Method of using a small MRI scanner

摘要

Multiple methods of performing whole body scans using a cost-effective small magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system are disclosed. High magnetic field homogeneity of an open, small MRI is obtained by a combination of passive shimming and high order active shimming. A dynamic shimming while imaging (DSWI) method is provided to dynamically optimize field homogeneity for each scanned slab (slice) during imaging. Also provided is a method that scan a large subject volume only using a limited optimal imaging region of a magnet by continuously adjusting patient position and orientations with a 6 degrees of freedom patient table.