Patent ID: 6294972
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A method for acquiring a prescribed magnetic resonance image of a region of interest in a subject using a local coil, the steps comprising:a) positioning the local coil in a preestablished location relative to the region of interest;b) acquiring NMR measurement data from the region of interest by performing a pulse sequence with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system that receives NMR signals from the local coil;c) reconstructing a phase image using the acquired NMR measurement data which indicates changes in polarizing magnetic field produced by the MRI system throughout the region of interest;d) calculating a ferroshim insert matrix from the phase image which indicates the location in a passive shim assembly for placement of passive shim material that will reduce changes in the polarizing magnetic field throughout the region of interest;e) attaching the passive shim assembly to the local coil;f) positioning the local coil in the preestablished location relative to the region of interest; andg) acquiring the prescribed magnetic resonance image by performing a prescribed pulse sequence with the MRI system and receiving NMR signals from the local coil.