Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment relates to a magnetic resonance imaging device which can easily set a receiving coil to a subject. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a reception coil configured to receive a magnetic resonance signal; and a top plate on which a subject is placed and which moves the subject to the imaging area. The top plate has a space in which the receiving coil is housed at one or more of a side portion in a width direction of the top plate, an end portion in a length direction of the top plate, and a lower portion of the top plate. The receiving coil is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from the one or more portions of the top plate to be used.

Description

[0001] Related Application:

[0002] This application enjoys the priority of Japanese patent application No. 2023-197206 filed on November 21, 2023 and Japanese patent application No. 2024-174100 filed on October 3, 2024, and the entire contents of the above Japanese patent applications are cited in this application. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the accompanying drawings relate to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. Background Art

[0004] Conventionally, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus applies a gradient magnetic field and a high-frequency magnetic field of a magnetic resonance frequency to a subject in a static magnetic field to perform imaging of a desired cross section.

[0005] By using such an MRI apparatus, for example, when imaging the body of a subject, a spinal receiving coil that receives signals from the back of the subject is arranged on a top plate that moves the subject to the imaging area, and after the subject lies down on the top plate, a body receiving coil is further arranged on the subject to perform imaging.

[0006] Here, generally speaking, the spine receiving coil is always placed on the top board, but the body receiving coil is placed in a storage place such as a shelf, and is carried from the storage place to the top board where the subject lies down and is placed on the subject. Furthermore, when the imaging range is large, two or more body receiving coils are sometimes used. Therefore, it becomes a very complicated task to carry the receiving coil and place it on the subject every time imaging is performed.

[0007] Therefore, in an MRI apparatus, it is desired to be able to easily install a receiving coil on a subject. Summary of the invention

[0008] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the accompanying drawings is that a receiving coil can be easily set on a subject. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the accompanying drawings are not limited to the above-mentioned problems. Problems corresponding to the effects of the various structures shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems.

[0009] The MRI apparatus according to the embodiment includes: a receiving coil for receiving magnetic resonance signals; and a top plate for placing a subject and moving the subject to an imaging area. The top plate has a space for storing the receiving coil in any one or more parts of the side part in the width direction of the top plate, the end part in the length direction of the top plate, and the bottom part of the top plate. The receiving coil is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from the one or more parts of the top plate for use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the top plate and the body receiving RF coil according to the first embodiment in a state where the coil is stored.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a plan view showing an example of the top plate and the body receiving RF coil according to the first embodiment in a state where the coil is stored.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the top plate and the body receiving RF coil according to the first embodiment in a state when the coil is pulled out and / or pushed out.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a plan view showing an example of the top plate and the body receiving RF coil according to the first embodiment in a state when the coil is pulled out and / or pushed out.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an example of the top plate and the body receiving RF coil according to the first embodiment in a state when the coil is pulled out and / or pushed out.

[0016] Figures 7A to 7C It is a diagram showing an example of a method of connecting a receiving RF coil unit included in the receiving RF coil for body according to the first embodiment and a method of decoupling between coil elements.

[0017] Figures 8A to 8C It is a diagram showing an example of a coil holding member included in the body receiving RF coil according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 9A and 9B It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a top plate and a body receiving RF coil according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the MRI apparatus according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] (First embodiment)

[0021] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0022] For example, Figure 1 As shown, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a static magnetic field magnet 101, a gradient magnetic field coil 102, a gradient magnetic field power supply 103, a diagnostic bed 111, a diagnostic bed control circuit 112, a transmission RF coil 104, a transmission circuit 105, a first body reception RF coil 106, a second body reception RF coil 107, a spine reception RF coil 108, a reception circuit 109, a sequence control circuit 110, a bus 120, an input interface 118, a display 117, a storage circuit 116, and a processing circuit 119. In addition, the MRI apparatus 100 may include a hollow cylindrical shim coil between the static magnetic field magnet 101 and the gradient magnetic field coil 102.

[0023] The static magnetic field magnet 101 is a magnet formed into a hollow cylindrical shape, and generates a uniform static magnetic field (B0) in the internal space. As the static magnetic field magnet 101, for example, a superconducting magnet is used. In addition, a shim coil not shown in the figure can also be formed into a hollow cylindrical shape inside the static magnetic field magnet 101. The shim coil is connected to a shim coil power supply not shown in the figure, and the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet 101 is made uniform by the power supplied from the shim coil power supply.

[0024] The gradient magnetic field coil 102 is a coil formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and is arranged inside the static magnetic field magnet 101. The gradient magnetic field coil 102 is formed by combining three coils corresponding to the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. The Z-axis direction is set to be the same direction as the static magnetic field. In addition, the Y-axis direction is set to be the vertical direction, and the X-axis direction is set to be the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and the Y-axis. The three coils in the gradient magnetic field coil 102 receive current supply individually from the gradient magnetic field power supply 103, and generate a gradient magnetic field with a changing magnetic field strength along the X, Y, and Z axes.

[0025] Here, the gradient magnetic fields of the X, Y, and Z axes generated by the gradient magnetic field coil 102 correspond to, for example, a frequency encoding gradient magnetic field (also called a readout gradient magnetic field), a phase encoding gradient magnetic field, and a slice selection gradient magnetic field. The frequency encoding gradient magnetic field is used to change the frequency of the MR signal in accordance with the spatial position. The phase encoding gradient magnetic field is used to change the phase of the magnetic resonance (MR) signal in accordance with the spatial position. The slice selection gradient magnetic field is used to arbitrarily determine the imaging section.

[0026] The gradient magnetic field power supply 103 is a power supply device that supplies current to the gradient magnetic field coil 102 under the control of the sequence control circuit 110 .

[0027] The diagnostic bed 111 is a device having a top plate 115 on which a subject 114 is placed. The diagnostic bed 111 inserts the top plate 115 on which the subject 114 is placed into the bore 113 under the control of the diagnostic bed control circuit 112. Thus, the top plate 115 moves the subject 114 to the imaging area in the bore 113. Usually, the diagnostic bed 111 is installed in an examination room in which the MRI apparatus 100 is installed so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 101.

