Layered and double-sided adaptive image receiving coil

Abstract

The invention discloses a layered and double-sided adaptive image receiving coil. An RF receive coil assembly for an MRI system includes a flexible housing. The radio frequency receiving coil assembly further comprises a radio frequency coil arranged in the flexible shell. The radio frequency coil includes a plurality of flexible coil elements having an exposed stretchable or stretchable conductor. The plurality of flexible coil elements includes a first set of flexible coil elements and a second set of flexible coil elements. At least one flexible coil element of the first set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of the second set of flexible coil elements without the respective exposed stretchable or stretchable conductors being in direct contact with each other.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to medical imaging and, more particularly, to a hierarchical and dual-sided adaptive image receiving coil for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system.

[0002] Non-invasive imaging techniques allow for obtaining images of the internal structures or features of a patient / object without performing an invasive procedure on the patient / object. Specifically, such non-invasive imaging techniques rely on various physical principles (such as differential transmission of X-rays through a target volume, reflection of sound waves within a volume, paramagnetism of different tissues and materials within a volume, decay of a target radionuclide within the body, etc.) to acquire data and construct an image or otherwise represent the observed internal features of the patient / object.

[0003] During magnetic resonance imaging, when a substance such as human tissue is subjected to a uniform magnetic field (polarization field B0), the individual magnetic moments of the spins in the tissue attempt to align with the polarization field, but precess around the polarization field in a random order at their characteristic Larmor frequency. If the substance or tissue is subjected to a magnetic field (excitation field B1) in the x-y plane and near the Larmor frequency, the net alignment torque or "longitudinal magnetization" M z can be rotated or "tilted" into the x-y plane to produce a net transverse magnetic moment M t . After termination of the excitation signal B1, a signal is emitted by the excited spins, and this signal can be received and processed to form an image.

[0004] When using these signals to generate an image, magnetic field gradients (G x , G y and G z ) are employed. Typically, the region to be imaged is scanned in a series of measurement cycles, in which these gradient fields vary according to the particular localization method used. The resulting set of received nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals is digitized and processed to reconstruct an image using one of the well-known reconstruction techniques.

[0005] The use of exposed conductive traces in a coil array can lead to short circuits due to the overlap of adjacent coil elements. Thus, conventional coil arrays deviate from bare conductors or employ insulation (e.g., spacing between conductor sheaths or printed circuit board traces). In addition, conventional coil arrays are limited in terms of the type of conductor used for the coil elements. This also results in more complex and time-consuming manufacturing of conventional coil arrays. Additionally, conventional coil arrays are more costly and heavier in weight. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An overview of certain embodiments disclosed herein is shown below. It should be understood that these aspects are provided merely to give the reader a brief overview of these particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the disclosure may cover various aspects that may not be shown below.

[0007] In one embodiment, a radio frequency (RF) receive coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The RF receive coil assembly includes a flexible housing. The RF receive coil assembly further includes an RF coil disposed within the flexible housing. The RF coil includes a plurality of flexible coil elements having exposed conductors that are extensible or stretchable. The plurality of flexible coil elements includes a first set of flexible coil elements and a second set of flexible coil elements. At least one flexible coil element of the first set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of the second set of flexible coil elements without the respective bare conductors or extensible and stretchable conductors contacting each other directly.

[0008] In another embodiment, a radio frequency (RF) receive coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The RF receive coil assembly includes a flexible housing. The RF receive coil assembly further includes a layer of flexible anchoring material disposed within the flexible housing. The RF receive coil assembly further includes an RF coil disposed within the flexible housing, wherein the RF coil includes a plurality of flexible coil elements having conductors that are extensible or stretchable. The plurality of flexible coil elements includes a first set of flexible coil elements and a second set of flexible coil elements. The first set of flexible coil elements is disposed on a first side of the flexible anchoring material layer, and the second set of flexible coil elements is disposed on a second side of the flexible anchoring material layer opposite the first side. At least one flexible coil element of the first set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of the second set of flexible coil elements.

[0009] In a further embodiment, a radio frequency (RF) receive coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The RF receive coil assembly includes a flexible housing. The RF receive coil further includes a first flexible anchoring material layer disposed within the flexible housing and having a first side and a second side. The RF receive coil further includes a second flexible anchoring material layer disposed within the flexible housing and having a third side and a fourth side. The RF receive coil assembly even further includes an RF coil disposed within the flexible housing, wherein the RF coil includes a plurality of flexible coil elements having conductors that are extensible or stretchable. The plurality of flexible coil elements includes a first set of flexible coil elements and a second set of flexible coil elements. The first set of flexible coil elements is disposed on the first side of the first flexible anchoring material layer, and the second set of flexible coil elements is disposed on the third side of the second flexible anchoring material layer. The first flexible anchoring material layer is disposed above the second flexible anchoring material layer in a stacked arrangement within the flexible housing such that the third side of the second flexible anchoring material layer abuts the second side of the first flexible anchoring material layer. At least one flexible coil element of the first set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of the second set of flexible coil elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter of the present invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference symbols represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 An embodiment of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system suitable for use with the disclosed technology is illustrated;

