Patent Publication Number: US-2015084630-A1

Title: System and method for generating invasively hyperpolarized images

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a system and method for generating clear anatomical images of regions of interest of a patient or a specimen in-vivo by non-invasively hyperpolarizing the regions of interest of the patient or the specimen. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following prior art is believed to be the current status of the art: U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,396 to M. S. Albert et al. describes a method for administering a hyperpolarized noble gas to a human or animal subject. The method includes the detection and generation of a spatial distribution of the noble gas in the subject. This prior art requires an invasive injection of the hyperpolarized noble in the patient. 
     US Published Patent Application No. 2009/0016964 to N. Kalechovsky et al. describes a system and method for hyperpolarizing a solvent material and transferring the hyperpolarization from the solvent to a target material. However, this prior art requires that the solvent and target material are in contact. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,699 to B. Drehuys et al. describe a method for evaluating the effects of drug therapy on a patient by the patient inhaling a dosage of polarized  129 Xe. This method requires the inhalation of  129 Xe gas. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,008,644 to lb Leunbach et al. describes a method for enhancing an MRI image of a specimen by injecting an compositing including an OMRI (Overhauser MRI) contrast agent and an MRI imaging agent into the specimen. 
     The cited art methods for enhancing an MRI signal include invasive methods for introducing hyperpolarized substances into a patient or a specimen in order to enhance the MRI image of a region of interest, such as body fats, in the patient or the specimen. 
     Thus, there is an unmet requirement for generating clear anatomical images of portions of a patient or a specimen in-vivo, by means of a non-invasively hyperpolarizing the region of interest of the patient or specimen. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention seeks to present to a system and method for generating clear anatomical images of at least one portion of a plurality of portions of at least one region of interest of a patient or specimen, in-vivo, generated by non-invasively hyperpolarizing the at least one portion of the plurality of portions of at least one region of interest of the patient or the specimen. Typically, the at least one portion of interest includes a region of body fats, such as lipids. 
     It is known in the art that the certain organs and/or regions of interest in the patient or specimen generate unclear MRI images of regions of interest in the mammalian body. For example, the water protons in lipids are very difficult to detect due to the short T 2  relaxation times in the lipids. Additionally, signals from other biologically interesting nuclides have a low concentration and thus are very difficult to detect. 
     Known methods for enhancing the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of the regions of interest, include introducing hyperpolarized nuclei, such as isotopes  13 C,  15 N,  1 H,  2 H,  3 He,  31 P,  19 F,  29 Si and  129 Xe contained in fluids, into the body of interest. The methods of introducing the hyperpolarized nuclei into the patient or specimen include inhalation of the hyperpolarized gases by the patient or specimen or injecting hyperpolarized fluids into the body of the patient or specimen. 
     The present invention describes and includes a non-invasive hyperpolarizing system and method for enhancing MRI images of at least one unhyperpolarized portion of at least a plurality of unhyperpolarized portions of at least one region of interest, such as lipids, in the patient or specimen. It is known in the art that various unhyperpolarized regions of the patient or specimen generate anatomically unclear images thereof and thus, impeding the medical diagnosis of the patient or the specimen. 
     The system and methods of the present invention include accommodating the patient or the specimen within an inner chamber, which is enclosed and encompassed by an outer chamber. The outer chamber contains a hyperpolarized substance, such as water. The hyperpolarized substance hyperpolarizes at least one unhyperpolarized portion of at least one region of interest of the patient or the specimen, such as body fats. It is appreciated that the inner chamber is fluidly impermeable to the outer chamber and thus, the patient or the specimen is fluidly-isolated from the hyperpolarized substance. Thus, there is no fluid contact between the specimen and the hyperpolarized substance. 
     Typically, the patient or the specimen is selected from the group consisting of a mammalian specimen, a human patient, a premature neonate, a reptile specimen, an amphibian specimen, a rodent specimen, a biological specimen, a biological organ, an amphibian, in vivo biological tissue, in vivo biological tissue organ, ex vivo biological tissue, ex vivo biological organ and any combination thereof. 
     An RF signal generator generates RF signals, which preferably excite the hyperpolarized nuclei of the hyperpolarized substance. The excited hyperpolarized water nuclei in the hyperpolarized substance de-excite and irradiate the at least one unhyperpolarized portion, thereby hyperpolarizing the at least one of the plurality of unhyperpolarized portions of the patient or the specimen. Preferably, the irradiated energy is in the RF spectrum. The at least one hyperpolarized portion generates radiation, preferably RF radiation, which is detected and analyzed by an imaging device. 
     The imaging device generates a plurality of images of the at least one hyperpolarized portion of the at least one region of interest. 
     A typical imaging device is selected from the group consisting of an MRI imaging device, an NMR imaging device, a CT imaging device, an X-ray imaging device, an ultrasound imaging device, a fluorescence imaging device, a thermal imaging device and any combination thereof. 
     The de-exciting nuclei of the hyperpolarized substance, such as water, irradiates the at least one unhyperpolarized portion of the at least one region of interest, such as the body fats, preferably, by RF radiation. The hyperpolarized substance operates as an RF transmitter and RF antenna. Additionally, due to the larger quantity of the hyperpolarized substance contained in the outer chamber encompassing the inner chamber, the hyperpolarized substance also operates as an RE amplifier. 
     The hyperpolarization of the unhyperpolarized portion, such as the body fats and lipids, results in an enhancement in a population of polarized nuclei in hyperpolarized portion of the region of interest relative to the population of the polarized nuclei in an unhyperpolarized portion of the region of interest. The at least one hyperpolarized portion of the region of interest generates a signal, preferably in the RF spectrum, which is detected and analyzed by the imaging device. 
     It is known in the art, that the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is proportional to the polarization factor, P: 
       SNR α P
 