[0028] The bed control circuit 112 controls the bed 111. The bed control circuit 112 drives the bed 111 in response to an instruction from an operator via the input interface 118, and moves the top plate 115 in the longitudinal direction and in the vertical direction.

[0029] The transmission RF coil 104 is an RF (Radio Frequency) coil disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 102. The transmission RF coil 104 receives a supply of a high-frequency pulse (RF pulse) from the transmission circuit 105 and generates a transmission RF wave corresponding to a high-frequency magnetic field. The transmission RF coil 104 is, for example, a whole body (WB) coil. In addition, the WB coil can also be used as a transmission and reception RF coil.

[0030] The transmitting circuit 105 supplies a high-frequency pulse modulated with the Larmor frequency to the transmitting RF coil 104 under the control of the sequence control circuit 110. Specifically, the transmitting circuit 105 includes an oscillator, a phase selector, a frequency converter, an amplitude modulator, a high-frequency power amplifier, and the like. The oscillator generates a high-frequency signal of a resonance frequency inherent to the target nucleus in the static magnetic field. The phase selector selects the phase of the high-frequency signal. The frequency converter converts the frequency of the high-frequency signal output from the phase selector. The amplitude modulator modulates the amplitude of the high-frequency signal output from the frequency modulator, for example, according to a sinc function. The high-frequency power amplifier amplifies the high-frequency signal output from the amplitude modulator. As a result of the operation of the above-mentioned parts, the transmitting circuit 105 outputs a high-frequency pulse corresponding to the Larmor frequency to the transmitting RF coil 104.

[0031] In this embodiment, an example of using three types of receiving RF coils, namely, a first receiving RF coil for body 106, a second receiving RF coil for body 107, and a receiving RF coil for spine 108 is shown. The first receiving RF coil for body 106 and the second receiving RF coil for body 107 are arranged on the subject 114. The receiving RF coil for spine 108 is arranged on the top plate 115 and on the back side of the subject 114. After being arranged on the subject 114, these receiving RF coils are moved to the imaging region in the bore 113 through the top plate 115, and receive MR signals radiated from the subject 114 due to the high-frequency magnetic field. The first receiving RF coil for body 106 and the second receiving RF coil for body 107 mainly receive MR vibration signals from the body of the subject 114. The receiving RF coil for spine 108 mainly receives MR vibration signals from the back side of the subject 114. Then, these receiving RF coils output the received MR signals to the receiving circuit 109. These receiving RF coils are typically coil arrays having a plurality of coil elements, and signals from effective coil elements surrounding the imaging site are automatically or manually selected.

[0032] Furthermore, while the receiving RF coil is used for imaging, it is controlled by the sequence control circuit 110 to be in an OFF state when the transmitting RF coil 104 generates a high-frequency pulse, and to be in an ON state enabling reception otherwise.

[0033] The receiving circuit 109 generates magnetic resonance data (hereinafter referred to as MR data) as digitized complex data based on the MR signals output from each receiving RF coil under the control of the sequence control circuit 110. Specifically, the receiving circuit 109 performs various signal processing such as pre-amplification, intermediate frequency conversion, phase detection, low frequency amplification, and filtering on the MR signals output from each receiving RF coil, and then performs analog / digital (A / D) conversion on the data after various signal processing. In this way, the receiving circuit 109 generates MR data. The receiving circuit 109 outputs the generated MR data to the sequence control circuit 110. In addition, the MR data generated by the receiving circuit 109 is also called raw data.

[0034] The sequence control circuit 110 controls the gradient magnetic field power supply 103, the transmission circuit 105, and the reception circuit 109 according to the pulse sequence information output from the processing circuit 119, and images the subject 114. The pulse sequence information includes the magnitude or duration of the current supplied from the gradient magnetic field power supply 103 to the gradient magnetic field coil 102, the timing of the current supplied from the gradient magnetic field power supply 103 to the gradient magnetic field coil 102, the magnitude of the RF pulse supplied from the transmission circuit 105 to the transmission RF coil 104, the timing of the RF pulse supplied from the transmission circuit 105 to the transmission RF coil 104, the timing of the MR signal received by the reception circuit 109, and the like. The magnitude of the current supplied from the gradient magnetic field power supply 103 to the gradient magnetic field coil 102 corresponds to the waveform of the gradient magnetic field corresponding to the pulse sequence.

[0035] The bus 120 is a transmission path for transmitting data among the input interface 118, the display 117, the storage circuit 116, and the processing circuit 119. Various biological signal measuring devices, external storage devices, and the like may be appropriately connected to the bus 120 via a network or the like.

[0036] The input interface 118 receives various instructions or information input from the operator. The input interface 118 is, for example, a circuit related to a pointing device such as a mouse or an input device such as a keyboard. In addition, the input interface 118 is not limited to a circuit related to a physical operating component such as a mouse or a keyboard. For example, a processing circuit for receiving an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device that is separate from the MRI apparatus 100 and outputting the received electrical signal to various circuits may also be included in the example of the input interface 118.

[0037] The display 117 displays various information such as the MR image reconstructed by the image generation function under the control of the processing circuit 119. The display 117 is, for example, a CRT (cathode ray tube) display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, an LED (light emitting diode) display, a plasma display, or any other display device such as a monitor known in the art.

[0038] The storage circuit 116 stores MR data arranged in k-space by the data arrangement function, image data generated by the image generation function, and the like. The storage circuit 116 stores various imaging protocols, imaging conditions including a plurality of imaging parameters that define the imaging protocols, and the like. The storage circuit 116 stores programs corresponding to various functions executed by the processing circuit 119. The storage circuit 116 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, an optical disk, and the like. In addition, the storage circuit 116 may also be a drive device that reads and writes various information between a removable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disk)-ROM (Read Only Memory) drive, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive, and a flash memory, and the like.

[0039] The processing circuit 119 performs integrated control of the MRI apparatus 100. The processing circuit 119 is implemented by, for example, a processor. The processing circuit 119 has a system control function, a data arrangement function, an image generation function, a reference value setting function, an error inference function, a correction function, and a pulse calculation function. Various functions executed by the system control function, the data arrangement function, the image generation function, the reference value setting function, the error inference function, the correction function, and the pulse calculation function are stored in the storage circuit 116 in the form of programs that can be executed by a computer. The processing circuit 119 reads out and executes the programs corresponding to the above-mentioned various functions from the storage circuit 116 to realize the functions corresponding to the programs.

