Abstract: An MRI breast coil is provided with a large transverse access portal and a stereotactic frame for guiding a biopsy needle. The portal is covered by thin sheath of plastic to retain the breast but still allow insertion of the needle to any location. The frame aligns the needle by azimuth, height and depth.

Abstract: The present invention provides an RF receiver coil with improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) characteristics, designed to be positionable immediately adjacent to or surrounding the anatomical region of the body of the patient which is desired to be imaged. The surface coil of the invention is designed for use as a signal receiver, for high resolution unilateral imaging of a localized region, with improved penetration depth. The RF surface coil minimizes capacitive coupling to the patient's body, and in conjunction therewith reduces resistive coupling of the coil to the body of the patient. The RF receiver coil of the invention includes at least two turns of an electrical conductor formed in a solenoidal configuration, with the at least two turns being positioned in spaced apart relationship defining an interturn spacing therebetween. Each of the turns of the coil includes a predetermined number of capacitive splits spaced at intervals along the length of the conductor forming the turns.