Anterior radio frequency (RF) coil array for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system

Abstract

Various methods and systems are provided for a flexible, lightweight, low-cost radio frequency (RF) coil array of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. In one example, a RF coil array for a MRI system includes a plurality of RF coils, each RF coil comprising an integrated capacitor coil loop; a plurality of coupling electronics units each coupled to a respective coil loop; and a plurality ofwires coupling each coupling electronics unit to an interface board configured to couple to a cable of the MRI system. The RF coil array is a high density (referring to the number of coil elements) anterior array (HDAA) or a high definition (referring to image resolution) anterior array.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 426,028, filed November 23, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background technique [0003] Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and more particularly, to MRI radio frequency (RF) coils. [0004] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging modality that creates images of the inside of the human body without the use of x-rays or other ionizing radiation. MRI systems include superconducting magnets to generate a strong, uniform static magnetic field. When a human body or part of a human body is placed in this magnetic field, the nuclear spins associated with the hydrogen nuclei in the tissue water become polarized, with the magnetic moments associated with these spins preferentially aligned along the direction of the magnetic field, causing a Sma...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, conventional RF coils tend to be bulky, rigid and configured to remain in a fixed position relative to other RF coils in the array

This bulk and lack of flexibility often prevents the RF coil loop from coupling optimally with the desired anatomy and can be uncomfortable for the imaging subject

Additionally, coil-to-coil interactions result in suboptimal sizing and / or positioning of these coils from a coverage or imaging acceleration perspective

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