Coil Patents (Class 600/422)
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Patent number: 7693568Abstract: A medical device includes a sensor for sensing for an MRI gradient magnetic field and a microprocessor for responding to the detected gradient magnetic field by switching from a first electrical signal processing mode to a second electrical signal processing mode, such that electrical signals induced by the gradient magnetic field and an associated RF burst are not counted as cardiac events.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Volkert A. Zeijlemaker
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Patent number: 7688070Abstract: An imaging coil (12) includes multiple end rings (52). A center ring (53) extends parallel to and is coupled between the end rings (52). Multiple legs (86) are coupled between the end rings (52) and the center ring (53). The end rings (52) may have a first radius (R1) that is greater than a second radius (R2) of the center ring (53). The imaging coil (12) may include more than 16 legs. The imaging coil (12) may include multiple capacitor groupings (98) coupled along the end rings (52), each capacitor grouping (98) has multiple capacitors (102) with a coverage area width (W) greater than 5.0 cm. The center ring (53) may be coupled to a ground reference (110) and has low impedance such that the center ring (53) is effectively shorted to the ground reference (110).Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Weyers, David Keren, Kevin Kinsey, Ed B. Boskamp
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Publication number: 20100056901Abstract: An apparatus and method for magnetic resonance scanning is described. The apparatus comprises an RF coil (16) for receiving an RF signal, a housing (10) for housing the RF coil, and a support (38). The support (38) is provided for locating a fiducial marker (50) in a repeatable position relative to the housing (10), the repeatable position being within the RF field of the RF coil (16). The fiducial marker, in use, provides a reference peak in a magnetic resonance spectroscopy spectrum. Methods of using such apparatus for magnetic resonance scanning, are also outlined. In particular a method is described that includes the step of providing a housing (10) that comprises a recess (38) located within the RF field of the RF coil (16). A fiducial marker (50) is then placed in the recess without exposing the RF coil (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: PULSETEQ LIMITEDInventor: Christopher Paul Randell
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Patent number: 7663367Abstract: An MRI rf coil array is comprised of a large number of separate coil elements that are supported on a substrate that is shaped to the contour of the anatomy being imaged. The coil elements overlap each other to reduce mutual inductance and their location is determined by tiling the surface of the substrate with regular, substantially same sized polygons. The center of each coil element is aligned with the center of a polygon. By using a mixture of different polygons, such as hexagons and pentagons, an arrangement of coil elements may be formed that cover a surface with non-zero Gaussian curvature where each coil is overlapped with its neighbors such that their mutual inductance is nulled.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventor: Graham C. Wiggins
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Publication number: 20100033185Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) coil for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes a first end ring section containing a plurality of openings and a second end ring section containing a plurality of openings. A plurality of rungs is disposed between the first end ring section and the second end ring section. Each rung has a first end connected to the first end ring section and a second end connected to the second end ring section. Each rung can also include a plurality of openings. The openings in the end rings and rungs reduces eddy currents and improves RF performance of the RF coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Saikat Saha, Eddy B. Boskamp
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Publication number: 20100016708Abstract: A common method of RF encoding assumes that the Bi field generated by the RF coils is linear, which is likely not the case in many situations. It is therefore desirable to have a method of operating an MR system to reconstruct an image of a subject, wherein the method is capable of also handling arbitrary Bi fields used for RF encoding. Accordingly, such an MR system employing one or more RF coils is disclosed herein. The method comprises obtaining transmit sensitivities and weighting factors for individual RF coils. Each RF coil is activated based on its respective weighting factor to apply RF excitation to a subject under examination in the MR system. MR signals—such as free induction decays (FID) signals or echo signals—generated from the subject in response to the RF excitation are received and processed based on the transmit sensitivities to generate an MR image or spectrum representative of the subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.Inventors: Ulrich Katscher, Peter Vernikel, Peter Boernert
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Patent number: 7646199Abstract: When scanning a patient to generate an image thereof, radio frequency (RF) coil modules are scalably coupled to each other using a plurality of clips to form flat or polygonal coil arrays that are placed on or around the patient or a portion thereof. A user assesses the volume to be imaged, identifies a coil array configuration of suitable size and shape and employs clips of one or more pre-determined angles to construct the identified coil array configuration, which is placed on or about the volume. Coil modules are coupled to a preamplifier interface box (PIB), which provides preamplified coil signal(s) to a patient imaging device, such as an MRI scanner. Small arrays are constructible to accommodate pediatric patients and/or smaller animals. Modules are hermetically sealed, can be sanitized between uses, and discarded at end-of-life. In one aspect, the modular coil array, clips, and PIB are maintained in an isolated contamination zone, separate from the patient imaging device.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Wayne R. Dannels, Chun Jiang Xiao, Robert C. Gauss, John T. Carlon, David L. Foxall