     and P is given by: 
     
       
         
           
             
               P 
               • 
                 
                 
                 
               • 
             
             = 
             
               
                 
                   N 
                   + 
                 
                 - 
                 
                   N 
                   - 
                 
               
               
                 
                   N 
                   + 
                 
                 + 
                 
                   N 
                   - 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     where N +  is the number of nuclei spins parallel to the magnetic field and 
     N −  is the number of nuclei spins anti-parallel to the magnetic field. Thus, by hyperpolarizing the nuclei in the at least one unhyperpolarized portion of the region of interest, an increase in the SNR is obtained. 
     Preferably, the specimen is placed within a housing including a fluidly impermeable outer chamber and fluidly impermeable inner chamber. The outer chamber preferably includes hyperpolarized water. The specimen, accommodated within the inner chamber, is fluidly-isolated from the hyperpolarizing substance. 
     It is appreciated that the inner chamber is coupled to the required life-line connections and systems for maintaining the patient or specimen within the inner chamber in-vivo conditions. 
     It is further appreciated that the generation of the plurality of images of the at least one hyperpolarized portion of the at least one region of interest is within a time scale, that at least includes the hyperpolarized substance maintains its hyperpolarization status, de-excitation of the excited nuclei of the hyperpolarized substance that hyperpolarizes the unhyperpolarized portion of the region of interest and the detection of the hyperpolarized at least one hyperpolarized portion of the specimen. 
     There is provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an indirect-hyperpolarization system including a fluidly-sealable inner chamber accommodating a specimen the specimen includes at least one unhyperpolarized portion of a plurality of unhyperpolarized portions of at least one region of interest and a fluidly-sealable outer chamber encompassing the fluidly-sealable inner chamber and including a hyperpolarized substance. The specimen is fluidly-isolated from the hyperpolarized substance and the hyperpolarized substance hyperpolarizes the at least one unhyperpolarized portion by electromagnetically coupling the hyperpolarized substance and the at least one unhyperpolarized portion. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention further including an imaging device for generating a plurality of images of the at least one hyperpolarized portion of the specimen the imaging device is selected from the group consisting of an MRI imaging device, an NMR device, a CT imaging device, an X-ray imaging device, an ultrasound imaging device, a fluorescence imaging device, a thermal imaging device and any combination thereof. 
     Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the imaging device further detects the presence of the at least one hyperpolarized portion and generates at least one anatomically clear image of the at least one hyperpolarized portion. 
     Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the hyperpolarized substance includes water. 
     Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one unhyperpolarized portion includes body fats and the at least one hyperpolarized portion includes body fats. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the specimen is selected from the group consisting of a mammal specimen, a human specimen, a premature neonate, a reptile specimen, an amphibian specimen, a rodent specimen, a biological specimen, a biological organ, an amphibian, in vivo biological tissue, in vivo biological tissue organ, ex vivo biological tissue, ex vivo biological organ and any combination thereof. 
     Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electromagnetic coupling is generated by electromagnetic signals generated by an electromagnetic signal generator. Preferably, the electromagnetic signal generator includes an RF signal generator generating RF signals. 
     There is provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention an indirect-hyperpolarization system including a fluidly-sealable inner chamber accommodating a specimen the specimen includes at least one unhyperpolarized portion of a plurality of unhyperpolarized portions of at least one region of interest, a fluidly-sealable outer chamber encompassing the fluidly-sealable inner chamber and including a hyperpolarized substance, and an RF signal generator for exciting nuclei of the hyperpolarized substance. The specimen is fluidly-isolated from the hyperpolarized substance and the at least one unhyperpolarized portion is hyperpolarized by electromagnetic signals emitted by de-excited the nuclei such that an imaging device is enabled to detect the presence of the at least one hyperpolarized portion. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electromagnetic signals have a wavelength within the RF spectrum. 
     Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the imaging device is selected from the group consisting of an MRI device, an NMR device, a CT device, an X-ray device, an ultrasound device, a fluorescence device, a thermographic device and any combination thereof. 
     Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the imaging device further generates at least one anatomically clear image of the at least one hyperpolarized portion. 
     Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the hyperpolarized substance includes water. 
     Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one unhyperpolarized portion includes body fats and the at least one hyperpolarized portion includes body fats. 
     Furthermore in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the specimen is selected from the group consisting of a mammal, a human, a premature neonate, a reptile, a sea animal, a rodent, a biological specimen, a biological organ, an amphibian, in vivo biological tissue, in vivo biological tissue organ, ex vivo biological tissue, ex vivo biological organ and any combination thereof. 
     There is provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a system for imaging at least one unhyperpolarized portion of a specimen including a fluidly-sealable inner chamber accommodating the specimen, a fluidly-sealable outer chamber encompassing the fluidly-sealable inner chamber and including a hyperpolarized substance and an imaging device. The specimen is fluidly-isolated from the hyperpolarized substance and the hyperpolarized substance hyperpolarizes the at least one unhyperpolarized portion by electromagnetic coupling the hyperpolarized substance and the at least one unhyperpolarized portion such that the imaging device is enabled to detect the presence of the at least one hyperpolarized portion. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electromagnetic coupling is generated by an RF signal generating system located in proximity to the imaging device and RF signal generating system includes an RF signal generator and an RF antenna. 
     Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the RF signal generating system is adapted to excite nuclei of the hyperpolarized substance such that RF radiation emitted by de-excitation of the excited nuclei hyperpolarizes the at least one unhyperpolarized portion. 
     Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electromagnetic radiation includes RF radiation. 
     Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the system further including at least one RF receiving coil located within the inner chamber and located in proximity to the at least one hyperpolarized portion and adapted to receive RF radiation emitted by the at least one hyperpolarized portion. 
     Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the system further including a displacement system adapted to displace the at least one RF receiving coil to the proximity location and the displacement of the at least one RF receiving coil is selected from the group consisting of a translational displacement parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inner chamber and with an accuracy of at least 3 mm to the at least one hyperpolarized portion and a rotational displacement about the longitudinal axis of the inner chamber and any combination thereof. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the imaging system detects and analyzes the radiation emitted by the at least one hyperpolarized portion and the imaging system is adapted to generate a plurality of images of the at least one hyperpolarized portion of the specimen. 
     Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the imaging device is selected from the group consisting of an MRI device, an NMR device, an MRI device, a CT device, an X-ray device, an ultrasound device, a fluorescence device, a thermographic device and any combination thereof. 
     Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the specimen is selected from the group consisting of a mammal, a human, a premature neonate, a reptile, a sea animal, a rodent, a biological specimen, a biological organ, an amphibian, in vivo biological tissue, in vivo biological tissue organ, ex vivo biological tissue, ex vivo biological organ and any combination thereof. 
     There is provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for imaging at least one unhyperpolarized portion of a specimen including providing an imaging device for generating a plurality of images of at least one hyperpolarized portion of the specimen, locating an indirect-hyperpolarization device within the imaging device, hyperpolarizing the at least one unhyperpolarized portion and generating a plurality of images of the at least one hyperpolarized portion. The indirect-hyperpolarization device includes a fluidly-sealable outer chamber, a fluidly-sealable inner chamber encompassed by the fluidly-sealable outer chamber and accommodating the specimen and the specimen is fluidly-isolated from the hyperpolarized substance. 