[0040] Specifically, the processing circuit 119 uses a system control function to perform overall control of the MRI apparatus 100. For example, the processing circuit 119 reads out a system control program stored in the storage circuit 116 and expands it on the memory, and controls each circuit of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the expanded system control program.

[0041] In addition, Figure 1 , it is described that the various functions described above are realized by a single processing circuit 119, but for example, a plurality of independent processors may be combined to form the processing circuit 119, and each processor may execute a program to realize the function. In other words, the functions described above may be constituted by programs and each program may be executed by a single processing circuit, or a specific function may be installed in a dedicated independent program execution circuit. Figure 1 Although the example in which a single storage circuit 116 stores programs corresponding to each function is described, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration may be such that a plurality of storage circuits are distributed and the processing circuit 119 reads and executes the corresponding program from each storage circuit.

[0042] In addition, the bed control circuit 112 , the transmission circuit 105 , the reception circuit 109 , the sequence control circuit 110 , and the like are also constituted by a processing circuit such as a processor.

[0043] Here, the term "processor" used in the above description means, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (such as a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)) and other circuits.

[0044] The processor implements various functions by reading and executing the program stored in the storage circuit 116. In addition, instead of storing the program in the storage circuit 116, the program may be directly loaded into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor implements the function by reading and executing the program loaded into the circuit.

[0045] Based on such a configuration, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the body receiving RF coil can be easily installed on the subject 114 .

[0046] Specifically, in this embodiment, the top plate 115 of the diagnostic bed 111 has a space for storing the body receiving RF coil at the side portion (hereinafter referred to as the "side portion") and the bottom portion in the width direction of the top plate 115. In addition, the body receiving RF coil is configured to be pulled out from the side portion and the bottom portion of the top plate 115 for use. Here, the body receiving RF coil is an example of a receiving coil.

[0047] In this embodiment, the top plate 115 has a top plate frame that supports the load of the top plate 115 and is movable to the imaging area. The top plate frame has an upper surface on which the subject 114 is placed, and a space for storing the body receiving RF coil is formed on the side and bottom of the top plate 115.

[0048] In addition, in the present embodiment, the body receiving RF coil is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from at least one side portion of the top plate 115 and arranged on the subject 114 .

[0049] In addition, in the present embodiment, the space of the top plate 115 accommodates a plurality of body receiving RF coils arranged in a row along the moving direction of the top plate 115 .

[0050] Hereinafter, the above-mentioned configuration of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the top plate 115 and the body receiving RF coil according to the first embodiment in a state where the coils are stored.

[0052] For example, Figure 2 As shown, the top plate 115 is composed of a top plate frame 203 provided with a plurality of top plate wheels 205, and a top plate lower cover 301 covering the side and lower portion of the top plate frame 203. The top plate frame 203 is configured to support the load of the top plate 115 and is capable of moving to the imaging area in the bore 113. In addition, the top plate frame 203 forms a space for storing a receiving RF coil for the body at the side and lower portion of the top plate 115, and a top plate lower cover 301 is arranged in a manner covering the space. A receiving RF coil 108 for the spine is arranged on the upper surface of the top plate frame 203, and the subject 114 lies thereon. When the top plate 115 moves in the bore 113, the top plate wheels 205 move on a rail 300 in the bore 113.

[0053] For example, the body receiving RF coil (the first body receiving RF coil 106, the second body receiving RF coil 107) is composed of two receiving RF coil units 201a and 201b, and a coil holding member 204. Here, one end of each of the two receiving RF coil units 201a and 201b is connected by the coil holding member 204 at the center of the top plate 115, and when the body receiving RF coil is not in use, it is stored in the space formed by the top plate frame 203 at the bottom and side of the top plate 115 in the top plate lower cover 301. Here, the receiving RF coil unit is an example of the receiving coil unit.

[0054] Figure 3 1 is a top view showing an example of the top plate 115 and the body receiving RF coil according to the first embodiment, when the coil is stored. Figure 3 Indicates from Figure 2 The state shown is an example in which the subject 114 is removed and three body receiving RF coils are arranged in a row along the body axis direction of the subject 114. Here, the body axis direction of the subject 114 and the moving direction of the top plate 115 coincide with each other.

[0055] For example, Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first body receiving RF coil has two receiving RF coil units 220a and 220b. In addition, the second body receiving RF coil has two receiving RF coil units 221a and 221b. In addition, the third body receiving RF coil has two receiving RF coil units 222a and 222b. In addition, the spine receiving RF coil 108 and the head receiving RF coil 700 are also arranged on the upper surface of the top frame 203. The spine receiving RF coil 108 is composed of a plurality of coil elements 230.

[0056] For example, the receiving RF coil units 220a and 220b of the first receiving RF coil for the body are stored in the space inside the top lower cover 301 through the coil long holes 241a and 241b provided on the upper surface of the top lower cover 301, respectively. Similarly, the receiving RF coil units 221a and 221b of the second receiving RF coil for the body are stored in the space inside the top lower cover 301 through the coil long holes 242a and 242b provided on the upper surface of the top lower cover 301, respectively. Similarly, the receiving RF coil units 222a and 222b of the third receiving RF coil for the body are stored in the space inside the top lower cover 301 through the coil long holes 243a and 243b provided on the upper surface of the top lower cover 301, respectively.

[0057] Figure 4 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the top plate 115 and an example of the body receiving RF coil according to the first embodiment when the coil is pulled out and / or pushed out. Figure 4 Indicates from Figure 2 The state shown is a situation where the body receiving RF coil is pulled out and / or pushed out and arranged on the subject 114.

[0058] For example, Figure 4 As shown, when the body receiving RF coil (the first body receiving RF coil 106 and the second body receiving RF coil 107) is used for imaging, it is pulled out and / or pushed out from the side of the top plate 115 and arranged on the subject 114. At this time, the body receiving RF coil is configured such that the two receiving RF coil parts 201a and 201b can be connected on the subject 114 by extending the coil holding member 204.

