Patent ID: 7496396

Claim:
A method of magnetic resonance imaging comprising the steps of: a) providing a magnetic field within an imaging volume, b) moving a subject continuously along a predetermined path passing through the imaging volume, c) defining a sub-volume of the imaging volume that moves together with the subject, the sub-volume being a slab, the slab being selected with an extension along the predetermined path relative to an extension along the predetermined path of the image volume such that the time of movement of the slab across the imaging volume is sufficient for magnetic resonance image data acquisition of the slab with a predefined resolution, d) performing a magnetic resonance image data acquisition for the slab while the slab remains within and moves continuously relative to the imaging volume, the magnetic resonance image data acquisition being a three-dimensional imaging method which includes applying gradient pulses that define the slab which slab moves with the subject; e) after completing the data acquisition for the slab, defining a subsequent slab which neighbors the slab on the predetermined path and performing a subsequent step of magnetic resonance image data acquisition for the subsequent slab as the subject and the subsequent slab move together continuously through the imaging volume.