     Further in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes locating and aligning the inner chamber within the outer chamber. 
     Still further in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention further including locating an RF signal generating system for generating and transmitting RF energy thereby exciting the nuclei of the hyperpolarized substance and wherein de-excitation of the nuclei hyperpolarizes the at least one unhyperpolarized portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A preferred embodiment of the current invention is described hereinbelow with reference to the following drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows an indirect-hyperpolarization system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows an imaging system, such as an NMR/MRI imaging system including, inter alia, an indirect-hyperpolarization system, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention and 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  show a typical flow chart for generating a plurality of images of a region of interest of a specimen, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 1 , which shows an indirect-hyperpolarization system  10 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The indirect-hyperpolarization system  10  includes, inter alia, a fluidly-sealable outer chamber  12  encompassing a fluidly-sealable inner chamber  14 . 
     The outer chamber  12  includes, inter alia, a hyperpolarized medium  18 , such as water. The inner chamber  14  is fluidly impermeable from the outer chamber  12 , such that the hyperpolarized water  18  is unable to penetrate into the inner chamber  12 . The inner chamber  14  is fully immersed within the hyperpolarized water  18 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The inner chamber  14  accommodates a specimen  20 . The specimen  20  is fluidly-isolated from the hyperpolarized water  18  and the specimen  20  includes at least one region of interest  22 . The at least one region of interest  22  includes, inter alia, at least one unhyperpolarized portion  26 , such as body fats, of a plurality of unhyperpolarized portions of the at least one region of interest  22 . Typically, the body fats  26  include lipids. In the present invention, an imaging device  16  generates at, least one plurality of images  24  of the at least one unhyperpolarized portion  26 , thereby assisting in the determination of a medical diagnosis of the specimen  20 . 
     Typically, the specimen  20  is selected from the group consisting of a mammal specimen, a human patient, a premature neonate, a reptile specimen, an amphibian specimen, a rodent specimen, a biological specimen, a biological organ, an amphibian, in vivo biological tissue, in vivo biological tissue organ, ex vivo biological tissue, ex vivo biological organ and any combination thereof. 
     The imaging system  16  is located in proximity to the indirect-polarization system  10  so as to detect and analyze the plurality of images  24  generated by the hyperpolarized portion  26 . 
     Typically, the imaging device  16  is selected from the group consisting of an MRI imaging device, an NMR imaging device, a CT imaging device, an X-ray imaging device, an ultrasound imaging device, a fluorescence imaging device, a thermal imaging device and any combination thereof. The imaging device  16  generates the plurality of images  24  of the at least one hyperpolarized portion  26 . 
     Water is externally hyperpolarized in order to generate the hyperpolarized water  18 , prior to its introduction into the outer chamber  12 , as is known in the art. 
     The hyperpolarized water  18  is introduced into the outer chamber  12  via an inlet port  30  and fluidly sealed within the outer chamber  12 . The outer chamber  12  also includes an outlet port  34  to allow draining of the hyperpolarized water  18  from the outer chamber  12 . It is appreciated that replenishing the hyperpolarized water  18  in the outer chamber  12  maintains the required quantity of hyperpolarized water  18  for the imaging process of the at least one unhyperpolarized portion  26 . 
     An RF transmitter  36 , typically in the form of a coil, typically encompasses the outer chamber  12  and is electronically coupled by an electronic coupling device  37 , such as a waveguide, to an electromagnetic (EM) signal generator  38 . The EM signal generator  38  generates RF signals which are transmitted by means of the RF transmitting coil  36  to the hyperpolarized water  18  thereby exciting the hyperpolarized water nuclei therein. 
     Additionally or alternatively, an RF antenna is coupled to the EM signal generator  38  by means of a suitable coupling device, for radiating the RF signals to the hyperpolarized water  18 . 
     The excited hyperpolarized water  18  de-excites and transmits radiation, preferably RF radiation, which irradiates the region of interest  22 . The at least one unhyperpolarized portion  26 , contained within the at least one region of interest  22 , is hyperpolarized and the at least one hyperpolarized portion  26  emits radiation, preferably, in the RF spectrum. The emitted radiation is detected by the imaging device  16  and the imaging device generates the plurality of images  24 . 