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Publication number: 20100004529Abstract: A draping provides at least partial and preferably complete coverage of MRI coils, an MRI table and an MRI support system thereby protecting a patient and the equipment. Draping notch fold down flaps may be pushed into shaped apertures of an MRI apparatus by the patient's breast due to the design of the draping. This offers a barrier between the patient and the equipment pad providing the patient with warmth, comfort and protection from infectious diseases such as Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The draping reduces the clean up and improves the procedure turnaround time for the technologist.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: Qsum Biopsy Disposables LLCInventor: Cynthia Ruth Henke-Sarmento
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Patent number: 7635980Abstract: The test body is placed on the top board. The support section has a support post, a hinge section and a receiving member. The hinge section is linked to the edge of the shorter direction of said top board at one edge of the support post and performs a hinge movement in said shorter direction. The receiving member holds said test body and supports RF coils, when it is positioned on the other edge of the support post and said support post is caused to stand up by the hinge movement. The support section is positioned on both edges of said shorter direction of said top board.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2008Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Yutaka Kato
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Publication number: 20090299173Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (100, 200, 500) and a method for testing a hold (120, 220, 520), such as an implant, attached to an object (130, 230, 530), such as a bone, the method comprising the steps of: bringing a member (110, 210, 510) into contact with said hold, contactlessly detecting at least one resonance frequency of said member (110, 210, 510) when it is in contact with said hold (120, 220, 510); and interpreting the detected resonance frequency in terms of the degree of attachment of the hold with respect to the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Integration Diagnostics Ltd.Inventors: Peter Cawley, Anders Pettersson
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Patent number: 7613497Abstract: Apparatus for driving current in a power circuit of a medical device inserted into a body of a subject includes a power transmitter, which is adapted to generate, in a vicinity of the body, an electromagnetic field having a predetermined frequency capable of inductively driving the current in the power circuit. A passive energy transfer amplifier, having a resonant response at the frequency of the electromagnetic field is placed in proximity to the medical device so as to enhance the current driven in the power circuit by the electromagnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.Inventors: Assaf Govari, Michael Levin
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Publication number: 20090270718Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-modality imaging system and a method for dual-modality imaging of an imaged object, wherein a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus for acquiring MRI data and at least one optical imaging detector for acquiring optical imaging data are arranged to acquire the MRI data and the optical imaging data of the imaged object (10) simultaneously, the at least one optical imaging detector being a non-contact optical imaging detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2007Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventors: Joerg Peter, Michael Boch, Reiner Umathum
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Publication number: 20090264735Abstract: Described herein is a process for patient localization within a medical imaging system, having a first and second signal means for identifying patient position. The patient is manually positioned on a patient table at an initial position outside the system. A first signal means is manually positioned adjacent an area of interest on the patient in the initial position and the first signal means communicates that initial patient position to a detection means. The second signal means communicates a desired final patient position location to the detection means. The detection means either essentially continuously monitors and compares said initial and subsequent positions to the final position, or calculates the distance between the initial position and the final position and causes the patient to move from the initial position to the final position when the positions are not essentially the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventor: Michael Steckner
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Patent number: 7606611Abstract: A medical apparatus, includes a medical instrument with an acquisition unit for a magnetic resonance signal, the acquisition unit exhibiting a non-constant sensitivity profile in the azimuthal direction relative to an axis of the medical instrument. An azimuthal orientation of the medical apparatus is determined by an evaluation unit from magnetic resonance signals received by the acquisition unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Speier, Frank Wacker
