Magnetic resonance imaging coil with adjustable opening

US10209325B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Siemens Healthcare Limited · DE
• THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · US

Inventors

• Eva Rothgang · Nuremberg, DE
• Volker Matschl · Bamberg, DE
• Arne Hengerer · Steinfeld (Oldenburg), DE
• Lars Lauer · Neunkirchen, DE
• Wesley David Gilson · North Beach, US
• Jonathan S. Lewin · Atlanta, US
• Jan Fritz · Baltimore, US
• Clifford R. Weiss · Baltimore, US
• Katarzyna J. Macura · Baltimore, US
• Paul A. Bottomley · Clifton Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 29, 2016
• Grant date: Feb 19, 2019
• Expiry date: Mar 30, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R33/285
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A configurable coil arrangement for use with MRI-guided procedures is provided that facilitates optimal imaging for both pre-procedure planning and imaging of the target sites during the procedure. The coil arrangement includes a plurality of connected coil elements. Spacers connecting the coil elements can be adjustable and/or deformable to provide one or more openings in the coil arrangement of optimal size for accessing the subject within the imaged region. Individual coil elements can also be removed to provide access openings during such procedures, or left in the array for improved pre- and post-procedure image quality. The MRI system can be configured to detect configurations of the coil arrangement and modify imaging parameters to optimize image quality.