Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium for evaluating structural integrity of a gradient coil disposed in a magnetic resonance imaging system is provided. A sensor obtains a parameter reading of the gradient coil, wherein the parameter reading includes a back electromotive force (back EMF) measurement. The structural integrity of the gradient coil is determined as function of the back EMF measurement.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium for evaluating structural integrity of a gradient coil disposed in a magnetic resonance imaging system is provided. A sensor obtains a parameter reading of the gradient coil, wherein the parameter reading includes a back electromotive force (back EMF) measurement. The structural integrity of the gradient coil is determined as function of the back EMF measurement.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a health status of a gradient coil disposed in a magnetic resonance imaging system is provided. The system includes one or more sensors and a controller. The one or more sensors are operative to obtain one or more parameter readings of the gradient coil, wherein the one or more parameter readings include at least one of an acoustic measurement and a back electromotive force measurement. The controller is in electronic communication with the one or more sensors and operative to generate the health status based on at least one of the acoustic measurement and the back electromotive force measurement.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a health status of a gradient coil disposed in a magnetic resonance imaging system is provided. The system includes one or more sensors and a controller. The one or more sensors are operative to obtain one or more parameter readings of the gradient coil, wherein the one or more parameter readings include at least one of an acoustic measurement and a back electromotive force measurement. The controller is in electronic communication with the one or more sensors and operative to generate the health status based on at least one of the acoustic measurement and the back electromotive force measurement.

Abstract: A motion sensing MRI coil allows correction of motion-induced image artifacts by the MRI machine or on a machine independent basis using correction circuitry associated with the coil.

Abstract: Temperature sensitive MRI measurements are used to monitor the effect of radio signals including the NMR signals themselves. In one embodiment, a closed loop MRI system maximizes acquisition speed without exceeding safety thresholds of tissue temperature by monitoring the tissue temperature using NMR signals in real-time.

Abstract: A motion sensing MRI coil allows correction of motion-induced image artifacts by the MRI machine or on a machine independent basis using correction circuitry associated with the coil.

Abstract: A modular lower coil provides for a head, a vascular and, a thoracic/lumbar element that may interfit or be separated to provide individual imaging of these areas or a combined imaging region stretching from the head to the lower spine. A switch box allows individual ones of these elements to be connected to the MRI machine if necessary because of a limitation of inputs to the machine and provides for decoupling currents to minimize interference between the coil elements when one element is being used.

Abstract: Manufacturing of local coils for magnetic resonance imaging systems operating to receive and transmit signals may be simply constructed by applying selected pre-manufactured, modular, multi-component circuits to antenna conductors of the coil.

Abstract: A knee-foot coil provides side coils covering both a side of a tubular foot support and a side of an attached toe chamber. Homogeneity in the signals from these loops is provided by a shunt, separating these side coils into portions with different sensitivities. Upper and lower coils provide for vertical sensitivity, the upper coil optionally surrounding the toe chamber.

Abstract: A phased array coil providing spatial discrimination for simultaneous spin acquisition maximizes transverse and longitudinal acceleration through the use of loops having boundaries tipped to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A local coil for magnetic resonance imaging equipment employs mirror conductors on opposite sides of an insulating substrate to produce lower resistance, higher Q and improved signal-to-noise ratio for a given foil thickness.

Abstract: A cable routing system for an MRI coil having multiple loops and multiple signal cables provides a non-resonant conductive ring surrounding the loops and grounded to define a low electrical field region along which the signal cables may be routed for reduced interference.

Abstract: A head coil for magnetic resonance imaging may be shortened longitudinally to provide for better access by a patient. Extension of the coil may be performed after the positioning of the patient's head significantly simplifying patient positioning with respect to the coil. A portion of a conductor support sliding over the patient's head removable to allow endotracheal tubes or the like to remain undisturbed.

Abstract: A decoupling circuit for decoupling an local coil during the application of an RF excitation signal in a magnetic resonance imaging system includes a passive switching circuit for switching an inductor in parallel with a capacitive circuit in the local coil, and a discharge circuit for discharging residual currents from the circuit, therefore allowing for rapid coupling and decoupling of the local coil.

Abstract: A modular lower coil provides for a head, a vascular and, a thoracic/lumbar element that may interfit or be separated to provide individual imaging of these areas or a combined imaging region stretching from the head to the lower spine. A switch box allows individual ones of these elements to be connected to the MRI machine if necessary because of a limitation of inputs to the machine and provides for decoupling currents to minimize interference between the coil elements when one element is being used.

Abstract: A decoupling circuit for decoupling an local coil during the application of an RF excitation signal in a magnetic resonance imaging system includes a passive switching circuit for switching an inductor in parallel with a capacitive circuit in the local coil, and a discharge circuit for discharging residual currents from the circuit, therefore allowing for rapid coupling and decoupling of the local coil.

Abstract: A phased array coil providing spatial discrimination for simultaneous spin acquisition maximizes transverse and longitudinal acceleration through the use of loops having boundaries tipped to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A head coil for magnetic resonance imaging may be shortened longitudinally to provide for better access by a patient. Extension of the coil may be performed after the positioning of the patient's head significantly simplifying patient positioning with respect to the coil. A portion of a conductor support sliding over the patient's head may be removable to allow endotracheal tubes or the like to remain undisturbed.

Abstract: A local coil for magnetic resonance imaging employs a loop divided by a shunting conductor which reduces sensitivity and field strength at one end of the loop to provide improved homogeneity for different coil configurations.