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Background and objectives In photothermal therapy, cancerous tissue is treated by the heat generated from absorbed light energy. For effective photothermal therapy, the parameters affecting the induced temperature should be determined before the treatment by modeling the increase in temperature via numerical simulations. However, accurate simulations can only be achieved when utilizing the accurate optical, thermal, and physiological properties of the treated tissue. Here, we propose a multi-wavelength photo-magnetic imaging (PMI) technique that provides quantitative and spatially resolved tissue optical absorption maps at any wavelength within the near-infrared (NIR) window to assist accurate photothermal therapy planning. Study design/materials and methods The study was conducted using our recently developed multi-wavelength PMI system, which operates at four laser wavelengths (760, 808, 860, and 980 nm). An agar tissue-simulating phantom containing water, lipid, and ink was illuminated using these wavelengths, and the slight internal laser-induced temperature rise was measured using magnetic resonance thermometry (MRT). The phantom optical absorption was recovered at the used wavelengths using our dedicated PMI image reconstruction algorithm. These absorption maps were then used to resolve the concentration of the tissue chromophores, and thus deduce its optical absorption spectrum in the NIR region based on the Beer-Lambert law. Results The optical absorption of the phantom was successfully recovered at the used four wavelengths with an average error of ~1.9%. The recovered absorption coefficient was then used to simulate temperature variations inside the phantom. A comparison between the modeled temperature maps and the MRT measured ones showed that these maps are in a good agreement with an average pseudo R2 statistic of 0.992. These absorption values were used to successfully recover the concentration of the used chromophores. Finally, these concentrations are used to accurately calculate the total absorption spectrum of the phantom in the NIR spectral window with an average error as low as ~2.3%. Conclusions Multi-wavelength PMI demonstrated a great ability to assess the distribution of tissue chromophores, thus providing its total absorption at any wavelength within the NIR spectral range. Therefore, applications of photothermal therapy applied at NIR wavelengths can benefit from the absorption spectrum recovered by PMI to determine important parameters such as laser power as well as the laser exposure time needed to attain a specific increase in temperature prior to treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 00:00-00, 2020. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Photo-Magnetic Imaging (PMI) is a novel multimodality imaging technique that provides optical absorption maps with high-resolution and quantitative accuracy. Here, we present the preliminary experimental validation results obtained using our new multi-wavelength PMI system.

Although diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is able to obtain valuable functional information, its routine use in clinic is hampered by its poor spatial resolution and quantitative accuracy. Previously, our team introduced Photo-Magnetic Imaging (PMI) to overcome the limitation of DOT. PMI is a hybrid modality that synergistically utilizes optics and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). While illuminating the imaged medium by near-infrared laser, the induced internal temperature increase is measured using Magnetic Resonance Thermometry (MRT). Using these MRT maps, optical absorption maps at the laser's wavelength can be recovered using the dedicated PMI image reconstruction algorithm. In this paper, we present the result of the first validation simulation study of multi-wavelength PMI that utilizes five different laser wavelengths ranging between 760 and 980 nm. Using the high resolution wavelength specific absorption maps, PMI successfully recovered the concentration of three dyes, used as chromophore in the composition of our phantom, with high spatial resolution and quantitative accuracy. By providing functional information at high resolution, multi-wavelength PMI will be a valuable tool for monitoring tissue physiology, cancer detection and monitoring.

Photo-magnetic imaging (PMI) is an emerging optical imaging modality that showed great performance on providing absorption maps with high resolution and quantitative accuracy. As a multi-modality technology, PMI warms up the imaged object using a near infrared laser while temperature variation is measured using magnetic resonance imaging. By probing tissue at multiple wavelengths, concentration of the main tissue chromophores such as oxy-and deoxy-hemoglobin, lipid, and water are obtained then used to derive functional parameters such as total hemoglobin concentration and relative oxygen saturation. In this paper, we present a multi-wavelength PMI system that was custom-built to host five different laser wavelengths. After recovering the high-resolution absorption maps, a least-squared minimization process was used to resolve the different chromophore concentration. The performance of the system was experimentally tested on a phantom with two different dyes. Their concentrations were successfully assessed with high spatial resolution and average accuracy of nearly 80%. (C) 2020 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement

