Patent · US Expired

Expandable MRI receiving coil

US6437569B1 · kind B1 · utility

8Cited by
5References
33Claims
0Family size

Assignees

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 25, 2001
Grant dateAug 20, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 25, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01R33/341
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A magnetic resonance image receiving coil includes a first balloon having a longitudinal axis. An internal surface of the first balloon defines an internal inflatable chamber. A second balloon has a longitudinal axis. The second balloon is disposed about the first balloon. A plurality of longitudinally extending grooves are disposed in one of an external surface of the first balloon and the internal surface of the second balloon. A first wire is disposed in at least one of the grooves. A second wire is disposed in at least a second one of the grooves. Each of the first wire and the second wire is adapted to be electrically connected to an MRI apparatus. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, the first and second wires are disposed in grooves in a sheath which is disposed between the first and second balloons. In accordance with a further alternate embodiment, the first and second wires are disposed in guide tubes that are connected to the external surface of a balloon.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.