| 摘要 |
A focal magnetic resonance imaging system (20) for generating images of neur al structures such as nerves. The system (20) includes a control and analysis system (22), a polarizing system (24), and splint-coi l assembly (26). The splint-coil assembly (26) includes a splint (28) and various magnetic and electromagnetic coils (32, 40, 42) incorporate d within the splint (28). The splint (28) conforms snugl y to a patient's body part, e.g., limb, so that the coils (32, 40, 42) are fixed wi th respect to the patient's body part. The splint-coil a ssembly (26) can be positioned independently of a main field generated by the polarizing system (24), and a stabilization apparatus (156) is incl uded for adjustably securing the position of the splint-coil assembly (26) during imaging. A focal magnet assembly (60) that can serve as the polarizing system (24) is also provided. Further provided is a method of ope rating the control and analysis system (22) to consisten tly generate images depicting the fascicular structure of nerves (100) by ensuri ng that image gradients (108) are oriented orthogonal to the nerves (100).
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