The combined use of a torso-pelvic RF array coil and endorectal RF coil is the current state-of-the-art in prostate MRI. The endorectal coil provides high detection sensitivity to acquire high-spatial resolution images and spectroscopic data, while the torso-pelvic coil provides large coverage to assess pelvic lymph nodes and pelvic bones for metastatic disease. However, the use of an endorectal coil is an invasive procedure that presents difficulties for both patients and technicians. In this study, we propose a novel non-invasive RF coil design that can provide both image signal to noise ratio and field of view coverage comparable to the combined torso-pelvic and endorectal coil configuration. A prototype coil was constructed and tested using a pelvic phantom. The results demonstrate that this new design is a viable alternative for prostate MRI © 2014 Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.

Magnetic resonance (MR)-based multimodality imaging systems, such as single-photon emission tomography (SPECT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI, face many difficulties because of problems with the compatibility of the nuclear detector system with the MR system. However, several studies have reported on the design considerations of MR-compatible nuclear detectors for combined SPECT/MRI. In this study, we developed a new radiofrequency (RF) coil and gamma-ray radiation shielding assembly to advance the practical implementation of SPECT/MRI in providing high sensitivity while minimizing the interference between the MRI and SPECT systems. The proposed assembly consists of a three-channel receive-only RF coil and gamma-ray radiation shields made of a specialized lead composite powder designed to reduce conductivity and thus minimizing any effect on the magnetic field arising from the induced eddy currents. A conventional birdcage RF coil was also tested for comparison with the proposed RF coil. Quality (Q)-factors were measured using both RF coils without any shielding, with solid lead shielding, and with our composite lead shielding. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were calculated using 4 T MR images of phantoms both with and without the new gamma-ray radiation shields. The Q-factor and SNR measurements demonstrate the improved MRI performance due to the new RF coil/gamma-ray radiation shield assembly designed for SPECT/MRI, making it a useful addition to multimodality imaging technology not only for animal studies but also for in vivo study of humans.

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can provide specific functional information while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide high-spatial resolution anatomical information as well as complementary functional information. In this study, we utilized a dual modality SPECT/MRI (MRSPECT) system to investigate the integration of SPECT and MRI for improved image accuracy. The MRSPECT system consisted of a cadmiumzinc-telluride (CZT) nuclear radiation detector interfaced with a specialized radiofrequency (RF) coil that was placed within a whole-body 4 T MRI system. The importance of proper corrections for non-uniform detector sensitivity and Lorentz force effects was demonstrated. MRI data were utilized for attenuation correction (AC) of the nuclear projection data and optimized Wiener filtering of the SPECT reconstruction for improved image accuracy. Finally, simultaneous dual-imaging of a nude mouse was performed to demonstrated the utility of co-registration for accurate localization of a radioactive source.

The purpose of this study was to enhance the technical improvement so as to develop an advanced sensitive RF surface coil for investigating the sensitivities of the multi-spiral surface coils, and we eventually wanted to achieve high resolution of the microscopic MR images and MR spectra. The magnetic field inhomogeneity and the shape of a surface coil were statistically estimated by simulation of the magnetic field distribution. On the basis of the experimental results with single, three- and five-turned spiral RF surface coils in 1.5 T, we found that the three-turned coil had the highest sensitivity. The present study showed that the sensitivity of the RF surface coil was improved by increasing the number of spiral coil turns, and also the SNR of the RF surface coil was dependent upon the number of spiral coil turns. However, we found, rather strikingly, that the sensitivity of excessive turns of the coils was decreased due to the rise of the coil’s impedance. Thus, the present results demonstrated that the sensitivity was not proportional to the number of a spiral RF coil’s turns, and the number of spiral coil turns should be optimized for obtaining the highest sensitivity and SNR.

