Abstract: A flexible coil includes a flexible substrate with a plurality of holes extending through the substrate. Each hole is configured to receive at least a portion of a fastener extending through the hole. Each fastener engages the flexible substrate and an antenna loop to positively retain the antenna loop to the flexible substrate. The holes are arranged in the flexible substrate to align each antenna loop with respect to the other antenna loops mounted to the flexible substrate. The fasteners are removably mounted to the flexible substrate such that the fastener positively retains the antenna loop to the flexible substrate when mounted to the flexible substrate but allows individual antenna loops to be removed from the flexible substrate when the fastener is removed from the flexible substrate. Multiple fasteners are provided for each antenna loop and are spaced apart from each other and positioned along the length of the loop.

Abstract: A flexible coil with improved tolerance for overlapping antennas and with reduced susceptibility to the introduction of image artifacts as a result of overlapping antennas utilizes antennas with multiple conductors extending in parallel for the length of the antenna. Each conductor is connected to the other conductor at each end creating parallel conduction paths for the length of the antenna. The parallel conduction paths reduce the resistance of the antenna which, in turn, improves the quality factor of the antenna. The improved quality factor results in antennas that are less susceptible to image artifacts being induced in the antenna due to coupling from an overlapping antenna.

Abstract: A patient support assembly for use in a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scanner includes a first and a second patient support structure and a first and a second imaging coil. The patient support assembly provides support for multiple anatomical regions being imaged, improving patient comfort during the procedure. Access to the patient is improved by: providing a flexible coil that wraps around at least one of the anatomical regions being imaged, providing a support structure open to the anterior region of the anatomical region being imaged, and providing a support structure that may be opened and closed about the anatomical region being imaged. The patient support assembly also aligns the two imaging coils to minimize interference between coils during imaging.

Abstract: An improved system for providing audio signals to a patient during medical imaging is disclosed. A converter device is operatively connected to a audio signal transmitter such as a pneumatic audio port commonly used for pneumatic headphones. The converter device includes a connecting member removably inserted into the pneumatic audio port. A microphone receives the pneumatic audio signals and converts these signals to electronic audio signals. The converter device further includes a wireless transmitter that converts the electronic audio signals to wireless signals and transmits the wireless signals to a wireless receiver. The wireless receiver may be located in a headset worn by the patient, which receives the wireless signals and provides the audio content to the patient during imaging.

Abstract: A pneumatic audio system which is compatible with use within an MRI environment is disclosed. The system has an audio transducer including a housing having a plurality of walls, a foam insert supported within the housing, and a speaker supported by the foam insert and extending at an angle with respect to the walls of the housing. The system further has a hollow tube coupled to the audio transducer at a first end and configured to transmit audio signals from the speaker through the tube. The system further has an earphone coupled to a second end of the hollow tube and configured to deliver audio signals to an ear canal of a human user.

Abstract: A patient support structure for use in a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scanner includes a base and a first and a second arm pivotally connected to the base. The patient support structure supports an anatomical region being imaged and positions an antenna array around the anatomical region. Access to the patient is improved by: providing a flexible coil that wraps around the anatomical region being imaged, providing a support structure open to the anterior region of the anatomical region being imaged, and providing a support structure that may be opened and closed about the anatomical region being imaged.

Abstract: A mobile computer suitable for use in an MRI environment is disclosed. The mobile computer includes at least one shielded cavity in which the electronics for the mobile computer are inserted. The shielded cavity inhibits undesirable emissions from the mobile computer from affecting the quality of the image obtained by the MRI scanner and inhibits electrical interference generated by the dynamic magnetic fields in the MRI scanner from affecting the performance of the mobile computer. In addition, the components used in the mobile computer are selected from non-ferrous materials and are arranged in a manner to minimize interaction between the mobile computer and the MRI scanner.

Abstract: A system for automatically identifying a needle insertion location from a medical diagnostic image, such as an MRI image, and providing a visual indication of the needle insertion location is disclosed. A grid plate is located proximate to an anatomical region and is preferably incorporated in an MRI support structure utilized to immobilize the anatomical region. An MRI scanner obtains an MRI image of the anatomical region, and an MRI technician places a marker on the MRI image, identifying the needle insertion location. The MRI image and the marker are transferred from the MRI scanner to another device, such as a tablet computer, which is configured to convert the MRI image and the marker to coordinates and an insertion depth. A visual indicator is located proximate to or integrated with the grid plate that provides the needle insertion coordinates and insertion depth to the MRI technician.

