Abstract: A structural support component such as a head clamp for use in imaging of a part of a patient using Magnetic Resonance and X-ray imaging is formed of different materials each of which has an Aluminum equivalence factor of less than 10 mm and generally less than 6 mm and is arranged such that the presence of the structural support component in an imaging zone of a magnetic resonance imaging system when generating the image does not generate any visually determinable distortion in the image. The materials can be epoxy resin combined with a glass fiber substrate for easily machined parts, polyphenylene sulphide with random fiber reinforcement using glass fibers for high wear parts and polyurethane foam or Polymethacrylimide foam shaped to form a required member and covered on its outer surface with a layer formed from aramid fibers for elongate parts.

Abstract: A structural support component such as a head clamp for use in imaging of a part of a patient using Magnetic Resonance and X-ray imaging is formed of different materials each of which has an Aluminum equivalence factor of less than 10 mm and generally less than 6 mm and is arranged such that the presence of the structural support component in an imaging zone of a magnetic resonance imaging system when generating the image does not generate any visually determinable distortion in the image. The materials can be epoxy resin combined with a glass fiber substrate for easily machined parts, polyphenylene sulphide with random fiber reinforcement using glass fibers for high wear parts and polyurethane foam or Polymethacrylimide foam shaped to form a required member and covered on its outer surface with a layer formed from aramid fibers for elongate parts.

Abstract: In MR imaging of a body part of a patient in an intra-operative procedure, the body part is supported using gel pads where the gel material is arranged such that the presence of the gel material does not generate an image in the analysis of the RF signal from the location so that the pad is invisible in the MR image. This can be obtained by using a water based gel material and providing an additive such as manganese chloride to reduce the relaxation time of the water molecules to a value which is sufficiently short that the molecules relax before the acquisition of the signals by the RF receive coil. This can be achieved by using a non-water based gel or a heavy water based gel.

Abstract: A sterile drape for use with a magnet of a magnetic resonance imaging is formed from a generally cylindrical sheet of a fabric. This is collapsible into an annulus and can be expanded axially to line the interior of the bore of the magnet. End flaps can close the ends of the bore and folded outwardly to cover the end faces of the magnet. The sheet can be supported by a wire or other support and can be stored on the magnet and end covers or in a ceiling suspended container.