Abstract: A radio frequency antenna for conducting magnetic resonance imaging studies of the breast region of a patient includes a tuned primary coil inductively coupled to two tuned secondary coils. Each secondary coil defines a region for receiving one of the breasts of the patient, and receives magnetic resonance signals emitted from each breast and the surrounding region of the patient. The primary coil can be connected to the receiving circuitry of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The magnetic resonance signals received by the secondary coils induce signals in the primary coil which are provided to the magnetic resonance imaging system for processing. The secondary coils, which preferably include two windings, each have a portion adjacent to the primary coil and a portion distanced from the primary coil.

Abstract: A primary tuned circuit and a secondary tuned circuit are inductively coupled. Primary and secondary inductors of the tuned circuits each exhibit a respective region of sufficiently uniform sensitivity for MRI studies. Both the primary and secondary inductors receive, in use, an MRI signal directly from a subject to be imaged.

Abstract: An inductively coupled RF coil for magnetic resonance studies is disclosed comprising a tuned primary circuit comprising a primary inductor and a primary capacitor connected in series. The primary inductor has a first portion substantially disposed in a first plane and a second portion substantially disposed in a second plane. A tuned secondary circuit is provided comprising a secondary inductor and a secondary capacitor connected in series. The secondary inductor is proximate to and inductively coupled to the primary inductor. The secondary inductor comprises a first portion substantially disposed in the first plane and a second portion substantially disposed in the second plane.