Abstract: An MRI apparatus includes a local endovaginal probe (30) for receiving magnetic resonance in a study of the endopelvic fascia surrounding the female urethra. The probe (30) includes a shaft portion (62) an insert portion (60), the insert portion to be inserted into the vaginal cavity of a female subject. The insert portion (60), in order to have maximum efficiency in imaging the endopelvic fascia, is designed to specific dimensions to achieve the optimum balance between image quality and patient comfort. In an imaging sequence, a main magnet assembly (12) produces a main magnetic field through an imaging region (14). A whole-body RF coil (26) excites and manipulates magnetic resonance in the vicinity of the vaginal cavity. The probe (30) detects the magnetic resonance, which is received and demodulated. The received magnetic resonance is then reconstructed into an image representation of the tissue surrounding the vaginal cavity of the subject.

Abstract: A probe such as a biopsy needle uses the needle 5, 6 as one electrode of a two electrode device which receives MR signals, during an imaging operation, in order to track its path within a patient.

Abstract: An MRI apparatus includes a local endovaginal probe (30) for receiving magnetic resonance in a study of the endopelvic fascia surrounding the female urethra. The probe (30) includes a shaft portion (62) an insert portion (60), the insert portion to be inserted into the vaginal cavity of a female subject. The insert portion (60), in order to have maximum efficiency in imaging the endopelvic fascia, is designed to specific dimensions to achieve the optimum balance between image quality and patient comfort. In an imaging sequence, a main magnet assembly (12) produces a main magnetic field through an imaging region (14). A whole-body RF coil (26) excites and manipulates magnetic resonance in the vicinity of the vaginal cavity. The probe (30) detects the magnetic resonance, which is received and demodulated. The received magnetic resonance is then reconstructed into an image representation of the tissue surrounding the vaginal cavity of the subject.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance apparatus including a transducer (25, 31 ) positioned in the examination region of the apparatus, the transducer is connected with equipment (49) outside the examination region by way of a lead (47) which is grounded (51, 53) to signals of the frequency of the RF field applied to a subject (5) in the examination region to excite magnetic resonance in the subject, at a distance along the lead from the transducer equal to a quarter wavelength at the RF field frequency (or an odd multiple thereof). Distortion of the RF field due to loading by the transducer is thereby reduced. The transducer may, for example, be a microphone or loudspeaker, e.g. incorporated in an intercom or active noise reduction arrangement, or a sensor for sensing a condition of a patient being examined.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance apparatus including an active noise reduction arrangement (9, 49, 51, 53) for use by a patient (5) undergoing examination in the apparatus the transducers (25, 31) of the arrangement are non-magnetic, e.g. are of the electret, piezoelectric or condenser type, and have no parts of ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus including an r.f. coil arrangement (13) for detecting and/or exciting magnetic resonance in a body in use of the apparatus, the coil arrangement comprising a cylindrical coil (25) and two saddle coils (29) which are disposed in register on opposite sides of the cylindrical coil and conform to the surface of the cylindrical coil.In use of the apparatus the coil arrangement is disposed with the axes of the coils lying in a plane orthogonal to the direction of a static field applied to the body.

Abstract: In a nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus and RF coil arrangement comprises two or more separable parts (51 and 53) adapted to be assembled around the body to be examined to form the coil arrangement. The parts are suitably arranged to be connected, when assembled, by adjustable coupling structure (55, 57, 59 and 61) so that the volume embraced by the coil arrangement may be adjusted. The invention enables the coil arrangement to be positioned more closely around a body being examined than is possible with conventional, unitary, tubular coil arrangements.