Integrated system of MRI RF loop coils plus spacing fixtures with biocontainment uses
US7646199B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R33/34084
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
When scanning a patient to generate an image thereof, radio frequency (RF) coil modules are scalably coupled to each other using a plurality of clips to form flat or polygonal coil arrays that are placed on or around the patient or a portion thereof. A user assesses the volume to be imaged, identifies a coil array configuration of suitable size and shape and employs clips of one or more pre-determined angles to construct the identified coil array configuration, which is placed on or about the volume. Coil modules are coupled to a preamplifier interface box (PIB), which provides preamplified coil signal(s) to a patient imaging device, such as an MRI scanner. Small arrays are constructible to accommodate pediatric patients and/or smaller animals. Modules are hermetically sealed, can be sanitized between uses, and discarded at end-of-life. In one aspect, the modular coil array, clips, and PIB are maintained in an isolated contamination zone, separate from the patient imaging device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.