[0059] Figure 5 1 is a top view showing an example of the top plate 115 and the body receiving RF coil according to the first embodiment when the coil is pulled out and / or pushed out. Figure 5 Indicates from Figure 3 The state shown is a state where three body receiving RF coils arranged along the body axis direction of the subject 114 are pulled out and / or pushed out.

[0060] For example, Figure 5 As shown, the first body receiving RF coil, the second body receiving RF coil, and the third body receiving RF coil are each composed of a plurality of coil elements 231 .

[0061] Figure 6 1 is a perspective view showing a state of the top plate 115 and an example of the body receiving RF coil according to the first embodiment when the coil is pulled out and / or pushed out. Figure 6 Indicates from Figure 5 The state shown is a state in which the spine receiving RF coil 108 and the head receiving RF coil 700 arranged on the upper surface of the table frame 203 are removed and the lower part of the table 115 is viewed through.

[0062] For example, Figure 6 As shown, the top plate frame 203 has a plurality of top plate support parts 302a-h. The top plate support parts 302a-h are respectively provided with top plate wheels 205, which have the function of supporting the load of the top plate 115 and moving the top plate 115 to the imaging area.

[0063] In addition, for example, each of the top plate support parts 302 a - h has a columnar or wall-shaped structure, and supports the upper surface of the top plate frame 203 on which the subject 114 is placed.

[0064] Here, for example, the top plate skeleton 203 has: a plurality of top plate support parts arranged on the side of one side of the top plate 115, a plurality of top plate support parts arranged on the side of the other side of the top plate 115, and a plurality of top plate support parts arranged in the center of the width direction of the top plate 115 across the substantially entire length direction of the top plate 115. In addition, the number of top plate support parts arranged in the center of the width direction of the top plate 115 is greater than the number of top plate support parts arranged on the side of one side of the top plate 115 and the number of top plate support parts arranged on the side of the other side of the top plate 115.

[0065] For example, Figure 6 As shown, the top plate frame 203 includes two top plate support parts 302a and 302e arranged on one side of the top plate 115, and two top plate support parts 302b and 302f arranged on the other side of the top plate 115. Here, the top plate support parts 302a and 302e are arranged one by one on one side of the top plate 115, along the length direction of the top plate 115, outside the range where the receiving RF coil part 220a of the first body receiving RF coil, the receiving RF coil part 221a of the second body receiving RF coil, and the receiving RF coil part 222a of the third body receiving RF coil are arranged. In addition, the top plate support parts 302b and 302f are arranged one each on the other side of the top plate 115, along the longitudinal direction of the top plate 115, outside the space storing the receiving RF coil part 220b of the first body receiving RF coil, the receiving RF coil part 221b of the second body receiving RF coil, and the receiving RF coil part 222b of the third body receiving RF coil. In addition, the top plate frame 203 has four top plate support parts 302c, 302d, 302g, and 302h arranged in the center of the width direction of the top plate 115. Here, the top plate support parts 302c, 302d, 302g, and 302h are arranged in a row with intervals between them across substantially the entire length direction of the top plate 115.

[0066] In general, in the diagnosis bed of the MRI apparatus, a top plate support portion is often provided along the side portion of the top plate in the width direction. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a space for storing a receiving RF coil for the body is provided on the side portion of the top plate 115, so the range in which the top plate support portion can be provided on the side portion of the top plate 115 is limited, and it can be considered that the strength for supporting the load of the subject 114 and the like is reduced. In response to this, according to the above-mentioned configuration, a number of top plate support portions greater than the number of top plate support portions arranged on each side portion of the top plate 115 is provided in the central portion in the width direction of the top plate 115, which is substantially the entirety of the length direction of the top plate 115. Thus, even when a space for storing a receiving RF coil for the body is provided on the side portion of the top plate 115, the strength for bearing the load of the subject 114 and the like can be ensured.

[0067] For example, the receiving RF coil units 220a and 220b of the first receiving RF coil for the body are connected by the coil holding member 204a disposed between two top support parts 302c and 302d arranged along the moving direction of the top board 115 among the plurality of top support parts 302a-h. Similarly, the receiving RF coil units 221a and 221b of the second receiving RF coil for the body are also connected by the coil holding member 204b disposed between two top support parts 302d and 302g arranged along the moving direction of the top board 115. Similarly, the receiving RF coil units 222a and 222b of the third receiving RF coil for the body are also connected by the coil holding member 204c disposed between two top support parts 302g and 302h arranged along the moving direction of the top board 115.

[0068] In addition, for example, Figure 6 As shown, the receiving RF coil units 220a and 220b of the first receiving RF coil for the body, the receiving RF coil units 221a and 221b of the second receiving RF coil for the body, and the receiving RF coil units 222a and 222b of the third receiving RF coil for the body respectively have signal output units 500a-f. The signal output units 500a-f are arranged in the lower cover 301 of the top plate, and are connected to the receiving circuit 109 via cables 501a-f arranged in the lower cover 301 of the top plate.

[0069] Here, generally, when receiving MR signals of a cross section of a body, the spine receiving RF coil 108 and the body receiving RF coil are used. In this case, of the body receiving RF coil, only the body receiving RF coil signal receiving portion 250 necessary for receiving MR signals is pulled out and / or pushed out, and the body receiving RF coil signal non-receiving portion 251 located in the area where the spine receiving RF coil 108 is placed on the upper side does not need to receive MR signals, so during the imaging of the body, the coil elements 231 included in the body receiving RF coil signal non-receiving portion 251 are set to the OFF state.

[0070] Here, for example, when each body receiving RF coil is pulled out and / or pushed out and arranged on the subject 114, the extent of pulling out and / or pushing out of each body receiving RF coil is confirmed from the outside in the image of the camera or the like, and it is determined which coil element 231 is set to the OFF state. Alternatively, since the output impedance of the coil element 231 included in the body receiving RF coil signal non-receiving portion 251 and the coil element 230 included in the spine receiving RF coil 108 greatly changes due to mutual electrical coupling, it is also possible to determine which coil element 231 is set to the OFF state by detecting the output impedance. Alternatively, it is also possible to determine which coil element 231 is set to the OFF state by measuring the extension degree of the coil holding member 204 for each body receiving RF coil.