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Patent number: 7606612Abstract: A system and method to perform parallel MR imaging are disclosed. The system comprises an MR imaging machine and a probe having at least two MR RF reception coils. Each coil of the probe is operationally connected to a separate receiver channel of the MR imaging machine. The MR imaging machine implements a partially parallel acquisition method to excite precessing nuclear spins, in and around an internal segment of a patient into which the probe is inserted, and to use the coils of the catheter to simultaneously sample a plurality of response signals to form reduced k-space data sets for each of the coils. The plurality of response signals represent nuclear magnetic resonance signals arising from the precessing nuclear spins. The reduced k-space data sets are further processed by the MR imaging machine to generate a full volume dataset of a region in and around the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2005Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Claudia M. Hillenbrand, Mark A. Griswold, Eddy Wong, Jeffrey Duerk
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Patent number: 7605588Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an RF coil assembly capable of eliminating the need for connecting and disconnecting an electric path at decoupling portions and is an RF coil assembly including: a plurality of coil loops that are adjacent to each other in sequence and construct a phased array; and a plurality of decoupling device that cancel electromagnetic coupling between adjacent coil loops, respectively, wherein at least two of the plurality of coil loops are two coil loops that are adjacent to each other across a boundary where they can be decoupled from each other, and wherein at least one of the plurality of decoupling device is two coils that are connected in series to the two coil loops, respectively, and are opposed to each other across the boundary and form a pair of coils for decoupling.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: Shajan Gunamony
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Publication number: 20090259122Abstract: A method and apparatus for radially compressing bodily tissue and performing medical procedures from a selected one of a plurality of circumferential positions and angles, a selected one of a plurality of different elevations and elevational angles. Some embodiments include a tissue-compression fixture having members that are configured to be moved to radially compress bodily tissue such that each of a plurality of areas of biological tissue are exposed between the plurality of members, and wherein the fixture is compatible with use in an MRI machine in operation; an actuator having a receiver for a medical-procedure probe; and a computer system operatively coupled to the actuator to move the probe. The computer receives user commands, and based on the commands, moves the actuator to a selected one of a plurality of different positions around the tissue-compression fixture and then extends the probe into the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Inventors: Blake Timothy Larson, Arthur Guy Erdman
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Patent number: 7602190Abstract: An MRI imaging coil assembly includes a primary external MRI imaging coil and a secondary external MRI imaging coil positioned proximate to the primary MRI imaging coil. The primary imaging coil has a plurality of spaced-apart RF coils and is configured to surround at least a portion of a patient. The secondary imaging coil has at least one RF coil and cooperates with the primary imaging coil to provide MRI signals to an MRI scanner. The secondary imaging coil can be movably positioned relative to the primary imaging coil. The secondary imaging coil can be movably secured to the primary imaging coil or to a patient support surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: SurgiVision, Inc.Inventors: Peter Piferi, Christopher Keidl, David Peterson
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Patent number: 7598737Abstract: In a method for determination of a position of a local coil on a bed in at least one spatial direction within a magnetic resonance scanner, a signal intensity value is initially, extracted from magnetic resonance measurements implemented with the appertaining local coil for acquisition of magnetic resonance images of an examination subject and/or for measurement of further system parameters at each of various positions of the recumbent bed relative to the tomograph. The functional dependency of the extracted signal intensity values on the position of the bed relative to the scanner is then determined. The position of the local coil on the bed is determined on the basis of the determined functional dependency. A corresponding control device for a magnetic resonance system and a computer program product implement the method.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Swen Campagna
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Patent number: 7596402Abstract: A probe suitable for attachment to, or incorporation in, a medical interventional device, such as a catheter, and which may be employed for tracking, imaging, or both, includes a first material having an MR resonance frequency distinct from a resonance frequency of a second material adjacent to the first material. The probe may include one or more coils, or it may be wireless, that is, it may have no coils. Some probe configurations are directed at tracking or imaging of vascular vessels or tissue, and configurations allow both tracking and imaging.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2004Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Jeffrey L. Duerk, Daniel Elgort, Chris Flask, Claudia M. Hillenbrand, Jonathan S. Lewin, Eddy Y. Wong
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Publication number: 20090234222Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2009Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: Fonar CorporationInventors: Charles A. Green, Arto Cinoglu, William H. Wahl
