Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging scanner (10) includes a main magnet (20) generating a spatially uniform main magnetic field at least over a field of view, a plurality of gradient coils (30) selectively generating magnetic field gradients at least over the field of view, and a radio frequency coil (32, 34) for performing at least one of exciting and detecting magnetic resonance at the selected resonance frequency in an imaging subject disposed in the field of view. A radio frequency trap (60, 60?) connected with the radio frequency coil (32, 34) includes helically grooved dielectric formers (62, 62) around which a coaxial cable (64) is wrapped. A plurality of electrically conductive tuning elements such as screws or rods (84, 90) are selectively inserted into the dielectric formers (62, 62) to tune the radio frequency trap (60, 60) to a selected resonance frequency by adjusting the inductance of the trap.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A radio frequency apparatus for at least one of (i) receiving and (ii) exciting a magnetic resonance signal includes an item of clothing (102, 202). The item of clothing includes one or more layers (110, 112, 120, 122, 300, 402) that are stretchable to comport with differently sized and shaped imaging subjects. A plurality of radio frequency coils (104, 114, 204, 206, 208, 302, 404) are attached to one or more layers of the item of clothing. The coils are relatively movable with respect to one another responsive to stretching of the stretchable item of clothing. The one or more layers of the item of clothing include an anti-microbial agent (92, 92?, 94?) disposed on or incorporated into at least one layer.

Abstract: A split-top RF coil is provided. The split-top RF coil includes a first housing (80) having a first RF coil portion (41) disposed therein and a second housing (84) having a second RF coil portion (42) disposed therein. A plurality of slides (100) disposed on at least one of the housings and a plurality of slide tracks (101) are disposed the housing opposite the slides for receiving the slides. The first and second housings are mechanically coupled via the slides and slide tracks. The RF coil also includes a plurality of electric connector pins (110) disposed on at least one of the housings and a plurality of pin receivers (111) disposed on the housing opposite the pins for receiving the conductor pins. Electric connections between the first and second coil RF coil portions are made via the pins and receivers.

Abstract: An RF coil construction (40, 40′) includes removable, relocatable, and/or detachable sections (42, 44) that are inherently decoupled. The sections can be relocated, removed, or exchanged with sections having different coil sizes or coil configurations, allowing the coil configuration to be tailored to a desired imaging procedure and region of the brain. The coil construction provides space for stimulation devices and adjusting patient access and comfort. Since the operator can select coil removal or placement to reduce the amount of data outside the region of interest, the coil construction can also reduce scanning and reconstruction time, reduce artifacts, and provide increased temporal resolution and image throughput.

Abstract: An endocavity RF coil assembly for an MRI apparatus includes a reusable probe (30). The reusable probe has a sealed hollow outer housing or cover having a closed distal end and an open proximate end (83). The distal end is formed to fit into a cavity of a subject being examined. An active RF coil element (62) is connected with a circuit board located within the outer housing. The housing includes a plurality of ABS plastic pieces (64, 66, 74; 100, 102, 108) that have mating surfaces that are surface treated to break polymer chains at the surface. An epoxy (132) bonds to the polymer chain ends to connect the pieces. An over-molded form (82) is connected to the proximate end (83) of the outer cover or housing. The over-molded form (82) is arranged such that it seals the proximate end (83) of the outer cover (100) closed.

Abstract: An endocavity RF coil assembly for an MRI apparatus includes a reusable probe (30). The reusable probe has a hollow outer cover (60) having a closed distal end and (62) an open proximate end (64). The distal end (62) is formed to fit into a cavity of a subject being examined. An active RF coil element (72) is rigidly formed about an internal sleeve (70) which is located within the distal end (62) of the outer cover (60). A tuning and matching circuit is disposed within the outer cover (60) on the proximate end (64) side of the active RF coil element (72). The tuning and matching circuit is arranged on a printed circuit board (74) and attached to the active RF coil element (72). An over-molded form (90) is connected to the proximate end (64) of the outer cover (60). The over-molded form (90) is arranged such that it seals the proximate end (64) of the outer cover (60) closed.