[0071] As described above, in the present embodiment, the top plate 115 has a space for storing the body receiving RF coil on both sides of the width direction of the top plate 115. In addition, the body receiving RF coil has two receiving RF coil units 201a and 201b. In addition, the receiving RF coil unit 201a is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from one side of the width direction of the top plate 115 and arranged on the subject 114, and the receiving RF coil unit 201b is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from the other side of the width direction of the top plate 115 and arranged on the subject 114.

[0072] In addition, in the present embodiment, the receiving RF coil units 201 a and 201 b are configured so that their ends can be connected to the subject 114 .

[0073] Here, various methods can be considered as a method of connecting the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the receiving RF coil unit 201b. In addition, when connecting the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the receiving RF coil unit 201b, it is preferable to perform decoupling between directly adjacent coil elements among the plurality of coil elements 231 included in each receiving RF coil unit. In addition, decoupling means suppressing the situation in which an induced current is generated in the coil element of the other coil element due to the coil element of one of the adjacently arranged coil elements.

[0074] Specifically, the reception RF coil unit 201a includes a first coil element disposed near an end portion connected to the reception RF coil unit 201b. In addition, the reception RF coil unit 201b includes a second coil element disposed near an end portion connected to the reception RF coil unit 201a.

[0075] Furthermore, at least one of the reception RF coil unit 201a and the reception RF coil unit 201b has a decoupling structure for decoupling the first coil element and the second coil element when the end of the reception RF coil unit 201a and the end of the reception RF coil unit 201b are connected.

[0076] In addition, at least one of the reception RF coil unit 201a and the reception RF coil unit 201b has a positioning structure for positioning the connection position of the end portions of the respective reception RF coil units at a position where decoupling can be achieved by the above-mentioned decoupling structure.

[0077] Figures 7A to 7C It is a diagram showing an example of a method of connecting the receiving RF coil unit included in the receiving RF coil for body according to the first embodiment and a method of decoupling between coil elements.

[0078] For example, Fig. 7A As shown, the receiving RF coil unit 201a includes a plurality of coil elements 231a arranged near the end connected to the receiving RF coil unit 201b. In addition, the receiving RF coil unit 201b includes a plurality of coil elements 231b arranged near the end connected to the receiving RF coil unit 201a.

[0079] Here, in Fig. 7A In the example shown, the plurality of coil elements 231a included in the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the plurality of coil elements 231b included in the receiving RF coil unit 201b are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other along the width direction of the top plate 115 when the ends of the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the ends of the receiving RF coil unit 201b are connected.

[0080] In this case, for example, at least one of the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the receiving RF coil unit 201b has a structure in which a portion of the coil element 231a overlaps a portion of the coil element 231b when the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201b are connected as a decoupling structure.

[0081] For example, Fig. 7A As shown, when the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the receiving RF coil unit 201b are configured to overlap and connect their respective ends, the coil element 231a and the coil element 231b are configured so that, in the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the receiving RF coil unit 201b, each portion is included in the overlapping range of the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the receiving RF coil unit 201b.

[0082] Alternatively, for example, the coil element 231a may be formed to have a portion protruding from the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201a, and configured so that when the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201b are connected, the protruding portion overlaps with a portion of the coil element 231b. Similarly, the coil element 231b may be formed to have a portion protruding from the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201b, and configured so that when the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201b are connected, the protruding portion overlaps with a portion of the coil element 231a.

[0083] In addition, for example, at least one of the reception RF coil unit 201 a and the reception RF coil unit 201 b has a non-magnetic fixing device attached to an end portion of the at least one as a positioning structure.

[0084] For example, Fig. 7A As shown, the receiving RF coil unit 201a has a hook side 261a of a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro (registered trademark) or VELCRO (registered trademark) as a non-magnetic fixing part, and the receiving RF coil unit 201b has a loop side 261b of the above hook and loop fastener as a non-magnetic fixing part.

[0085] Alternatively, for example, the receiving RF coil unit 201a may have a convex side of a plastic button (snap button) as a non-magnetic fixing member, and the receiving RF coil unit 201b may have a concave side of a plastic button as a non-magnetic fixing member.

[0086] Alternatively, for example, one of the reception RF coil unit 201a and the reception RF coil unit 201b may include a fixing member such as a plastic hook that can be coupled to the other reception RF coil unit itself.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, one or both of the reception RF coil unit 201a and the reception RF coil unit 201b may have a mark indicating the connection position of the end portion of each reception RF coil unit that can be decoupled by the above-mentioned decoupling structure.

[0088] In addition, as another example, at least one of the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the receiving RF coil unit 201b may have a decoupling circuit as a decoupling structure arranged between the coil element 231a and the coil element 231b when the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201b are connected.

[0089] For example, Figure 7B As shown, Fig. 7AThe receiving RF coil unit 201a shown in the figure further includes a decoupling circuit 271. Here, the decoupling circuit 271 is mounted on the receiving RF coil unit 201a in such a manner as to be arranged between the coil element 231a and the coil element 231b arranged obliquely in the width direction with respect to the top plate 115 when the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201b are connected.

[0090] In addition, for example, the decoupling circuit 271 may be mounted on the reception RF coil unit 201 b , or may be mounted in a distributed manner on both the reception RF coil unit 201 a and the reception RF coil unit 201 b .

[0091] According to the above configuration, between the plurality of coil elements 231a included in the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the plurality of coil elements 231b included in the receiving RF coil unit 201b, decoupling is performed by overlapping a portion of the coil elements that are adjacent in the width direction of the top plate 115 when the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201b are connected, and decoupling is performed by the decoupling circuit for the coil elements that are arranged obliquely with respect to the width direction of the top plate 115, so that decoupling can be fully performed between the coil elements.

[0092] In addition, Figure 7B In the example shown, the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the receiving RF coil unit 201b have both a structure in which adjacent coil elements partially overlap and a decoupling circuit disposed between adjacent coil elements, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the receiving RF coil unit 201b may have only one of a structure in which adjacent coil elements partially overlap and a decoupling circuit disposed between adjacent coil elements as the decoupling structure.

[0093] In addition, as another example, the multiple coil elements 231a included in the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the multiple coil elements 231b included in the receiving RF coil unit 201b can also be configured so that one coil element included in one receiving RF coil unit overlaps partially with two coil elements included in the other receiving RF coil unit.

