Optical on-line running reconstruction of MR-images in the phase-scrambling Fourier-imaging technique

Recently, the use of magnetic-resonance-guided navigation to improve the safety and effectiveness of surgical procedures has shown great promise. The purpose of the present study was to develop and demonstrate an imaging strategy that allows surgeons to continue operating without delays caused by imaging. The phase-scrambling Fourier-imaging technique has two prominent characteristics: localized image reconstruction and holographic image reconstruction. The combination of these characteristics allows images to be observed even during the data-acquisition period, because the acquired signal is converted into a hologram and the image is reconstructed instantly in the coherent optical image-processing system. Experimental studies have shown that the phase-scrambling Fourier-imaging technique enables the motion of objects to be imaged more quickly than the standard fast imaging. The proposed running reconstruction strategy can be easily implemented in the well-established magnetic-resonance imaging equipment that is currently in use. (C) 2002 Optical Society of America.