Abstract: An RF coil adjacent an imaging region includes a plurality of conducting coil elements, with each conducting coil element including a proximal portion and a distal portion. The RF coil also includes a capacitance between the distal portions of the at least two conducting coil elements. A mutual coupling inductance between at least two conducting coil elements of the plurality of conducting coil elements is substantially cancelled by the capacitance between the distal portions of the at least two conducting coil elements.

Abstract: A surgical method and apparatus for accurately aligning the trajectory of, guiding of, and introducing or withdrawal of an instrument includes a base with a movable member. The base has a tubular shape. Positioned near the first end of the base is a seat. The seat is dimensioned to receive a movable member. A positioning member is used to move the movable member. The initial position of the movable member is determined using a scanning device, such as a CT scanner, frameless stereotaxy device or an MRI device. The movable member is elevated above the patient so that a burr hole does not have to be made in the patient to do the above described procedure. The second end has an opening therein and the tubular body is positioned between the seat and the second end. A flange near the second end is used to attach the base to the patient. The flange may also engage a plastic ring such that it can rotate or swivel with respect to the ring.