Patent ID: 6233475
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: A61B,G01R

Abstract:
A method for determining arrival time of selected contrast material at a site of MR imaging, after injection at an injection site and movement along a fluid carrying vessel, said method comprising the steps of:injecting said contrast material into said vessel at said injection site;coincident in time with said injection, commencing acquisition of a succession of MR images of a section taken through said vessel proximate to said imaging site;applying excitation pulses to first and second saturation zones to selectively saturate MR signals passing therethrough, said first and second saturation zones both being positioned in proximate relationship with said section on opposing sides thereof and respectively extending away therefrom along said vessel; andmonitoring respective MR images of said section to determine the time between said contrast material injection, and acquisition of the first of said MR images to indicate arrival of said contrast material at said imaging site.