     It is appreciated that the hyperpolarized water  18  operates as an RF transmitter and an RF antenna and the radiation emitted by the de-excitation of the excited water irradiates the at least one unhyperpolarized portion  26 . The unhyperpolarized portion  26  is hyperpolarized by the electromagnetic coupling between the hyperpolarized water  18  and the at least one unhyperpolarized portion  26 , as is known in the art. 
     In addition, due to the larger quantity of the hyperpolarized water  18 , the hyperpolarized water  18  also operates as an RF amplifier. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 2 , which shows an imaging system  100 , such as an NMR/MRI imaging system including, inter alia, an indirect-hyperpolarization system  102 , in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The imaging system  100  includes, inter alia, an RF transmitting coil  104  for MRI imaging, which is located within the imaging system  100  and encompasses the indirect-hyperpolarization system  102 . 
     It is appreciated that the indirect-hyperpolarization system  102  is of similar construction and operation as the indirect-hyperpolarization system  10  described hereinabove. 
     The indirect-hyperpolarization system  102  includes, inter alia, a fluidly-sealable housing  103 . The fluidly-sealable housing  103  includes, inter alia, a fluidly-sealable outer chamber  112  enclosing and encompassing a fluidly-sealable inner chamber  114 . 
     The outer chamber  112  includes, inter alia, a hyperpolarized substance  118 , such as water. The inner chamber  114  is fluidly impermeable from the outer chamber  112 , such that the substance  118  is unable to penetrate into the inner chamber  114 . 
     The inner chamber  114  accommodates a specimen  120 , which is located on a translationally and/or rotationally displaceable platform  121  for inserting and locating the specimen  120  within the inner chamber  114 , as is known in the art. 
     The specimen  120  includes at least one region of interest  122 . The at least one region of interest  122  includes at least one unhyperpolarized portion  126  of a plurality of unhyperpolarized portions, such as body fats, for which it is required to generate at least one plurality of images  124  thereby assisting in the determination of a medical diagnosis of the specimen  120 . 
     It is appreciated that the specimen  120  is fluidly-isolated from the hyperpolarizing substance  118 . The region of interest  122  includes, inter alia, at least one region of unhyperpolarized body fats  126 , such as lipids. 
     Typically, the specimen  120  is selected from the group consisting of a mammal specimen, a human specimen, a premature neonate, a reptile specimen, an amphibian specimen, a rodent specimen, a biological specimen, a biological organ, an amphibian, in vivo biological tissue, in vivo biological tissue organ, ex vivo biological tissue, ex vivo biological organ and any combination thereof. 
     The water in the outer chamber  112  is hyperpolarized prior to its introduction into the outer chamber  112 , as is known in the art. 
     The hyperpolarized water  118  is introduced into the outer chamber  112  via an inlet port  127  and exits the outer chamber  112  via an output port  129 . Thus, it is possible to replenish the amount of the hyperpolarized water  118  thereby ensuring that the hyperpolarized water  118  remains hyperpolarized throughout the imaging process. 
     It is appreciated that the hyperpolarized water  118  encloses and encompasses the inner chamber  114  and the hyperpolarized water  118  is stored within the outer chamber  112 . It is further appreciated that the specimen  122  is fluidly-isolated from the hyperpolarized water  118 . 
     An electromagnetic (EM) signal generating system  160  is located in proximity to the housing  103 . The EM generating system  160  includes, inter alia, an RF signal generator  162  and an RF antenna  164 . The RF signal generator  162  generates RF signals which irradiate the hyperpolarized water  118  thereby exciting the hyperpolarized water nuclei therein. 
     The nuclei in the hyperpolarized water  118  de-excite and irradiate the at least one unhyperpolarized portion  126  hyperpolarizing the at least one unhyperpolarized portion  126 . 
     The RF energy is absorbed by the nuclei of the at least one unhyperpolarized portion  126  by the electromagnetic coupling between the hyperpolarized water  118  and the at least one unhyperpolarized portion  126 , as is known in the art. 
     It is appreciated that the hyperpolarized water  118  operates as an RF transmitter and an RF antenna and the radiation emitted by the de-excitation of the excited water nuclei irradiates the region of interest  122 . The at least one unhyperpolarized portion  126  and the unhyperpolarized portion  126  are hyperpolarized by electromagnetic coupling with the hyperpolarized water  118 . 
