Patent ID: 6311085
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: A61B,G01R

Abstract:
A method of imaging arteries in a patient using a magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein the arteries include a first artery which is located in a first image volume and a second artery which is located in a second image volume, the method comprising:positioning the patient at a first location to define a first field of view which encompasses the first artery;injecting a magnetic resonance contrast agent of substantially one injection into the patient;monitoring a region of interest using a series of magnetic resonance radio frequency pulses;measuring the response of the region of interest to the series of magnetic resonance radio frequency pulses;detecting the arrival of the contrast agent in the region of interest;generating an image acquisition signal after detecting the arrival of the contrast agent in the region of interest;collecting magnetic resonance image data of the first image volume in response to the image acquisition signal, wherein a portion of the image data of the first image volume is collected during the arterial phase of contrast enhancement of the first artery;positioning the patient at a second location to define a second field of view which encompasses the second artery; andcollecting magnetic resonance image data of the second image volume, wherein a portion of the image data of the second image volume is collected during the arterial phase of contrast enhancement of the second artery;constructing an image of the first artery using the image data of the first image volume and an image of the second artery using the image data of the second image volume.