FOCAL NEUROGRAPHIC MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SYSTEM

摘要

A focal magnetic resonance imaging system (20) for generating images of neural structures such as nerves. The system (20) includesa control and analysis system (22), a polarizing system (24), and splint-coil assembly (26). The splint-coil assembly (26) includes a splint(28) and various magnetic and electromagnetic coils (32, 40, 42) incorporated within the splint (28). The splint (28) conforms snugly to apatient's body part, e.g., limb, so that the coils (32, 40, 42) are fixed with respect to the patient's body part. The splint-coil assembly (26)can be positioned independently of a main field generated by the polarizing system (24), and a stabilization apparatus (156) is includedfor adjustably securing the position of the splint-coil assembly (26) during imaging. A focal magnet assembly (60) that can serve as thepolarizing system (24) is also provided. Further provided is a method of operating the control and analysis system (22) to consistentlygenerate images depicting the fascicular structure of nerves (100) by ensuring that image gradients (108) are oriented orthogonal to thenerves (100).