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an RF coil assembly having a layered and / or dual-sided arrangement for coil elements in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of a coil element in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of a coil element (e.g., having a bare conductor) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a coil layout of an RF coil (e.g., for a dual-sided arrangement) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 6 is in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure Figure 5 of a first side of the RF coil;

[0017] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the second side of the radio frequency coil in Figure 5 ;

[0018] Figure 8 is a side view of the radio frequency coil in Figure 5 from a side view according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the coil layout (e.g., for a hierarchical arrangement) of the radio frequency coil according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 10 is according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 9 of the first set of coil elements on the first layer of the radio frequency coil in

[0021] Figure 11 is according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 9 of the second set of coil elements on the second layer of the radio frequency coil in

[0022] Figure 12 is according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 9 of the third set of coil elements on the third layer of the radio frequency coil in

[0023] Figure 13 is according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 9 of the fourth set of coil elements on the fourth layer of the radio frequency coil in

[0024] Figure 14 is a side view of the exploded view of the radio frequency coil according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 9 in

[0025] Figure 15 is an exploded view of the radio frequency coil from a side view (with both double-sided and hierarchical arrangements) according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 16 is according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 9 of the third set of coil elements on the third layer (e.g., having a third layer made of multiple individual pieces) of the radio frequency coil in

[0027] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of an RF coil having coil elements stitched to an anchoring material layer according to aspects of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0028] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary with the implementation. Moreover, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but would still be a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art that have benefited from the present disclosure.

[0029] When introducing the various embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention with respect to the coil elements, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there is one or more coil elements. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional coil elements may be present in addition to the listed coil elements. Moreover, any numerical examples in the following discussion are intended to be non-limiting, and thus additional numerical values, ranges, and percentages are within the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

[0030] The present disclosure provides a hierarchical and dual-sided adaptive image receiving coil for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. Specifically, the present disclosure provides a radio frequency coil assembly (e.g., a body coil) of a magnetic resonance imaging system having coil elements (e.g., channels or loops) arranged in a hierarchical and / or dual-sided arrangement relative to each other. Although discussed in the context of a body coil, the disclosed embodiments may be used for magnetic resonance compatible sensors. Although discussed in the context of a body coil being used with a magnetic resonance imaging system, the coil may be used in multi-nuclear applications (e.g., used with a positron emission tomography (PET) / magnetic resonance imaging system).

[0031] The disclosed embodiments include a radio frequency (RF) receive coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the RF receive coil assembly including a flexible housing. The RF receive coil assembly further includes an RF coil disposed within the flexible housing. The RF coil includes a plurality of flexible coil elements having conductors that are extensible or stretchable. In some embodiments, the extensible or stretchable conductors are bare or unshielded. In some embodiments, the extensible conductors may be shielded conductors. The plurality of flexible coil elements includes a first set of flexible coil elements and a second set of flexible coil elements. At least one flexible coil element of the first set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of the second set of flexible coil elements without the corresponding extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly. In some embodiments (e.g., having bare extensible or stretchable conductors), at least one flexible coil element of the first set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of the second set of flexible coil elements without the corresponding bare extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly at any overlap point.

[0032] In some embodiments, each flexible coil element of the first set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least two flexible coil elements of the second set of flexible coil elements. In some embodiments, each flexible coil element of the first set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least two flexible coil elements of the second set of flexible coil elements without the extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly. In some embodiments, each flexible coil element of the first set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least two flexible coil elements of the second set of flexible coil elements without the corresponding bare extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly at any overlap point.

[0033] In some embodiments, in a dual-sided arrangement, different sets of flexible coil elements may be disposed on alternating sides (e.g., opposite sides) of an anchoring material such that every other flexible coil element (of one set of flexible coil elements) is on one side and the other flexible coil elements (of the other set of flexible coil elements) are coupled on the opposite side in an overlapping arrangement (with respect to the other set of flexible coil elements) to form a coil array while keeping the flexible coil elements of the different sets of overlapping flexible coil elements non-contact. In some embodiments, in a multi-layer arrangement, the overlapping of alternating coil elements may occur via different sets of flexible coil elements disposed on different layers (and multi-layers) of anchoring material. This embodiment is advantageous where more heat dissipating material is needed and can be used for the anchoring material layers. In a dual-sided arrangement or a multi-layer arrangement, an optimal number of overlaps between the flexible coil elements of different sets of coil elements is achieved. In some embodiments, a combination of a dual-sided arrangement and a multi-layer arrangement may be employed.

