Patent ID: 6809517
Filing Date: 2004-10-26
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A method for producing an image of a subject with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system which enables a previously implanted device to be located, the steps comprisinga) acquiring a first k-space data set with the MRI system using a first pulse sequence suitable for imaging stationary spins; b) acquiring a second k-space data set with the MRI system using a second pulse sequence suitable for imaging stationary spins which is different from the first pulse sequence; c) reconstructing first and second complex MR images of the subject from the respective first and second k-space data sets; d) calculating a magnitude MR image from either one of said first or second complex MR images reconstructed in step c); and e) calculating a phase difference MR image between the first and second complex MR images of step c); f) employing the phase difference MR image of step e) to locate the implant in the subject; and g) displaying the location of the implant from step f) in the magnitude MR image from step d).