Navigator methods are disclosed that are based on detecting a
flow-sensitive signal within a subject, and using the position of the
signal to track subject motion between imaging sequences. In a disclosed
embodiment, the fast-moving blood volume in the left ventricle of the
heart is detected and used as a reference point to correct for cardiac
motion that results from respiratory motion in a subject. The navigator
based on the position of the fast-moving blood volume in the left
ventricle may be applied prospectively to shift a subsequent imaging
slice to compensate for subject motion, and thereby provide MRI images
with increased clarity and resolution.