[0094] For example, Figure 7C As shown, the plurality of coil elements 231a included in the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the plurality of coil elements 231b included in the receiving RF coil unit 201b are arranged to be offset from each other by a distance of half the length of one coil element in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 115 .

[0095] According to the above configuration, between the plurality of coil elements 231a included in the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the plurality of coil elements 231b included in the receiving RF coil unit 201b, when the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201a and the end of the receiving RF coil unit 201b are connected, all adjacent coil elements partially overlap, and decoupling can be performed more efficiently without using a decoupling circuit.

[0096] Figures 8A to 8C This is a diagram showing an example of the coil holding member 204 included in the body receiving RF coil according to the first embodiment.

[0097] For example, Fig. 8A As shown in FIG. 1 , the coil holding member 204 is realized by connecting two receiving RF coil parts 201 a and 201 b of the body receiving RF coil by a stretchable member 601 made of a stretchable material such as rubber.

[0098] Or, for example, Figure 8B As shown, the coil holding member 204 may be realized by connecting the two receiving RF coil parts 201 a and 201 b of the receiving RF coil for the body by a winding mechanism 602 .

[0099] Or, for example, Figure 8C As shown, the coil holding component 204 may be composed of two coil holding components, and the coil holding component 204 is realized by connecting the receiving RF coil portion 201a of the body receiving RF coil to the top plate support portion 302 by one coil holding component, and connecting the receiving RF coil portion 201b of the body receiving RF coil to the top plate support portion 302 by the other coil holding component.

[0100] As described above, in the first embodiment, the top plate 115 of the diagnostic bed 111 has a space for storing the body receiving RF coil at the side and bottom of the top plate 115. The body receiving RF coil is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from the side and bottom of the top plate 115 for use.

[0101] According to such a configuration, the body receiving RF coil placed on the subject 114 when imaging the body can be stored in the side and lower part of the top plate 115 and pulled out and / or pushed out for placement when necessary.

[0102] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the body receiving RF coil can be easily installed on the subject 114 .

[0103] In the first embodiment, the top plate 115 has a top plate frame 203 that supports the load of the top plate 115 and is movable to the imaging area. The top plate frame 203 has an upper surface on which the subject 114 is placed, and a space for storing the body receiving RF coil is formed on the side and bottom of the top plate 115.

[0104] According to such a configuration, even when a space for storing the body receiving RF coil is provided in the top plate 115 , it is possible to ensure strength capable of withstanding the load including the subject 114 .

[0105] In addition, the MRI apparatus 100 involved in the first embodiment described above can also be implemented by appropriately deforming the configuration of the top plate 115 or the body receiving RF coil. Therefore, the following describes a modified example related to the first embodiment as another embodiment. In addition, in the following embodiments, the description of the contents repeated with the first embodiment is omitted, and the description is centered on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0106] (Second embodiment)

[0107] For example, a retractable receiving RF coil may be used as the receiving RF coil for the body. An example of such a case will be described below as a second embodiment.

[0108] Fig. 9A and 9B 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the top plate 115 and the body receiving RF coil according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9A FIG. 1 shows a state of the top plate 115 and an example of the body receiving RF coil according to the second embodiment when the coil is stored. Fig. 9B The table top 115 and an example of the body receiving RF coil according to the second embodiment are shown in a state when the coil is pulled out and / or pushed out.

[0109] For example, Fig. 9A As shown, in this embodiment, the body receiving RF coil is a retractable receiving RF coil, and is composed of two receiving RF coil units 701a and 701b. As the body receiving RF coil according to this embodiment, for example, a retractable receiving RF coil as disclosed in Patent Document 4 can be used.

[0110] Here, as two receiving RF coil units 701a and 701b, one end of each is connected to the top plate frame 203. When the body receiving RF coil is not in use, the body receiving RF coil is stored in the space formed by the top plate frame 203 on the side of the top plate 115 in the top plate lower cover 301.

[0111] In addition, for example, Fig. 9BAs shown, when used in imaging, the body receiving RF coil is pulled out and / or pushed out from the side of the top plate 115 and arranged on the subject 114. At this time, the body receiving RF coil is configured to be connected to the subject 114 by extending two receiving RF coil units 701a and 701b.

[0112] That is, in this embodiment, the top plate 115 of the diagnostic bed 111 has a space for storing the body receiving RF coil at the side of the top plate 115. Specifically, the top plate frame 203 forms a space for storing the body receiving RF coil at the side of the top plate 115. In addition, the body receiving RF coil is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from the side of the top plate 115 for use.

[0113] In addition, Fig. 9A and 9B , similarly to the first embodiment, an example is shown in which spaces are formed in the side and lower portions of the top plate 115 by the top plate frame 203 , but in the present embodiment, no space may be formed in the lower portion of the top plate 115 .

[0114] As described above, in the second embodiment, the body receiving RF coil is configured to be expandable and contractible.

[0115] According to such a configuration, in the top plate 115 , the space for storing the body receiving RF coil can be reduced, and a higher strength can be ensured.

[0116] (Other embodiments)

[0117] In the second embodiment described above, an example of using a retractable receiving RF coil as the body receiving RF coil is described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a windable receiving RF coil may be used as the body receiving RF coil.

[0118] For example, the body receiving RF coil is a flexible and windable receiving RF coil, and is composed of two flexible receiving RF coil units 701 a and 701 b .

[0119] Here, as two receiving RF coil units 701a and 701b, one end of each is connected to a winding mechanism arranged in a space on the side of the top plate 115 formed by the top plate frame 203 inside the top plate lower cover 301. When the body receiving RF coil is not in use, the body receiving RF coil is wound by the winding mechanism and stored in the space on the side of the top plate 115.

[0120] When used in imaging, the body receiving RF coil is pulled out and / or pushed out from the side of the top plate 115 and arranged on the subject 114. At this time, the body receiving RF coil is configured such that the two receiving RF coil units 701a and 701b are pulled out and / or pushed out from the winding mechanism and can be connected to the subject 114.

[0121] According to such a configuration, similarly to the second embodiment, in the top plate 115 , the space for storing the body receiving RF coil can be reduced, and a higher strength can be ensured.