[0034] In some embodiments, the radio frequency receiving coil assembly includes a flexible anchoring material layer disposed within a flexible housing. A first set of flexible coil elements is disposed on a first side of the flexible anchoring material layer, and a second set of flexible coil elements is disposed on a second side of the flexible anchoring material layer opposite the first side. In some embodiments, the flexible anchoring material layer is stretchable. In some embodiments, the flexible anchoring material layer is made of a heat dissipating material. In some embodiments, the flexible anchoring material layer is magnetic resonance compatible and does not generate a proton signal. In some embodiments, the flexible anchoring material layer is made of a film (e.g., a plastic film). In some embodiments, the flexible anchoring material layer is made of a fabric.

[0035] In some embodiments, the radio frequency receiving coil assembly includes a first flexible anchoring material layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a second flexible anchoring material layer having a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side. A first set of flexible coil elements is disposed on the first side of the first flexible anchoring material layer, and a second set of flexible coil elements is disposed on the third side of the second flexible anchoring material layer. Moreover, the first flexible anchoring layer is disposed above the second flexible anchoring layer in a stacked arrangement within the flexible housing such that the third side of the second flexible anchoring layer abuts the second side of the first flexible anchoring layer.

[0036] In some embodiments, the radio frequency receive coil assembly further includes a third flexible anchoring material layer, wherein the plurality of flexible coil elements includes a third set of flexible coil elements and a fourth set of flexible coil elements. The third set of flexible coil elements is disposed on a fifth side of the flexible anchoring material layer, and the fourth set of flexible coil elements is disposed on a sixth side of the flexible anchoring material layer opposite the fifth side. The first flexible anchoring layer and the second anchoring layer are both disposed above the third anchoring layer in a stacked arrangement within the flexible housing such that the fifth side of the third flexible anchoring layer abuts the fourth side of the second flexible anchoring layer. At least one flexible coil element of the third set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of the fourth set of flexible coil elements without corresponding extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly. In some embodiments, at least one flexible coil element of the third set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of the fourth set of flexible coil elements without corresponding extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly. In some embodiments, at least one flexible coil element of the third set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of the fourth set of flexible coil elements without corresponding bare extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly at any overlap point. In some embodiments, at least one flexible coil element of both the third set of flexible coil elements and the fourth set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of both the first set of flexible coil elements and the second set of flexible coil elements without corresponding extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly. In some embodiments, at least one flexible coil element of both the third set of flexible coil elements and the fourth set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of both the first set of flexible coil elements and the second set of flexible coil elements without corresponding bare conductors or stretchable and extensible conductors contacting each other directly at any overlap point.

[0037] In some embodiments, the radio frequency receive coil assembly includes a third layer of flexible anchoring material having a fifth side and a sixth side opposite the fifth side, wherein the plurality of flexible coil elements includes a third set of flexible coil elements. The third set of flexible coil elements is disposed on the fifth side of the third layer of flexible anchoring material. The third flexible anchoring layer is disposed above the first flexible anchoring layer in a stacked arrangement within the flexible housing such that a first side of the first flexible anchoring layer abuts a sixth side of the third flexible anchoring layer. At least one flexible coil element of the third set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of both the first set of flexible coil elements and the second set of flexible coil elements without corresponding extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other. In some embodiments, at least one flexible coil element of the third set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of both the first set of flexible coil elements and the second set of flexible coil elements without corresponding exposed extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other at any overlap point.

