Patent ID: 7369888
Filing Date: 2008-05-06
Classification: A61B,G01R

Abstract:
1. A method for generating a signal representative of a blood flow image, comprising the steps of: perturbing arterial spins of blood flowing into a sample by applying a constant RF irradiation together with a magnetic field gradient; waiting a transit delay period before acquiring a first image of the sample; acquiring the first image of the sample; applying amplitude modulated RF irradiation with a magnetic field gradient which, together, mimic the effects of constant RF radiation unrelated to blood flow; acquiring a second image of the sample; generating a difference signal based on the first image and the second image that represents a blood flow image of blood flowing into the sample; and determining a duration of the transit delay period so as to permit blood having perturbed arterial spins to flow into the sample, thus causing the blood flow image to be representative of perfusion.