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Publication number: 20090221906Abstract: A wrist coil for magnetic resonance imaging has a tubular coil formed by a number of coil splicing units spliced together in succession, and an annular coil unit that is wound around the surface of the tubular coil. Since the annular coil unit is wound around the surface of the tubular coil, and the current direction in the annular coil unit is perpendicular to the current direction in each of the coil splicing units, when some of the coil splicing units in the tubular coil do not acquire signals due to the fact that their magnetic field direction is parallel to that of the main magnetic field direction, the annular coil unit will carry out signal acquisition. Furthermore, since the magnetic flux of the annular coil unit is relatively large, this ensures a relatively high signal-to-noise ratio in the acquired signals no matter whatever layout position is adopted for the wrist coil, thus reducing equipment costs and eliminating restrictions for clinical applications in the prior art.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Hai Ning Wang, Yan Hong Chen, Jian Min Wang
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Publication number: 20090216110Abstract: A patient support structure for positioning a selected anatomy of interest for imaging in a magnetic resonance imaging scanner is disclosed. The structure includes a receptacle for receiving a removable tray that includes connectors for connecting local RF coils housed in the array to the MRI scanner, and connectors for positioning the local RF coils adjacent an area of interest to be imaged. A structure for elevating the patient support is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Cameron Piron, Han Wang, Joshua Richmond, Jakub Jankowski, Chris Luginbuhl
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Publication number: 20090216109Abstract: Implantable aneurysm-sac treatment devices include an implantable coil body configured and sized to reside in a sac of an aneurysm. The body has an inductance and capacitance. The capacitance is selected so that the coil resonates at a Larmor frequency of a predefined magnetic field strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2006Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Parag V. Karmarkar, Aravind Arepally
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Patent number: 7580676Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a flat-panel detector integrated with an electromagnetic coil array. The electromagnetic coil array is positioned inside of the flat-panel detector. The electromagnetic coil array is configured to detect an electromagnetic field at the flat-panel detector. In an embodiment, the flat-panel detector may also include a detector panel. The electromagnetic coil array may be positioned behind the detector panel. In an embodiment, the detector panel may be transparent to electromagnetic fields. In an embodiment, the flat-panel detector may also include a cold plate. The electromagnetic coil array may be positioned between the detector panel and the cold plate. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic coil array may include one or more electromagnetic coils. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic coil array may be a printed circuit board (PCB) electromagnetic coil array.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Peter Traneus Anderson
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Publication number: 20090209848Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2008Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: IMRIS INC.,Inventors: John K. Saunders, Stephen G. Hushek, Victoria D.M. Hornblower
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Publication number: 20090171188Abstract: An electrode for use on a medical device is disclosed. The electrode may have a main body of electrically conductive material extending along an axis and may have a proximal end and a distal end. The electrode may also include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tracking coil disposed in the body. The MRI tracking coil may comprise electrically insulated wire. A catheter including an electrode, as well as a method for determining the location of an electrode, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Saurav Paul, Troy T. Tegg, Chou Thao, Harry Puryear
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Publication number: 20090171189Abstract: An air pressure fixed coil for magnetic resonance imaging has a surface on which an air pressure fixing device is arranged. The air pressure fixing device is in communication with a control switch, that is operable to actuate the air pressure fixing device to generate a negative pressure or to restore a normal air pressure, so that the air pressure fixing device is suctioned and fixed onto an object, or is released from the object. Since the coil is fixed in place by using air pressure, the coil can be fixed onto a patient bed without arranging any fixing structure on the patient bed, and therefore the coil can be positioned and fixed at any place on the patient bed for carrying out a scanning operation according to needs. At the same time, since there is no need to pre-arrange any fixing structure on the patient bed, such as slots, holes etc., the structural strength of the patient bed will not be affected, and the appearance of the patient bed can be kept simple, clean and neat.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Feng Hua Li, Ting Qiang Xue
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Publication number: 20090149738Abstract: A RF coil array is provided for imaging a chest wall of a patient including a breast. The RF coil array includes a rigid cup-shaped element and a flexible, substantially flat portion. The rigid cup-shaped element is sized and dimensioned to receive a small breast, such as a post mastectomy breast or a male breast, and the flexible portion is configured to be conformed to the patient adjacent the breast to allow for imaging of the breast, and adjacent areas while facing the chest wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventors: Cameron Anthony Piron, Han Wang, Mariana Garcia Coni, Joshua Richmond, Jakub Jankowski, Chris Luginbuhl
