Abstract: A fixture such as a local receiver coil is secured to the patient support of a magnetic resonance imaging system so that the fixture remains in position relative to the support even when the support is in a vertical orientation. The positioning apparatus is arranged to allow adjustment of the fixture position, but to limit such adjustment so that the fixture cannot interfere with the poles or other elements defining the patient-receiving gap of the magnet during movement of the patient support.

Abstract: A system and method for magnetic resonance imaging assisted surgery. The system includes an antenna support assembly and an antenna that are used to acquire real time images of the surgical site that may be used by a surgeon to more accurately perform the surgical procedure. The method comprises acquiring real time images of the surgical site and feeding back the images to a surgeon performing the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An irrigation system draining apparatus adapted for use with an irrigation system having a conduit with a fluid source connection, an air inlet, and at least one output port, the apparatus includes a suction device. The suction device has an input port that is adapted to access an interior of the conduit, and to drain fluid from the conduit by suction when the fluid source connection is closed and the air inlet is open. A method of draining an irrigation system includes closing a fluid source connection for the irrigation system, opening an air inlet of the irrigation system, and using a suction device to drain fluid from the irrigation system conduit through the one output port.

Abstract: A belt buckle includes a housing having a base, first and second sidewalls projecting from the base so as to form a substantially U-shaped member and a lug member projecting from said base. There is also an electrical switching fastened to the base that has a pair of contact pins. A tongue plate preferably has a base portion and an elongated portion projecting from the base portion. The elongated portion may have a free-end opposite the base portion, a lower planar surface having a recess and mating member mounted at the free end thereof. In an assembled position the tongue plate is inserted in the housing such that the lug engages the recess and the mating member engages the contact pins.

Abstract: A system and method for magnetic resonance imaging assisted surgery. The system includes an antenna support assembly and an antenna that are used to acquire real time images of the surgical site that may be used by a surgeon to more accurately perform the surgical procedure. The method comprises acquiring real time images of the surgical site and feeding back the images to a surgeon performing the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system is provided with a fixture which can be mounted to the static field magnet within the patient-receiving space of the magnet. The fixture can support and stabilize the patient.

Abstract: Fixtures for immobilizing a patient during magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a belt buckle comprises a housing and locking member that are secured by a pair of locking levers. The housing includes the locking levers along with a base plate to which the locking levers are individually mounted in association with a spring bias. In another embodiment, a belt buckle comprises a housing, a locking member and an optical switch that provides and indication of when the locking member is secured to the housing. In another aspect of the invention, the buckle assemblies are magnetically translucent.

Abstract: A fixture such as a local receiver coil is secured to the patient support of a magnetic resonance imaging system so that the fixture remains in position relative to the support even when the support is in a vertical orientation. The positioning apparatus is arranged to allow adjustment of the fixture position, but to limit such adjustment so that the fixture cannot interfere with the poles or other elements defining the patient-receiving gap of the magnet during movement of the patient support.