Flexible and curved radio frequency (RF) coil for the human shoulder for magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
First Claim
1. A shoulder coil assembly having a predetermined magnetic axis for transmitting and/or receiving signals from a human shoulder produced in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising:
- inductive pickup coil means for substantially surrounding said human shoulder including a thin flexible, unitary, continuous band of conductive material substantially entirely covered with a flexible protective material, the central portion of said band being shaped to conform to the side of the human thorax and pass around the base of the arm, including when the band is laid out flat in substantially a single plane, a substantially 180 degree turn in said central portion around an axis perpendicular to said plane, the ends of the band terminating in connectors for connection to a radio frequency cable for injection and/or extraction of the signals, said protective cover having facing interiors provided with mutually adhering surfaces which, when fastened together provide a conforming fit of the band to the top of the shoulder being imaged.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A flexible, conformally fitted coil for imaging of the human shoulder and topologically similar specimens is in the form of a band of flexible conductive foil covered by a soft flexible insulating material. The geometry of the coil is such that it can pass under the arm and over the top of the shoulder, providing high sensitivity for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the shoulder in MRI apparatus having either a vertical or horizontal axial magnetic field. The flexibility of the coil and the generality of its geometry makes it suitable for examination of patients in a wide variety of sizes. Radio Frequency (RF) Power is delivered to and/or received from the coil via a matching network. The matching network may include a transformer to reduce the necessary current delivered to the coil, or RF current may be injected directly into and extracted directly from the coil. In the case where a transformer is used, the secondary winding is incorporated into the coil in such a fashion as to make the flexible coil removable and replaceable without direct electrical contacts.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A shoulder coil assembly having a predetermined magnetic axis for transmitting and/or receiving signals from a human shoulder produced in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising:
inductive pickup coil means for substantially surrounding said human shoulder including a thin flexible, unitary, continuous band of conductive material substantially entirely covered with a flexible protective material, the central portion of said band being shaped to conform to the side of the human thorax and pass around the base of the arm, including when the band is laid out flat in substantially a single plane, a substantially 180 degree turn in said central portion around an axis perpendicular to said plane, the ends of the band terminating in connectors for connection to a radio frequency cable for injection and/or extraction of the signals, said protective cover having facing interiors provided with mutually adhering surfaces which, when fastened together provide a conforming fit of the band to the top of the shoulder being imaged. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Specification