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Patent number: 7545144Abstract: The present invention relates to a design of a radiofrequency (RF) receive coil (also commonly referred to as an imaging coil) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a vertical field MRI system of a patient's shoulder region. The design described herein generally includes a solenoid element that wraps around the patient's shoulder, at least two loop elements that encompass the superior section of the patient's shoulder, and at least two saddle elements, wherein one saddle element encompasses the posterior section of the patient's shoulder and one saddle element encompasses the anterior section of the patient's shoulder. It is foreseen that further embodiments of the shoulder coil design may include additional elements.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc.Inventors: Yiping Guan, Kevin A Archibald
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Publication number: 20090124889Abstract: The present invention relates to a design of a radiofrequency (RF) receive coil (also commonly referred to as an imaging coil) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a vertical field MRI system of a patient's breast region. The design described herein generally includes a housing that includes two coil cups. The coil housing will generally encase the coil elements. In general, the breast coil of certain embodiments of the invention will include loop elements surrounding each side of each of the coil cups, a saddle element at the bottom of each cup, and an element that spans the width of the coil, wrapping at least partially up both sides of the coil. It is foreseen that further embodiments of the breast coil design may include additional elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc.Inventors: Yiping Guan, Kevin A. Archibald, Mark Richard
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Publication number: 20090118611Abstract: System(s) and method(s) for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) are provided. A unified heteronuclear coil system includes a volume coil tuned to detect a first nuclei and a butterfly coil tuned to detect a second nuclei for simultaneous detection of both the first nuclei and the second nuclei signals from human breast tissue and perform MRIS. First nuclei and second nuclei each include 1H, 13C, 31P, 23Na, and 19F. The heteronuclear coil system affords detection of NMR-detectable chemicals specific to cancerous breast tissue to improve breast cancer diagnostic specificity. Adjustment of the heteronuclear coil system to detect various nuclei, combined with a specific pulse excitation sequence, facilitates chemical analysis that provides for chemical discrimination and characterization of compounds present in cancerous and other breast tissue as well as healthy breast physiology.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - of the Common Wealth System of Higher EducationInventor: Qiuhong He
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Patent number: 7526330Abstract: Magnetic resonance scanning apparatus for imaging parts of a human head includes RF coils configured to receive an RF signal including upper and lower pairs of RF coils; a lower supporting structure; and an upper part. The lower supporting structure has an upper wall providing support for the back of a human head, with the lower pair of RF coils rigidly mounted therein. The upper part has a rigid structure supporting the upper pair of RF coils. Each RF coil is located on a concave surface curving circumferentially and longitudinally around a human head located within the apparatus. Each of the upper pair of RF coils has an outer boundary following a contour between the eyes, around the bridge of a nose and below a respective eye located within the apparatus to allow the nose to extend between the upper pair of RF coils.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2004Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Pulseteq LimitedInventors: Christopher Paul Randell, Navjeet Chhina
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Publication number: 20090105583Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining attenuation values for PET data of a patient. In at least one embodiment, the method includes detecting at least one accessory of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner and detecting the position and/or alignment of the accessory by way of an imaging measuring method; comparing the detected accessory with data from a database; and assigning an attenuation map, which is contained in the database, to attenuation values of the detected accessory and adapting the attenuation map to the detected position and/or alignment of the accessory.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Diana Martin, Gunther Platsch, Martin Requardt, Sebastian Schmidt, Kristin Schmiedehausen, Michael Szimtenings
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Publication number: 20090099444Abstract: A microstrip-based RF coil for use in an MRI apparatus constructed to perform human head and extremity imaging according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a coil former defined by an inner core member and a shield support that surrounds the inner core member. An outer surface of the shield support supports a conductive segmented shield and a plurality of conductive strip lines are disposed on an inner surface of the inner core module and extend parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof. According to one aspect of the present invention, all of the strip lines are not homogenous so as to introduce asymmetry into the coil design.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: INSIGHTMRIInventor: Gene Bogdanov
