Patent ID: 6822447
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: A61B,G01R

Abstract:
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising:a static magnetic field generator which generates a static field; a gradient magnetic field generator which generates a gradient magnetic field that is superimposed on the static magnetic field; a main enclosure having a spherical shape, formed so as to enable enclosing of a patient, the main enclosure including the static magnetic field and the gradient magnetic field; a radio-frequency magnetic field pulse transmitting/receiving unit, which applies a radio-frequency pulse to a region of interest of a patient that is located within the static magnetic field, and which also receives a magnetic resonance signal that is generated from the patient; a patient couch, which enables movement of the patient in the main enclosure; a position information establishing apparatus which provides 3-dimensional position information of the region of interest of the patient; and a patient couch controller which moves the patient couch, based on the provided position information, so that the region of interest is re-positioned in 3-dimensions substantially either at the center of the static magnetic field, or at the center of the gradient magnetic field.