Abstract: A physiologic transmitter manages multiple communications between physiologic data acquisition devices attached to the patient and a receiver attached to an MRI or CT scanner. The transmitter's processor is able to generate waveform data and trigger data based upon the acquired physiologic data and transmit the data to a physiologic receiver attached to the host scanner. The receiver then is able to deliver a trigger signal to the host scanner for imaging the patient during a selected time frame based upon cardiac and/or respiratory cycles of the patient.

Abstract: A patient support assembly for use in a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scanner includes a first and a second patient support structure and a first and a second imaging coil. The patient support assembly provides support for multiple anatomical regions being imaged, improving patient comfort during the procedure. Access to the patient is improved by: providing a flexible coil that wraps around at least one of the anatomical regions being imaged, providing a support structure open to the anterior region of the anatomical region being imaged, and providing a support structure that may be opened and closed about the anatomical region being imaged. The patient support assembly also aligns the two imaging coils to minimize interference between coils during imaging.

Abstract: A wireless headset capable of receiving audio signals transmitted wirelessly and compatible for use in an MRI scanner is disclosed. The headset includes a first wireless module connected to the first earphone and a second wireless module connected to the second earphone. Each wireless module is electrically connected to a speaker in the respective earphone. The first wireless module receives the audio signal from a remote source and coordinates transmission of the audio signal to each of the speakers. The compact nature of each earphone minimizes the length of wire runs. In addition, the headset is made of materials having low magnetic susceptibility such that they will not be affected by the magnetic field from the MRI scanner.

Abstract: A wireless headset capable of receiving audio signals transmitted wirelessly and compatible for use in an MRI scanner is disclosed. The headset includes a first wireless module connected to the first earphone and a second wireless module connected to the second earphone. Each wireless module is electrically connected to a speaker in the respective earphone. The first wireless module receives the audio signal from a remote source and coordinates transmission of the audio signal to each of the speakers. The compact nature of each earphone minimizes the length of wire runs. In addition, the headset is made of materials having low magnetic susceptibility such that they will not be affected by the magnetic field from the MRI scanner.

Abstract: An MRI compatible communication system is disclosed. An interface module manages communications between devices within and external to the MRI scan room. The interface module also translates messages between varying wireless communication standards and protocols for retransmission to other devices. The communication system is configurable to transmit and/or receive data between physiological sensors, the MRI controller, patient monitoring devices, patient entertainment devices, and other computers. The interface module is configurable to be placed either in the control room or in the scan room.

Abstract: An MRI compatible communication system is disclosed. An interface module manages communications between devices within and external to the MRI scan room. The interface module also translates messages between varying wireless communication standards and protocols for retransmission to other devices. The communication system is configurable to transmit and/or receive data between physiological sensors, the MRI controller, patient monitoring devices, patient entertainment devices, and other computers. The interface module is configurable to be placed either in the control room or in the scan room.

Abstract: A system for automatically identifying a needle insertion location from a medical diagnostic image, such as an MRI image, and providing a visual indication of the needle insertion location is disclosed. A grid plate is located proximate to an anatomical region and is preferably incorporated in an MRI support structure utilized to immobilize the anatomical region. An MRI scanner obtains an MRI image of the anatomical region, and an MRI technician places a marker on the MRI image, identifying the needle insertion location. The MRI image and the marker are transferred from the MRI scanner to another device, such as a tablet computer, which is configured to convert the MRI image and the marker to coordinates and an insertion depth. A visual indicator is located proximate to or integrated with the grid plate that provides the needle insertion coordinates and insertion depth to the MRI technician.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a modular MRI imaging system. The imaging system includes MRI radio-frequency antenna arrays separate from the patient support structure. The antenna arrays are affixed to a thin, flexible film such that they may be located next to the anatomical region of interest. In addition, multiple antenna arrays may be configured in various planar or three-dimensional arrangements to optimize the FOV and SNR. Separate patient support structures are provided that enhance ergonomics and patient stabilization. By removing the antenna from the housing, the support structures may be designed without the constraints of supporting the antenna or the associated electronics. The MRI imaging system further employs a preamplifier module. The preamplifier module houses the preamplifier and much of the other associated circuitry for each of the antennae. The preamplifier module operates to combine the signals from the antenna arrays and pass the signals to the MRI system.

Abstract: The coaxial connector includes a plug and a receptacle. The plug contains a spring-loaded central contact and a fixed shield contact. The receptacle contains a fixed central contact and a spring-loaded shield contact. When the plug and the receptacle are joined, each of the spring-loaded contacts is compressed to positively engage the respective fixed contact to facilitate an electrical connection. Mating edges of the plug and receptacle are chamfered to facilitate concentric alignment and to reduce the required insertion force between the plug and receptacle. The contacts of both the plug and the receptacle are recessed below the mating surface to prevent a person or another conductive surface from making inadvertent contact with an electrically conductive member of the connector.