Patent ID: 10048347

Abstract:
The system of the invention utilizes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coil to measure power at a different frequency than the MRI frequency to produce MRI images. The different frequency such as harmonic frequency of the MR coil is applied to the coil and the reflected power is measured by the power sensor. Changes due to respiratory, cardiac, or overall motion are then analyzed, as desired. During imaging, the coil is connected to the MRI system and disconnected from the setup described, including the power sensor and its associated data processing, amplifier, signal generator, and directional coupler. Disconnect is provided in a one-step process by the switching circuit. Using the reflected power of a different frequency than the resonant frequencies of an MR coil improves signal information because it does not interfere with MR imaging process, is independent of patient and position, depicts the mechanical motion of the chest or organs near to the coil, and also measures irregular physiological activities with enough temporal resolution to describe these physiological changes.