Patents on medical imaging techniques (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging) usually refer to the data acquisition and data-processing steps.
For example:
1. A method of imaging an artery in a region of interest in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, the method containing the steps of:
i. Injecting a magnetic resonance contrast agent into a vein remote from the artery;
ii. Monitoring the region of interest by using a series of magnetic resonance radio frequency pulses…
iii. Generating an imaging initiation signal after detecting the arrival of the contrast agent in the region of interest;
iv. Collecting magnetic resonance image data in a magnetic resonance imaging sequence…; and
v. Constructing an image of said artery, using the magnetic resonance image data, wherein the artery appears distinct from the adjacent veins and background tissue.
