1.

Pulse sequence schematic for the 2D free-breathing NAV-gated cardiac function pulse sequence. The sequence is based on an ECG-triggered segmented multiphase balanced SSFP acquisition. The 1^st respiratory navigator (NAV) is placed prior to the QRS, followed by time waiting for the QRS trigger. When the trigger is detected, a 5 pulse linear ramp (5LR) start up sequence is performed, after which data are acquired for multiple phases. The 2^nd NAV is performed 500 ms later (after systole). The data from a heart-beat are used, if the 1^st and 2^nd NAV measurements are within the acceptance window.