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Patent number: 7518365Abstract: Head coil arrangement for a magnetic resonance apparatus has a housing with a number of coil elements arranged in or on the housing, and the housing has at least one movable and/or moldable housing part (2a) for adjustment to different neck shapes in the region designated for the neck of a patient.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Daniel Driemel
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Patent number: 7515951Abstract: An assembly, system, and method particularly adapted for a magnetic resonator apparatus in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning system. Provided is a restraining assembly supportable by the supporting assembly and including at least a system that is selectively operable for positioning and restraining at least a portion of the body to be imaged, thereby optimizing image quality.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Patrick Kevin Egan, Don Alan Gilliland, Cary Michael Huettner
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Publication number: 20090085567Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus has an examination region to accommodate a patient to be examined, and a body coil that circumferentially encompasses the examination region and is designed for magnetic resonance examination of the patient. A gradient coil circumferentially encompasses the examination region and the body coil and is designed to detect the position of magnetic resonance measurement values. A basic field magnet is designed to form a basic magnetic field in the examination region for a patient examination to be conducted. The basic field magnet at least partially encompasses the examination region, the body coil and the gradient coil. A shim device is used that is designed to influence the basic magnetic field. Components of the shim device and components of the body coil are associated to exhibit a common distance relative to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the examination region and thus encompass the examination region.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventors: Ralph Kimmlingen, David Melotte, Wolfgang Renz, Ian Wilkinson
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Publication number: 20090088627Abstract: A head support assembly includes a base configured to be removably secured to an MRI scanner gantry, a head support frame attached to the base, and a longitudinally extending head coil apparatus adjustably secured to the head support frame. The head support frame includes a pair of elongated arms that extend outwardly in adjacent, spaced-apart, substantially co-planar relationship to form an area for receiving the head of a patient. Each arm includes a respective free end, and a head engagement rod is adjustably associated with each respective arm free end. The head engagement rods are configured to engage a patients head within the head support frame. One or more additional head engagement rods may extend outwardly from the head support frame between the pair of arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventors: Peter Piferi, Christopher Keidl, David Peterson
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Publication number: 20090082663Abstract: The present invention relates to a design of a radiofrequency (RF) receive coil (also commonly referred to as an imaging coil) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a horizontal field MRI system of a patient's shoulder region.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc.Inventors: Yiping Guan, Kevin A. Archibald, Joseph M. Kolecki
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Publication number: 20090082664Abstract: An endoscopic RF coil arrangement for magnetic resonance imagers is provided which include a handle with a shaft and a coil with a balloon arranged distally. An inner cover is further provided which is pulled over the shaft and over the coil with balloon. An outer cover is provided over the inner cover. The outer cover comprises a formed part for a balloon on the distal side over the coil in which a liquid and/or a gas can be introduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: SCHLEIFRING UND APPARATEBAU GMBHInventor: Harry Schilling
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Publication number: 20090076377Abstract: A coil (36) includes coil elements (381, 382, . . . 38n). The coil (36) can transmit radio frequency excitation pulses into an examination region (14) and/or receive responsive radio frequency pulses from the examination region (14). A compensation network (42) includes decoupling segments (98), which each has a selected electrical length at least of a quarter wavelength (?/4) and is electrically coupled to an associated coil element (381, 382, . . . , 38n) and a reactive network (100). The compensation network (42) at least compensates coupling between the coil elements (381, 382, . . . , 38n).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2007Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.Inventor: Christian Findekelee
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Publication number: 20090054759Abstract: The present invention relates to an element configuration within an RF coil for use for MRI. The invention provides for an inherently electromagnetically decoupled solenoid element pair for receiving radio frequency magnetic resonance signals within a vertical field MRI system. The elements of the solenoid element pair described herein are typically positioned in a coplanar, side-by-side position. The decoupling of the solenoid pair can be accomplished through numerous methods including but not limited to an overlapping between the elements of the solenoid pair, use of a capacitor shared between the elements of the solenoid pair, or the use of overlapped inductors between the elements of the solenoid pair.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Chmielewski, Brian J. Cohen, Yiping Guan