Multi-modality imaging leverages the competitive advantage of different imaging systems to improve the overall resolution and quantitative accuracy. Our new technique, Photo-Magnetic Imaging (PMI) is one of these true multi-modality imaging approaches, which can provide quantitative optical absorption map at MRI spatial resolution. PMI uses laser light to illuminate tissue and elevate its temperature while utilizing MR thermometry to measure the laser-induced temperature variation with high spatial resolution. The high-resolution temperature maps are later converted to tissue absorption maps by a finite element based inverse solver that is based on modeling of photon migration and heat diffusion in tissue. Previously, we have demonstrated the feasibility of PMI with phantom studies. Recently, we have managed to reduce the laser power under ANSI limit for maximum skin exposure therefore, we have well positioned PMI for in vivo imaging. Currently we are expanding our system by adding multi-wavelength imaging capability. This will allow us not only to resolve spatial distribution of tissue chromophores but also exogenous contrast agents. Although we test PMIs feasibility with animal studies, our future goal is to use PMI for breast cancer imaging due to its high translational potential.

We present experimental results that validate our imaging technique termed photomagnetic imaging (PMI). PMI illuminates the medium under investigation with a near-infrared light and measures the induced temperature increase using magnetic resonance imaging. A multiphysics solver combining light and heat propagation is used to model spatiotemporal distribution of temperature increase. Furthermore, a dedicated PMI reconstruction algorithm has been developed to reveal high-resolution optical absorption maps from temperature measurements. Being able to perform measurements at any point within the medium, PMI overcomes the limitations of conventional diffuse optical imaging. We present experimental results obtained on agarose phantoms mimicking biological tissue with inclusions having either different sizes or absorption contrasts, located at various depths. The reconstructed images show that PMI can successfully resolve these inclusions with high resolution and recover their absorption coefficient with high-quantitative accuracy. Even a 1-mm inclusion located 6-mm deep is recovered successfully and its absorption coefficient is underestimated by only 32%. The improved PMI system presented here successfully operates under the maximum skin exposure limits defined by the American National Standards Institute, which opens up the exciting possibility of its future clinical use for diagnostic purposes.

Despite its high sensitivity, the variable specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in breast cancer diagnosis can lead to unnecessary biopsies and over-treatment. Scintimammography (SMM) could potentially supplement MRI for improving the diagnostic specificity. The synergistic combination of MRI and SMM (MRSMM) could result in both high sensitivity from MRI and high specificity from SMM. Development of such a dual-modality system requires the integration of a radio frequency (RF) coil and radiation detector in a strong magnetic field without significant mutual interference. In this study, we developed and tested a unilateral breast array coil specialized for MRSMM imaging. The electromagnetic (EM) field, specific absorption ratio (SAR), and RF coil parameters with cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) detectors encapsulated in specialized RF and gamma-ray shielding mounted within the RF coil were investigated through simulation and experimental measurements. Simultaneous MR and SMM images of a breast phantom were also acquired using the integrated MRSMM system. This work, we feel, represents an important step toward the fabrication for a working MRSMM system.

In this study, we investigated the in vivo application of an integrated small-animal magnetic resonance (MR) and gamma-ray imaging system that consists of a semiconductor-based radiation detector, a parallel-hole collimator, and a specialized radiofrequency coil. Gadodiamide and (99m)Tc sestimibi agents were injected simultaneously into a mouse, and simultaneous dynamic contrast-enhanced MR and scintigraphic images of the kidneys were acquired. The time curves of both the MR signal intensity and radioactivity indicate a rapid uptake of the agents followed by a more gradual excretion, consistent with the previously reported literature. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of measuring multiple biological processes at the same time using both MR contrast agents and radiotracers.

In medical imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can provide specific functional information while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide high spatial resolution anatomical information as well as complementary functional information. In this study, we developed a miniaturized dual-modality SPECT/MRI (MRSPECT) system and demonstrated the feasibility of simultaneous SPECT and MRI data acquisition, with the possibility of whole-body MRSPECT systems through suitable scaling of components. For our MRSPECT system, a cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) nuclear radiation detector was interfaced with a specialized radiofrequency (RF) coil and placed within a whole-body 4 T MRI system. Various phantom experiments characterized the interaction between the SPECT and MRI hardware components. The metallic components of the SPECT hardware altered the B(0) field and generated a non-uniform reduction in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the MR images. The presence of a magnetic field generated a position shift and resolution loss in the nuclear projection data. Various techniques were proposed to compensate for these adverse effects. Overall, our results demonstrate that accurate, simultaneous SPECT and MRI data acquisition is feasible, justifying the further development of MRSPECT for either small-animal imaging or whole-body human systems by using appropriate components.