[0122] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the top plate 115 of the diagnostic bed 111 has a space for storing the body receiving RF coil at the side and bottom of the top plate 115 in the width direction, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the top plate 115 of the diagnostic bed 111 may have a space for storing the receiving coil at the end of the top plate 115 in the length direction in addition to or instead of the side of the top plate 115 in the width direction. Here, the receiving coil is, for example, a head receiving RF coil that mainly receives MR signals from the head of the subject, a leg receiving RF coil that mainly receives MR signals from the leg of the subject, etc. In this case, the receiving coil is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from at least one side of the length direction of the top plate 115 and arranged on the subject 114.

[0123] Generally speaking, the head receiving RF coil is heavier than other receiving coils, and it takes a lot of effort to carry or install it on the subject. Therefore, by storing the head receiving RF coil in the space provided at the end of the top plate 115 in the longitudinal direction as described above, it can be pulled out and / or pushed out and installed when necessary, so that the head receiving RF coil can be easily installed on the subject 114.

[0124] In addition, the space may not be provided at the side portions in the width direction and the end portions in the length direction of the top plate 115, but may be provided only at the bottom portion of the top plate 115. In this case, the receiving coil may be pulled out and / or pushed out from the bottom portion of the top plate 115, and may be arranged on the subject 114 through the outside of the side portions or the end portions of the top plate 115, for example.

[0125] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the top plate 115 has a space for storing a body receiving RF coil on both sides of the top plate 115 in the width direction, the body receiving RF coil has two receiving RF coil units 201a and 201b, and each receiving RF coil unit is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from one side and the other side of the top plate 115 in the width direction and arranged on the subject 114, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0126] For example, the top plate 115 may also have a space for storing a receiving coil on the side of one side in the width direction of the top plate 115, and the receiving coil is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from the side of one side in the width direction of the top plate 115, and connected and fixed to the side of the other side in the width direction of the top plate 115.

[0127] Alternatively, the top plate 115 may have a space for storing a receiving coil at one end of the top plate 115 in the longitudinal direction, and the receiving coil is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from one end of the top plate 115 in the longitudinal direction, and connected and fixed to the other end of the top plate 115 in the longitudinal direction.

[0128] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the receiving coil is pulled out and / or pushed out from the top plate 115 and arranged on the subject 114, but the pulling out and pushing out of the receiving coil can be performed by the staff who sets up the receiving coil holding a part of the receiving coil and moving it, or by using a pulling out mechanism or pushing out mechanism set on the top plate 115.

[0129] For example, the top plate 115 includes a rotating part provided on the side of the top plate 115 in the width direction or the end of the top plate 115 in the length direction, a rotation driving part that rotates the rotating part in one direction or in the opposite direction, and a pulling control part, as an example of a pulling mechanism for pulling out the receiving coil. The rotating part is implemented by a roller or the like, and moves the receiving coil from the space inside the top plate 115 to the outside of the top plate 115 by rotating in one direction while in contact with the receiving coil. In addition, the rotating part moves the receiving coil from the outside of the top plate 115 to the space inside the top plate 115 by rotating in the opposite direction while in contact with the receiving coil. The pulling control part receives an instruction to pull out the receiving coil from the staff via an operation part such as a button, and in response to the instruction, controls the rotation driving part and rotates the rotating part in one direction, thereby pulling out the receiving coil stored in the space inside the top plate 115 to the outside of the top plate 115. In addition, the pull-out control unit receives an instruction to store the receiving coil from the staff via an operating unit such as a button, and in response to the instruction, controls the rotation drive unit to rotate the rotation unit in the opposite direction, thereby storing the receiving coil pulled out to the outside of the top plate 115 in the space inside the top plate 115.

[0130] In addition, for example, the top plate 115 includes a force-applying portion, a holding portion, and a push-out control portion provided inside the top plate 115 as an example of a push-out mechanism for pushing out the receiving coil. The force-applying portion is implemented by a spring or the like, and applies force to the receiving coil stored in the space inside the top plate 115 in a direction to move to the outside of the top plate 115. The holding portion resists the force applied by the force-applying portion and holds the receiving coil in the space inside the top plate 115. The push-out control portion receives an instruction to push out the receiving coil from a staff member via an operation portion such as a button, and in response to the instruction, releases the holding of the receiving coil by the holding portion, thereby pushing out the receiving coil stored in the space inside the top plate 115 to the outside of the top plate 115.

[0131] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the components of each device shown in the figure are functional conceptual components and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown in the figure. That is, the specific manner of dispersing or concentrating each device is not limited to the figure, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically dispersed or concentrated in arbitrary units according to various loads, usage conditions, etc. Furthermore, all or any part of each processing function performed by each device can be implemented by a CPU and a program parsed and executed by the CPU, or as hardware based on wired logic.

[0132] In addition, among the various processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as automatically performed processes can also be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as manually performed processes can also be performed automatically using a known method. Other information including processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, various data or parameters shown in the above documents or drawings can be changed arbitrarily except for special records.

[0133] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the receiving coil can be easily installed on the subject.

[0134] Several embodiments are described above, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations of the embodiments can be performed without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0135] Regarding the above-mentioned embodiment, the following supplementary notes are disclosed as one aspect and optional features of the invention.

[0136] (Note 1)

[0137] A magnetic resonance imaging device, comprising:

[0138] a receiving coil for receiving magnetic resonance signals; and

[0139] A top plate for placing the subject and moving the subject to the imaging area,

[0140] The top plate has a space for storing the receiving coil at any one or more of the side portion in the width direction of the top plate, the end portion in the length direction of the top plate, and the bottom portion of the top plate.

[0141] The receiving coil is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from the one or more portions of the top plate for use.

[0142] (Note 2)

[0143] The top plate may include a top plate frame that supports a load of the top plate and is movable toward the imaging area.

[0144] The top plate frame has an upper surface on which the subject is placed, and the space is formed in the one or more portions of the top plate.

[0145] (Note 3)

[0146] Alternatively, the top plate frame may include a top plate support portion for supporting the upper surface.

[0147] The top plate support portion has a columnar or wall-shaped structure.