     It is appreciated that due to the larger quantity of the hyperpolarized water  118 , relative to the quantity of unhyperpolarized portion  126 , the hyperpolarized water  118  also operates as an RF signal amplifier. 
     The imaging system  100 , such as an NMR/MRI imaging system, encloses and encompasses the housing  103  as well as the indirect-hyperpolarization system  102  so as to detect and analyze the plurality of images  124  generated by hyperpolarizing of the at least one plurality of unhyperpolarized portions  126 . 
     The MRI/NMR imaging system  100  further includes, inter alia, at least two magnets  130  and  132  for generating a uniform magnetic field  134  therebetween. It is appreciated that the system  100  also includes shim coils and other devices for generating the uniform magnetic field  134 , as is known in the art. 
     The radiation emitted by the hyperpolarized portion  126  is detected and analyzed by the MRI/NMR imaging system  100 . The imaging device  100  generates the at least one plurality of images  124  of the at least one hyperpolarized portion  126 . 
     The imaging system  100  includes, inter alia, an RF receiving coil system  136 , which is located within the inner chamber  114 . The RF receiving coil system  136  includes, inter alia, at least one RF receiving coil  138  and a displacement system  140  for displacing the at least one RF receiving coil  138  to a fixed location within the inner chamber  114  for receiving RF radiation emitted by the hyperpolarized body fats  126 . The at least one receiver coil  138  is displaced translationally and/or rotationally about a longitudinal axis  142  of the inner chamber  114 . The translation and rotational displacements are indicated by arrows  144  and  146 , respectively. The translation and/or rotation displacements of the at least one receiver coil  138  enables the imaging system  100  to generate at least one plurality of images  124  of the hyperpolarized body fats  126  at the required translational and rotational locations. The translational displacement typically has an accuracy of at least 3 mm, thus, enabling the RF receiving coil  138  to be accurately located in proximity to the hyperpolarized region  126 . 
     The displacing system  140  and the RF receiver coil  138  are fluidly isolated from the hyperpolarized water  118  by fluid isolating sealing units  150  and  152 , as is known in the art. A fluid sealing unit  154  isolates the RF receiver coil  138  and the displacing system  140  from the external environment, as is known in the art. The fluid sealing units  150 ,  152  and  154  allow an external operator to translationally and/or rotationally displace the RF receiver coil system  136  without disturbing the fluid impermeability of the inner chamber  114  and the fluidly-isolated of the specimen  120  from the hyperpolarized water  118 . 
     The congenial environment is maintained within the inner chamber  114  by an air conditioning system  154  and coupled to the inner chamber  114  via an environmental coupling system  156 , as is known in the art. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3A-3B , which show a typical flow chart  200  for generating the at least one plurality of images  124  of the at least one plurality of unhyperpolarized portions  126  of the at least region of interest  122 , in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     In step  202 , the specimen  120  is inserted and fluidly-sealed within the inner chamber  114 . The inner chamber  114  is carefully located and aligned within the outer chamber  112 , such that the translational and rotational locations of the receiving coil displacement system  140  are aligned relative to the outer chamber  112 . The outer chamber  112  is inserted within the housing  103 . 
     In step  204 , the housing  103  is inserted and aligned within the imaging system  100 . 
     In step  206 , the hyperpolarized water  118  is introduced into the outer chamber  112  and the outer chamber  112  is fluidly sealed from the environment. 
     In step  208 , the MRI/NMR imaging system  100  is activated and the operation of the generation of the plurality of images  124  commences with the generation of the magnetic field  134 . 
     In step  210 , the RF receiver coil  138  is located and aligned in proximity to the unhyperpolarized portion  126  of the region of interest  122 . 
     In step  212 , the RF transmitter coil  104  is operated and the excitation of the hyperpolarized water  118  commences. 
     In step  214 , the at least one of unhyperpolarized portions  126  the plurality of unhyperpolarized portions is hyperpolarized. 
     In step  216 , the images of the at least one plurality of unhyperpolarized portion  126  is generated. 
     In step  218 , the plurality of images is examined and the medical diagnosis is performed. 
     In the foregoing description, embodiments of the invention, including preferred embodiments, have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.