We describe a single photon emission computed tomograph (SPECT) which can be operated inside state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. The combined SPECT/MRI system allows one to acquire simultaneously the data from both modalities and co-register the images in space and time. The new SPECT is based on the semiconductor cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) — two technologies which are MR-compatible and almost insensitive to magnetic fields. The SPECT camera has an energy resolution of 5.4 keV full-width-half-maximum (FWHM) at the 140-keV photo peak from 99mTc for either inside or outside of the MRI. We acquired the first SPECT and MR images from resolution phantoms and mice in-vivo. The experiments show that the MRI is minimally affected by the SPECT camera inside the bore. Preliminary results for the SPECT camera show high sensitivity of about 1.6% and a spatial resolution of 4 mm FWHM.

High magnetic fields used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) do not allow the employment of conventional motors due to various incompatibility issues. This paper reports on a new motor that can operate in or near high field magnets used for MRI. The motor was designed to be operational with the MRI equipment and could be used in a rotating imaging gantry inside the magnet designed for dual modality imaging. Furthermore, it could also be used for image guided robotic interventional procedures inside a MRI system if so desired. The prototype motor was developed using magnetic resonance (MR) compatible materials, and its functionality with MR imaging was evaluated experimentally by measuring the performance of the motor and its effect on the MR image quality. Since in our application, namely, single photon emission tomography, the motor has to perform precise stepping of the gantry in small angular steps the most important parameter is the start-up torque. The experimental results showed that the motor has a start-up torque up to 1.37 Nm and rotates at 196 rpm when a constant voltage difference of 12 V is applied at a magnetic field strength of 1 T. The MR image quality was quantified by measuring the signal-to-noise of images acquired under different conditions. The results presented here indicate that the motor is MR compatible and could be used for rotating an imaging gantry or a surgical device inside the magnet.

We describe a single photon emission computed tomograph (SPECT) which can be operated inside state-of-theart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. The combined SPECT/MRI system allows one to acquire simultaneously the data from both modalities and co-register the images in space and time. Unlike conventional SPECT systems, which use scintillators and photomultiplier tubes, the new SPECT is based on the semiconductor cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) - two technologies which are MR-compatible and almost insensitive to magnetic fields. The γ-radiation imaging system has a 3-cm diameter fieldof- view and allows one to acquire regional tomographic images in mice without moving the camera.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to enhance the technical improvement which can develop the advanced sensitive RF surface coil to investigate the sensitivities of the multi‐spiral surface coils and eventually achieve the high resolution of microscopic MR images and MR spectra. Method and Materials: The simulation of a coil's magnetic field was processed in MATLAB. Biot‐Savart law provides information about the relation between the amplitude and the position. The experiment was processed in the Oxford magnet (1.5T), Copley gradient (25mT/m) coil and Analogic RF amplitude system. The diameter of a coil was fixed at 4cm, and the turn of a coil was increased with a spiral turning method. Results: 1. Simulation of magnetic field. The magnetic field strength was increased close to the wire because of a ring‐shape wire coil. This simulation was performed assuming no obstruction in the current and domain. Thus, the shape and the field distribution of a RF surface coil were able to be visually analyzed. 2. Coils' performance. The ROI with approximately 3cm was identified by a water phantom in 1.5T. The three and five turned spiral coils were developed and their Q‐factor and bandwidth were estimated. Conclusion: The present study showed that the sensitivity of RF surface coil was improved by the increasing the number of a spiral coil's turn, and also the SNR of RF surface coil was dependent upon the number of a spiral coil's turn. However, the sensitivity was not proportional to the number of a spiral RF coil's turn. There is an optimal vale in a spiral RF coil turn and sensitivity. In order to obtain a high sensitivity as varying the spiral RF coil's performance, it is important to find the optimal number of turn. This study provides an efficient approach to designing high‐field RF coils.