[0148] (Note 4)

[0149] The receiving coil may be a body receiving coil that receives magnetic resonance signals from the body of the subject.

[0150] (Note 5)

[0151] The receiving coil may be a head receiving coil that receives magnetic resonance signals from the head of the subject.

[0152] (Note 6)

[0153] The receiving coil may be configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from at least one side portion in the width direction of the table top or at least one end portion in the length direction of the table top and arranged on the subject.

[0154] (Note 7)

[0155] The space may also store a plurality of receiving coils arranged along the moving direction of the top plate.

[0156] (Note 8)

[0157] A receiving coil for the spine that receives magnetic resonance signals from the back side of the subject, separate from the receiving coil housed in the space, may be further provided.

[0158] (Note 9)

[0159] Alternatively, the top plate may have spaces for storing the receiving coil on both sides of the top plate in the width direction.

[0160] The receiving coil includes a first receiving coil portion and a second receiving coil portion, wherein the first receiving coil portion is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from a side portion on one side in a width direction of the top plate and arranged on the subject, and the second receiving coil portion is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from a side portion on the other side in a width direction of the top plate and arranged on the subject.

[0161] (Note 10)

[0162] The first receiving coil unit and the second receiving coil unit may be configured such that respective ends can be connected to the subject.

[0163] (Note 11)

[0164] The first receiving coil unit may include a first coil element arranged near an end portion connected to the second receiving coil unit,

[0165] The second receiving coil unit includes a second coil element arranged near an end portion connected to the first receiving coil unit.

[0166] At least the first receiving coil unit and the second receiving coil unit have a decoupling structure for decoupling the plurality of first coil elements from the plurality of second coil elements when an end portion of the first receiving coil unit and an end portion of the second receiving coil unit are connected.

[0167] (Note 12)

[0168] It may also be that at least the first receiving coil unit and the second receiving coil unit have a structure in which a portion of the plurality of first coil elements overlaps a portion of the plurality of second coil elements when an end portion of the first receiving coil unit and an end portion of the second receiving coil unit are connected, and / or a decoupling circuit is arranged between the plurality of first coil elements and the plurality of second coil elements when an end portion of the first receiving coil unit and an end portion of the second receiving coil unit are connected, as the decoupling structure.

[0169] (Note 13)

[0170] At least one of the first receiving coil unit and the second receiving coil unit may include a positioning structure for positioning a connection position of an end portion of each receiving coil unit at a position where decoupling can be achieved by the decoupling structure.

[0171] (Note 14)

[0172] At least one of the first receiving coil unit and the second receiving coil unit may include a non-magnetic fixing member attached to an end portion of the at least one receiving coil unit as the positioning structure.

[0173] (Note 15)

[0174] Alternatively, the top plate may have a space for storing the receiving coil at one side portion in the width direction of the top plate or at one end portion in the length direction of the top plate.

[0175] The receiving coil is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from one side of the top plate in the width direction or one end of the top plate in the length direction, and connected and fixed to the other side of the top plate in the width direction or the other end of the top plate in the length direction.

Claims

1. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, wherein: have: a receiving coil for receiving magnetic resonance signals; and A top plate for placing the subject and moving the subject to the imaging area, The top plate has a space for storing the receiving coil at any one or more of the side portion in the width direction of the top plate, the end portion in the length direction of the top plate, and the bottom portion of the top plate. The receiving coil is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from the one or more portions of the top plate for use.

2. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The top plate has a top plate frame that supports a load of the top plate and is movable toward the imaging area. The top plate frame has an upper surface on which the subject is placed, and the space is formed in the one or more portions of the top plate.

3. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The top plate frame includes a top plate support portion for supporting the upper surface. The top plate support portion has a columnar or wall-shaped structure.

4. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The receiving coil is a body receiving coil that receives magnetic resonance signals from the body of the subject.

5. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The receiving coil is a head receiving coil that receives a magnetic resonance signal from the head of the subject.

6. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The receiving coil is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from at least one side portion in the width direction of the table top or at least one end portion in the length direction of the table top and arranged on the subject.

7. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The space accommodates a plurality of receiving coils arranged and disposed along the moving direction of the top plate.

8. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A receiving coil for the spine is further provided, which is separate from the receiving coil housed in the space and receives magnetic resonance signals from the back side of the subject.

9. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The top plate has a space for storing the receiving coil on both sides of the top plate in the width direction. The receiving coil includes a first receiving coil portion and a second receiving coil portion, wherein the first receiving coil portion is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from a side portion on one side in a width direction of the top plate and arranged on the subject, and the second receiving coil portion is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from a side portion on the other side in a width direction of the top plate and arranged on the subject.

10. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: The first receiving coil unit and the second receiving coil unit are configured so that their respective ends can be connected to the subject.

11. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: The first receiving coil unit includes a first coil element arranged near an end portion connected to the second receiving coil unit. The second receiving coil unit includes a second coil element arranged near an end portion connected to the first receiving coil unit. At least one of the first receiving coil unit and the second receiving coil unit has a decoupling structure that decouples the first coil element from the second coil element when an end portion of the first receiving coil unit and an end portion of the second receiving coil unit are connected.

12. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: At least one of the first receiving coil unit and the second receiving coil unit has, as the decoupling structure, a structure in which a portion of the first coil element overlaps a portion of the second coil element when an end portion of the first receiving coil unit and an end portion of the second receiving coil unit are connected, and / or a decoupling circuit is arranged between the first coil element and the second coil element when an end portion of the first receiving coil unit and an end portion of the second receiving coil unit are connected.

13. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: At least one of the first receiving coil unit and the second receiving coil unit has a positioning structure that positions the connection position of the end portions of the respective receiving coil units at a position that can be decoupled by the decoupling structure.

14. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: At least one of the first receiving coil unit and the second receiving coil unit includes a non-magnetic fixing member attached to an end portion of the at least one receiving coil unit as the positioning structure.

15. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The top plate has a space for storing the receiving coil at one side portion in the width direction of the top plate or at one end portion in the length direction of the top plate. The receiving coil is configured to be pulled out and / or pushed out from one side of the top plate in the width direction or one end of the top plate in the length direction, and connected and fixed to the other side of the top plate in the width direction or the other end of the top plate in the length direction.

Images