Algorithms and computer-implemented methods for tracking the paths of vessels in magnetic resonance angiography

This invention relates to advances in magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or the imaging of blood vessels in the body for the evaluation of vascular pathology. Presented are new methods for processing magnetic resonance angiographic images, or angiograms, to delineate certain vessels in an angiogram. These methods find particular utility in highly vascular regions of the body such as the cerebrum, heart, abdomen and extremities where there is extensive overlapping and variation in the size of the vessels. Current MRA methods are unable to generate high-resolution images of complex vessel geometries in these dynamic environments. The patent application for this invention covers algorithms and computer-implemented methods for tracking the paths of vessels in magnetic resonance angiography. Also covered are similar methods for digital image processing in alternative imaging technologies such as tomography and X- ray angiography.

U.S. Patent No. 7,003,144 issued 21 Feb 2006 (HHS Reference No. E-229-1999/0-US-04) Inventor: Peter Yim (CC)

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