The mammalian left ventricle (LV) has two distinct motion patterns: wall thickening and rotation. The purpose of this study was to design and build a low-cost, non-ferromagnetic LV motion phantom, for use with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), that is able to produce physiologically realistic LV wall thickening and rotation. Cardiac MRI is continuously expanding its range of techniques with new pulse sequences, including new tissue tagging techniques which allow intra-myocardial deformation to be visualized. An essential step in the development of new cardiac MRI techniques is validating their performance in the presence of motion. MRI-compatible dynamic motion phantoms are of substantial benefit in the development of cardiac specific-magnetic resonance imaging techniques. These phantoms enable the investigation of motion effects images by mimicking the three dimensional motion of the heart. To date, no single study has succeeded in duplicating both LV motion patterns, in an MRI-compatible cardiac motion phantom. In addition, a phantom that is 100% MRI-compatible with low cost to build would be desirable to researchers. We have built two MRI-compatible phantoms, housed within a common enclosure and each filled with MRI-visible dielectric gel (as a surrogate to myocardium), which model the wall thickening and rotation motions of the left ventricle independently. The wall motion phantom is pneumatic, driven by a custom non-ferromagnetic pump which cyclically fills and empties a latex balloon within the phantom. The rotation phantom is manually driven by a plastic actuator which rotates the phantom through a specified angular rotation. Each phantom also generates a TTL pulse for triggering the MRI scanner. Although this circuitry contains ferromagnetic materials, it can be located outside the scanner bore. The wall thickening motion phantom has been tested using segmented cine, real time cine and grid tagged MRI acquisition sequences. Results were significant with 4% average variability and physiologically realistic wall motion. In a separate experiment, the rotation phantom has been imaged using a triggered grid-tagged sequence during a series of repeated 15, 20 and 35 degree rotations. As above, results matched the expected rotation only with 5% average variability. In conclusion, we have designed and built a low-cost left ventricular motion phantom, capable of accurately modeling both wall and rotation motions of the left ventricle, with up to 96% repeatability and accuracy for use in evaluating new MRI pulse sequences.

The first book to cover the groundbreaking development and clinical applications of Magnetic Resonance Elastography, this book is essential for all practitioners interested in this revolutionary diagnostic modality. The book is divided into three sections. The first covers the history of MRE. The second covers technique and clinical applications of MRE in the liver with respect to fibrosis, liver masses, and other diseases. Case descriptions are presented to give the reader a hands-on approach. The final section presents the techniques, sequence and preliminary results of applications in other areas of the body including muscle, brain, lung, heart, and breast.

Provides state-of-the-art coverage of CMR technologies and guidelines, including basic principles, imaging techniques, ischemic heart disease, right ventricular and congenital heart disease, vascular and pericardium conditions, and functional cardiovascular disease. Includes new chapters on non-cardiac pathology, pacemaker safety, economics of CMR, and guidelines as well as new coverage of myocarditis and its diagnosis and assessment of prognosis by cardiovascular magnetic resonance, and the use of PET/CMR imaging of the heart, especially in sarcoidosis. Features more than 1,100 high-quality images representing today’s CMR imaging. Covers T1, T2 and ECV mapping, as well as T2* imaging in iron overload, which has been shown to save lives in patients with thalassaemia major Discusses the cost-effectiveness of CMR.

This book constitutes the thoroughly refereed post-conference proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Statistical Atlases and Computational Models of the Heart: Imaging and Modelling Challegenges, STACOM 2011, held in conjunction with MICCAI 2011, in Toronto, Canada, in September 2011. The 28 revised full papers were carefully reviewed and selected from numerous submissions. The papers are organized in topical sections on EP simulation challenge, motion tracking challenge, segmentation challenge, and regular papers.

Completely revised to reflect recent, rapid changes in the field of interventional radiology (IR), Image-Guided Interventions, 3rd Edition, offers comprehensive, narrative coverage of vascular and nonvascular interventional imaging—ideal for IR subspecialists as well as residents and fellows in IR. This award-winning title provides clear guidance from global experts, helping you formulate effective treatment strategies, communicate with patients, avoid complications, and put today’s newest technology to work in your practice. Offers step-by-step instructions on a comprehensive range of image-guided intervention techniques, including discussions of equipment, contrast agents, pharmacologic agents, antiplatelet agents, and classic signs, as well as detailed protocols, algorithms, and SIR guidelines. Includes new chapters on Patient Preparation, Prostate Artery Embolization, Management of Acute Aortic Syndrome, Percutaneous Arterial Venous Fistula Creation, Lymphatic Interventions, Spinal and Paraspinal Nerve Blocks, and more. Employs a newly streamlined format with shorter, more digestible chapters for quicker reference. Integrates new patient care and communication tips throughout to address recent changes in practice. Highlights indications and contraindications for interventional procedures, and provides tables listing the materials and instruments required for each. Features more than 2,300 state-of-the-art images demonstrating IR procedures, full-color illustrations of anatomical structures and landmarks, and video demonstrations online. 2014 BMA Medical Book Awards Highly Commended in Radiology category!