Modular Apparatus for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
First Claim
1. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) receiver for detecting a plurality of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals and for transmitting the NMR signals to a MRI scanner, comprising:
- at least one antenna array, each antenna array further comprising a flexible substrate and a plurality of antennae mounted on the substrate;
a cable having a plurality of electrical conductors corresponding to one of the antennae;
a preamplifier module having at least one input connector and at least one output connector, the input connector configured to receive the cable to connect the preamplifier module to the antenna array and the output connector configured to connect the preamplifier module to the MRI scanner.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention discloses a modular MRI imaging system. The imaging system includes MRI radio-frequency antenna arrays separate from the patient support structure. The antenna arrays are affixed to a thin, flexible film such that they may be located next to the anatomical region of interest. In addition, multiple antenna arrays may be configured in various planar or three-dimensional arrangements to optimize the FOV and SNR. Separate patient support structures are provided that enhance ergonomics and patient stabilization. By removing the antenna from the housing, the support structures may be designed without the constraints of supporting the antenna or the associated electronics. The MRI imaging system further employs a preamplifier module. The preamplifier module houses the preamplifier and much of the other associated circuitry for each of the antennae. The preamplifier module operates to combine the signals from the antenna arrays and pass the signals to the MRI system.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) receiver for detecting a plurality of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals and for transmitting the NMR signals to a MRI scanner, comprising:
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at least one antenna array, each antenna array further comprising a flexible substrate and a plurality of antennae mounted on the substrate; a cable having a plurality of electrical conductors corresponding to one of the antennae; a preamplifier module having at least one input connector and at least one output connector, the input connector configured to receive the cable to connect the preamplifier module to the antenna array and the output connector configured to connect the preamplifier module to the MRI scanner. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) receiver for receiving a plurality of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals and for transmitting the NMR signals to a MRI scanner, comprising:
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a stabilization structure including a base plate and a support member adjustably positioned on the base plate; at least one antenna array removably connected to the stabilization structure, each antenna array further comprising a flexible substrate and a plurality of antennae mounted on the substrate; a preamplifier module having at least one input connector and at least one output connector, the input connector configured to connect the preamplifier module to the antenna array and the output connector configured to connect the preamplifier module to the MRI scanner; and at least one cable electrically connecting the antenna array to the preamplifier module and having a plurality of electrical conductors corresponding to one of the antennae. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification