Abstract: The magnetic resonance catheter antenna includes a first tube having a proximal end and a distal end. A litz wire has a first end and a second end and is looped within the first tube such that the first end and the second end are disposed at the proximal end. A guide wire is disposed within the first tube. A multifilament or solid wire may be used instead of a litz wire. At least the looped portion of the wire is insulated.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance image receiving coil includes a first balloon having a longitudinal axis. An internal surface of the first balloon defines an internal inflatable chamber. A second balloon has a longitudinal axis. The second balloon is disposed about the first balloon. A plurality of longitudinally extending grooves are disposed in one of an external surface of the first balloon and the internal surface of the second balloon. A first wire is disposed in at least one of the grooves. A second wire is disposed in at least a second one of the grooves. Each of the first wire and the second wire is adapted to be electrically connected to an MRI apparatus. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, the first and second wires are disposed in grooves in a sheath which is disposed between the first and second balloons. In accordance with a further alternate embodiment, the first and second wires are disposed in guide tubes that are connected to the external surface of a balloon.

Abstract: A permanent magnet structure includes a generally shaped frame made of a magnetic material and a pair of opposite polarity magnet members mounted on the opposed surfaces of the legs of the U. The connecting element of the U which connects the legs, is disposed at a sufficient distance from the magnets so that the resulting magnetic field passes substantially entirely between the magnets and through the arms and so that no substantial eddy currents are induced in the connecting element during imaging. Between the connecting element and the magnets, there is disposed a non-conductive, non-magnetic separating member which contacts the two arms and tends to keep them apart. The separating member is so positioned relative to the connecting member and the magnets that effects of the force between the two magnets and the force produced by the magnetic field passing through the arms and connecting element are counterbalanced. This results in a structure which is mechanically stable.

Abstract: An inflatable coil positioning device includes a coil, a first inflatable sleeve disposed radially about the coil and a second inflatable sleeve disposed radially within the coil. The first inflatable sleeve and the second inflatable sleeve each include at least two sections. The coil is placed about a target section of the patient to be imaged. The second inflatable sleeve is inflated until the coil is securely mounted on the target section. The mounted coil and target section of the patient are then placed within a predetermined section of a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging magnet. The first inflatable sleeve is inflated until the mounted coil and target section of the patient are securely retained within the predetermined section of the magnet.