Abstract: A phased array for a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging apparatus is disclosed that includes a plurality of receiver coils arranged to form a staggered hexagonal coil array, with the staggered hexagonal coil array being rectangular in shape. Included in the plurality of receiver coils are a plurality of standard coils and a plurality of filler coils differing in shape from the standard coils. The shape of the filler coils is such that no more than negligible mutual inductance between the filler coils and all adjacent overlapping standard coils is present.

Abstract: A phased array for a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging apparatus is disclosed that includes a plurality of receiver coils arranged to form a staggered hexagonal coil array, with the staggered hexagonal coil array being rectangular in shape. Included in the plurality of receiver coils are a plurality of standard coils and a plurality of filler coils differing in shape from the standard coils. The shape of the filler coils is such that no more than negligible mutual inductance between the filler coils and all adjacent overlapping standard coils is present.

Abstract: A coil array for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is provided and comprises a plurality of low loss coil elements and at least one non-conducting substrate adapted to position the plurality of low loss coil elements in a fixed position thereon. Further, a coil array assembly for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner is provided. The coil array assembly comprises a pair of coil arrays, wherein each coil array comprises: a plurality of low loss coil elements and at least one non-conducting substrate adapted to position the plurality of low loss coil elements in a fixed position thereon. Further, the pair of coil arrays are coupled to the MRI scanner for receiving imaging signals in a region of interest excited within the pair of coil arrays. Further, the coil array is adapted for use in breast imaging.

Abstract: An integrated balun-low noise amplifier (LNA) system is included in a magnetic resonance imaging system. The integrated balun-LNA system conditions electromagnetic signals received from at least one RF receiver coil. The integrated balun-LNA system is configured to be enclosed in a balun housing. The size of the integrated balun-LNA system minimizes component area and volume thereof on or near the RF receiver coil and thus, minimizes interference with the magnetic flux field.

Abstract: An integrated balun-low noise amplifier (LNA) system is included in a magnetic resonance imaging system. The integrated balun-LNA system conditions electromagnetic signals received from at least one RF receiver coil. The integrated balun-LNA system is configured to be enclosed in a balun housing. The size of the integrated balun-LNA system minimizes component area and volume thereof on or near the RF receiver coil and thus, minimizes interference with the magnetic flux field.

Abstract: A coil array for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is provided and comprises a plurality of low loss coil elements and at least one non-conducting substrate containing adapted to position the plurality of low loss coil elements in a fixed position thereon. Further, a coil array assembly for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner is provided. The coil array assembly comprises a pair of coil arrays, wherein each coil array comprises: a plurality of low loss coil elements and at least one non-conducting substrate containing adapted to position the plurality of low loss coil elements in a fixed position thereon. Further, the pair of coil arrays are coupled to the MRI scanner for receiving imaging signals in a region of interest excited within the pair of coil arrays. Further, the coil array is adapted for use in breast imaging.

Abstract: An RF coil assembly for use in a multiple receive-channel MRI system is provided. The RF coil assembly is configured as a multi-turn-element RF coil assembly to operate as a surface-coil array in cooperation with the MRI system which is configured to operate in a multiple-channel receive mode.

Abstract: An incubator arrangement and radiofrequency (RF) coil are provided for use in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. The incubator arrangement comprises an enclosure adapted to support a subject in a magnet of the MRI system during imaging and a radiofrequency coil disposed within the enclosure. The RF coil is adapted to provide visual and physical access to the subject, and further adapted to obtain a selected signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) coil assembly for a very high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is provided. The RF coil assembly comprises a plurality of conductors arranged cylindrically and disposed about a patient bore tube of the MRI system. Each of the conductors is configured for the RF coil assembly to resonate at substantially high frequencies. Further, the RF coil assembly comprises a plurality of capacitive elements disposed between and connecting respective ends of the conductors and further disposed in a spaced-apart relationship with the patient bore tube. The capacitive elements are for electrically interconnecting the plurality of conductors at the respective ends of the conductors.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) coil assembly for a very high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is provided. The RF coil assembly comprises a plurality of conductors arranged cylindrically and disposed about a patient bore tube of the MRI system. Each of the conductors is configured for the RF coil assembly to resonate at substantially high frequencies. Further, the RF coil assembly comprises a plurality of capacitive elements disposed between and connecting respective ends of the conductors and further disposed in a spaced-apart relationship with the patient bore tube. The capacitive elements are for electrically interconnecting the plurality of conductors at the respective ends of the conductors.

Abstract: An incubator arrangement and radiofrequency (RF) coil are provided for use in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. The incubator arrangement comprises an enclosure adapted to support a subject in a magnet of the MRI system during imaging and a radiofrequency coil disposed within the enclosure. The RF coil is adapted to provide visual and physical access to the subject, and further adapted to obtain a selected signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: An insertable intracavity probe for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and therapy of a region of interest proximal to a cavity, the probe having a substantially rigid probe shell for insertion into the cavity. The probe shell is adapted to incorporate at least one device for imaging the region of interest. A guide track is incorporated in the probe shell and is adapted to guide at least one biopsy or therapy device to the region of interest during imaging. Intracavity regions include cervical, rectal, and other regions associated with internal cavities of a patient.

Abstract: A quadrature coil suitable for use with an open frame MRI system provides crossing pairs of arrays of parallel conductor elements, respectively. Compact configuration is provided through use of an isolating circuit for incorporating parasitic capacitances at the resonance frequency of the coil into a blocking parallel resonance. Termination of the parallel conductor elements may be accomplished by equal impedance node connectors formed from branching pairs of conductors or a triangular least resistance connection form. RF shields are provided by pairs of conductive sheets containing eddy current reducing slots aligned with the parallel conductors elements of the coil.

Abstract: One or more flexible magnetic Resonance (MR) receive coils are constructed of a flexible material and connected to a flexible base to produce a module. Each module has the coils overlapping by a predetermined amount to minimize coupling between the coils. The modules may be connected by attachment means placed at predefined locations to cause overlap of adjacent coils such that the coupling is minimized. Balanced-unbalanced ("baluns") may be used to couple each receive coil to its lead cable connecting it to the MR imaging electronics. The baluns effectively isolate the coils from the cables and each other to optimize signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal.

Abstract: A novel breast localization and biopsy system employs a chest support for holding the patient in a slightly rotated (20.degree.-30.degree.) prone position allowing the breast tissue hang downward and fit through an opening in the chest support, while holding the other breast against the subject away from the imaging region. A pair of support plates compress the breast tissue. At least one of the support plates has a grid with reference markers for localization and windows allowing a physician access to the breast tissue. A thick biopsy plate with a plurality of holes at marked positions fits into one of the grid openings and guides an interventional device, such a biopsy needle, into a desired location in a lesion. In an alternative embodiment, both breasts fit through the chest support. There are two stabilization plate assemblies, one for each breast and two medical imaging sources. Each source points from the lateral to medial support plate to accomplish imaging of both breasts simultaneously.

Abstract: A patient isolation device is used as a safety device to provide electrical insulation between medical electronic equipment and portions of the equipment which come in contact with the patient. In one implementation of the patient isolation device, an RF coil is incorporated in a catheter connected to medical electronic equipment which tracks the position of the catheter. Typically, there is also medical imaging electronics to provide internal images of the subject along with an indication of the location of the catheter. Typically, the signal from the RF coil is provided to a preamplifier to amplify the signal. The isolation device is placed between the RF coil and the preamplifier such that MR response signals may pass through to the preamplifiers but in the event of a short or electrical malfunction the line voltage will not pass backward into the RF coil causing damage to the patient.