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Publication number: 20090048508Abstract: An RF coil assembly for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus is described. The RF coil assembly comprises one or more coil elements capable of receiving electromagnetic radiation and is capable of being directly attached to a stereotactic base ring. The RF coil assembly may comprise a localiser box having fiducial markers. A corresponding attachment apparatus is also described for optimising the attachment position of a stereotactic base ring to a subject's head. The attachment apparatus comprises one or more fixing elements that allow the attachment apparatus to be releasably attached to a stereotactic base ring. In one embodiment, the internal dimensions of the attachment apparatus are selected to be substantially the same as the internal dimensions of an RF coil assembly. Corresponding methods are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2006Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: RENISHAW PLCInventors: Steven Streatfield Gill, Mathew David Frederick Stratton
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Patent number: 7486982Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing RF shielding for performing nuclear magnetic resonance (“NMR”) procedures, comprising a radio-opaque holder in combination with radio-opaque magnet components to form an RF shield around a patient undergoing an NMR procedure. In embodiments, a radio-opaque holder having a radio-opaque bottom portion and a radio-opaque canopy is adjoined to an NMR magnet having a radio-opaque cryostat and a radio-opaque service end cap to form an RF shield. A patient is placed on a patient support unit located in the holder bottom portion. The patient support unit, including the patient, is then inserted into the cavity of the NMR magnet and a canopy is placed on top of the bottom portion of the holder. An RF shield is thus created comprising the canopy, the bottom portion, the cryostat of the magnet, and an end cap on the service end of the magnet.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Advanced Veterinary Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Craig A. Branch, Joseph A. Helpern
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Patent number: 7486072Abstract: The present invention provides an MR scanning method and an MRI apparatus for decreasing the artifacts while improving the signal from within the blood vessels in the parallel imaging. In the sequence for calibration data acquisition the, RF pulse of the flip angle and the slice gradient are applied, then the phase encoding pulse is applied. Thereafter the MR signal will be received while applying the read pulse with the flow compensation pulse (marked as hatch area). Using a sequence with the flow compensation added in the calibration scanning allows decreasing the artifacts caused by the blood stream. This also increased the signal from within the blood vessels, allowing improving the S/N ratio of the calibration data.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Hidenori Kawai, Yoshikazu Ikezaki
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Publication number: 20090030305Abstract: An MRI coil system (34) comprises a local RF coil assembly (36) which includes one or more RF coil elements (38). An electronic circuit (88) is operatively connected to the RF coil elements (38), which electronic circuit (88) at least converts electrical signals into optical signals. A first connector (112) is in operative communication with the electronic circuit (88). A detachable cable (40) includes a second connector (120), which selectively mates with the first connector (112) and connects the coil elements (38) and the electronic circuit to an external device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2006Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.Inventor: Romhild Hoogeveen
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Publication number: 20090012388Abstract: An interventional device includes a base having an upper surface, a cup-shaped frame, a probe positioner, and a radio frequency coil. The cup-shaped frame is mounted to the base and configured to receive a body part. The probe positioner is mounted to at least one of the base and the cup-shaped frame, and is capable of rotating about a longitudinal axis which is perpendicular to the upper surface of the base. The radio frequency coil is mounted to the cup-shaped frame and is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: Raymond D. Harter, Frank J. Fronczak, Christopher J. Westphal
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Publication number: 20090012389Abstract: An arrangement and a support device for attaching local coils to a patient for a magnetic resonance examination includes at least one local coil that is designed to acquire magnetic resonance signals and a support device. The support device is designed to accommodate the at least one local coil and to attach the at least one local coil on the patient. The support device is designed as a gas-filled cushion that changes its shape dependent on the gas pressure therein. The gas-filled cushion has a device for changing the gas pressure, such when a gas pressure change occurs the local antenna is pressed on the patient due to the resulting change in shape of the cushion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: Thomas Kundner, Nikolas Schemmel
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Patent number: 7474098Abstract: An array coil for sensing signals in magnetic resonance experiments incorporates the traditional loop-butterfly array elements at spaced positions along an axis of the sample with additional stacked twisted loops and/or twisted butterfly elements. The twisted loop and twisted butterfly elements are centered along between the standard loop-butterfly array elements. The twisted array elements are naturally isolated from both the loop and butterfly. Alternatively, for a two dimensional mesh array of loop elements, additional twisted loop array elements are added with both longitudinal and transverse orientations, again centered between loop elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventor: Scott King