler - Bethesda MD
Han Wen - Rockville MD
Robert S. Balaban - Bethesda MD
Steven D. Wolff - New York NY

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Department of Health Human Services - Washington DC

International Classification:

G01V 300

US Classification:

324309, 324312, 324322

Abstract:

A method, and related apparatus, for suppressing the magnetic resonance signal to an experimentally adjustable depth by applying a spatially inhomogeneous field between the slice-select pulse and the data acquisition. Eliminating the signal from near surface regions allows one to shrink the field of view of an image without introducing aliasing artifacts, thereby improving the images resolution or decreasing imaging time. Experimental tests on a phantom and a human subject indicate that the depth of signal suppression may be continuously varied to depths of over 80 millimeters with modest requirements on power supplies, pulse sequences, and materials.

US Patent:

61442003, Nov 7, 2000

Filed:

Feb 20, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/027519

Inventors:

Frederick H. Epstein - Gaithersburg MD
Steven D. Wolff - New York NY

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

G01V 300

US Classification:

324306

Abstract:

A method is disclosed to reconstruct multiphase MR images that accurately depict the entire cardiac cycle. A segmented, echo-planar imaging (EPI) pulse sequence is used to acquire data continuously during each cardiac cycle. Images are retrospectively reconstructed by selecting views from each heartbeat based on cardiac phase.

US Patent:

5997883, Dec 7, 1999

Filed:

Jul 1, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/886487

Inventors:

Frederick H. Epstein - Gaithersburg MD
Andrew E. Arai - Kensington MD
Jeffrey A. Feinstein - Alexandria VA
Thomas K. Foo - Rockville MD
Steven D. Wolff - Bethesda MD

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

G01V 300

US Classification:

424306

Abstract:

A method is disclosed to reconstruct multiphase MR images that accurately depict the entire cardiac cycle. A segmented, gradient-recalled-echo sequence is modified to acquire data continuously. Images are retrospectively reconstructed by selecting views from each heartbeat based on cardiac phase rather than the time elapsed from the QRS complex. Cardiac phase is calculated using a model that compensates for beat-to-beat heart rate changes.

US Patent:

50506099, Sep 24, 1991

Filed:

Apr 14, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/337980

Inventors:

Robert S. Balaban - Bethesda MD
Steven D. Wolff - Durham NC

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health
and Human Services - Washington DC

International Classification:

A61B 505

US Classification:

128653CA

Abstract:

A nuclear magnetic resonance method is provided for monitoring and imaging the exchange of magnetization between protons in free water and protons in a relatively immobilized pool of protons in a sample. The method provides a new form of contrast for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of samples such as biological tissues, polymers, and geological samples.

US Patent:

61922641, Feb 20, 2001

Filed:

Dec 28, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/221500

Inventors:

Thomas K. F. Foo - Rockville MD
Vincent B. Ho - North Bethesda MD
Steven D. Wolff - New York NY

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Milwaukee WI
Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences - Bethesda MD

International Classification:

A61B 5055

US Classification:

600413

Abstract:

A system and method for arterial and venous discrimination in MR venography is disclosed. By setting a noise level in the phase image (that is proportional to the velocity encoding value) at a threshold level between that of the arterial signals and the venous signals during the diastole portion of the cardiac cycle and acquiring a phase contrast MR image during the diastole portion, the arterial signals are effectively suppressed and a venous only image can be reconstructed. Post-processing steps are disclosed which can alternatively provide an arterial only image. By separately reconstructing a magnitude image and a phase image map to produce a magnitude image and a phase image, a masking module can create an output displaying venous only or arterial only images based on a user selection. The present invention allows for a complete noninvasive angiography exam to be completed within approximately 30 minutes.

US Patent:

60313749, Feb 29, 2000

Filed:

Sep 25, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/937725

Inventors:

Frederick H. Epstein - Gaithersburg MD
Andrew E. Arai - Kensington MD
Carl C. Gaither - Laurel MD
Steven D. Wolff - Bethesda MD

International Classification:

G01V 300

US Classification:

324306

Abstract:

An MRI scan is conducted in which velocity encoded NMR data is acquired for a slice through the heart. Velocity images and magnitude images are reconstructed at multiple cardiac phases and masks are formed using the magnitude images. The masks are applied to the velocity images to isolate the left ventricle, and rigid body motion is calculated and subtracted from the masked velocity images to indicate deformation of the left ventricle.