Abstract: MR imaging and intervention functions are localized within a single device. At least one integrated coil device which has at least one RF coil, a housing which encases the RF coil and provides an anatomically conformal surface, and a plurality of apertures. The integrated coil device slides along a guide rail system to adjust the size of a patient anatomical imaging region. The apertures in the integrated coil device are available to secure tool holder grid plate inserts or other interventional device guides. The inserts assist in holding the soft tissue for diagnostic imaging and provide support for biopsy/interventional instrument guides. The integrated MR imaging and interventional coil device works in combination with a prone patient support structure, an adaptive torso sling, and also features an open architecture design for improved patient access. The device also works for supine or side imaging procedures.

Abstract: A local or surface coil including a decoupling circuit to allow the coil to operate as a receive-only coil in a host MRI system, in which case the system body coil typically provides the transmit signal. Further, the local or surface coil includes a circuit to defeat the decoupling circuitry for both low power [receive] and high power [transmit] functions to allow the same physical coil to be used as a transmit/receive coil in addition to a receive-only coil. The two modes of the coil allow the user to select the mode of local or surface coil operation best suited to the particular type of imaging being performed.