Patent ID: 8179131
Filing Date: 2012-05-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for influencing at least one of and detecting magnetic particles in a region of action, wherein the method comprises the steps of generating a magnetic selection field having a pattern in space of its magnetic field strength such that a first sub-zone having a low magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone having a higher magnetic field strength are formed in the region of action; changing position in space of the first sub-zone and the second sub-zone in the region of action by applying a control signal to at least one pair of coils to generate a magnetic drive field to locally change magnetization of the magnetic particles, wherein the control signal is variable in time; acquiring signals that depend on the magnetization in the region of action, wherein the magnetization is influenced by the change in the position in space of the first sub-zone and the second sub-zone, wherein a magnetic drive vector of the magnetic drive field is rotated in at least one rotation plane by applying a time-varying frequency signal to the control signal to orient the magnetic particles with their easy axis along a first direction in a first step, and in a second step to direct the magnetic drive vector is along a second direction inclined at an angle relative to the first direction.