[0038] In some embodiments, the radio frequency receive coil assembly further includes a fourth layer of flexible anchoring material having a seventh side and an eighth side opposite the seventh side, wherein the plurality of flexible coil elements includes a fourth set of flexible coil elements. The fourth set of flexible coil elements is disposed on the seventh side of the fourth layer of flexible anchoring material. The fourth flexible anchoring layer is disposed above the third flexible anchoring layer in a stacked arrangement within the flexible housing such that a fifth side of the third flexible anchoring layer abuts an eighth side of the fourth flexible anchoring layer. At least one flexible coil element of the fourth set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of each of the first set of flexible coil elements, the second set of flexible coil elements, and the third set of flexible coil elements without corresponding extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other. In some embodiments, at least one flexible coil element of the fourth set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of each of the first set of flexible coil elements, the second set of flexible coil elements, and the third set of flexible coil elements without corresponding bare conductors or extensible and stretchable conductors contacting each other at any overlap point.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the first flexible anchoring material layer, the second flexible anchoring material layer, the third flexible anchoring material layer, and / or the fourth flexible anchoring material layer are stretchable. In certain embodiments, the first flexible anchoring material layer, the second flexible anchoring material layer, the third flexible anchoring material layer, and / or the fourth flexible anchoring material layer are made of a heat dissipating material. In certain embodiments, the first flexible anchoring material layer, the second flexible anchoring material layer, the third flexible anchoring material layer, and / or the fourth flexible anchoring material layer are MRI-compatible and do not produce proton signals. In certain embodiments, the first flexible anchoring material layer, the second flexible anchoring material layer, the third flexible anchoring material layer, and / or the fourth flexible anchoring material layer are made of a film (e.g., a plastic film). In certain embodiments, the first flexible anchoring material layer, the second flexible anchoring material layer, the third flexible anchoring material layer, and / or the fourth flexible anchoring material layer are made of a fabric.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the RF receiving coil assembly includes a single-tuned coil (e.g., a single proton frequency coil). In certain embodiments, the RF receiving coil includes a multi-tuned coil (e.g., a multi-nuclear coil), where each frequency is transparent to the other frequencies when there is frequency overlap. For example, a first set of flexible coils on one side of a material (e.g., an anchoring material) can be tuned to a first frequency (e.g., for hydrogen), and a second set of flexible coils on the opposite side of the material or on another layer of the material can be tuned to a second frequency different from the first frequency (e.g., for carbon-13 or multi-nuclear spectroscopy (MNS)).

[0041] In certain embodiments (e.g., where the flexible coil element has a bare conductor that is extensible or stretchable), the bare extensible or stretchable core of each flexible coil element among the plurality of flexible coil elements can be a Litz wire, a wire harness, a bundle of wires, a plated wire bundle, a braided wire bundle, or a conductive wire bundle. In certain embodiments, the shape of the flexible coil element can be changed and can be any shape (e.g., oval, circular, square, rectangular, etc.). In certain embodiments, the flexible coil element can follow a straight path along the shape. In certain embodiments, the flexible coil element can meander (e.g., zigzag) along the shape. In certain embodiments, the meandering enables the flexible coil element to be stretchable.

[0042] The disclosed embodiments enable the use of conductors without conductive shields or covers (e.g., bare conductors). The disclosed embodiments enable bare conductors to overlap without contacting each other at the overlap points, thus avoiding any potential short circuits. The disclosed embodiments expand the number of techniques available for constructing coils. The disclosed embodiments enable the realization of lighter and more flexible coil assemblies, thereby improving patient comfort and enabling easier positioning of the coil assemblies. The disclosed embodiments enable the manufacture of coils in a simpler (and thus faster) manner and at reduced cost.

[0043] In view of the above, Figure 1 , the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system 100 is schematically illustrated as including a scanner 102, scanner control circuitry 104, and system control circuitry 106. According to the embodiments described herein, the magnetic resonance imaging system 100 is generally configured to perform MR imaging.

[0044] The system 100 also includes: a remote access and storage system or device, such as a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) 108; or other devices, such as remote radiology equipment, enabling on-site or off-site access to data acquired by the system 100. Thus, MR data can be acquired and then processed and evaluated on-site or off-site. Although the magnetic resonance imaging system 100 may include any suitable scanner or detector, in the illustrated embodiment, the system 100 includes a whole-body scanner 102 having a housing 120 through which an aperture 122 is formed. A diagnostic table 124 can be moved into the aperture 122 to allow a patient 126 to be positioned therein for imaging of selected anatomical structures within the patient.

[0045] Scanner 102 includes a series of associated coils for generating a controlled magnetic field that is used to excite the magnetic resonance material within the anatomical structure of a subject being imaged. Specifically, a primary magnetic coil 128 is provided for generating a primary magnetic field B0 that is generally aligned with the aperture 122. A series of gradient coils 130, 132, and 134 allow for the generation of a controlled gradient magnetic field during an examination sequence for position encoding certain magnetic resonance nuclei within the patient 126. A radio frequency (RF) coil 136 (e.g., a radio frequency transmit coil) is configured to generate radio frequency pulses for exciting certain magnetic resonance nuclei within the patient. In addition to the coils that may be located local to the scanner 102, the system 100 also includes a set of receive coils or radio frequency receive coils 138 (e.g., a coil array) that are configured to be placed proximal to the patient 126 (e.g., against the patient). For example, the receive coils 138 may include cervical / thoracic / lumbar (CTL) coils, head coils, single-sided spine coils, etc. Generally, the receive coils 138 are placed close to or over the head of the patient 126 to receive the weak radio frequency signals (weak relative to the transmit pulses generated by the scanner coils) generated by certain magnetic resonance nuclei within the patient 126 as the patient returns to its relaxed state.

[0046] The various coils of the system 100 are controlled by external circuitry to generate the desired fields and pulses and to read emissions from the magnetic resonance material in a controlled manner. In the illustrated embodiment, a main power supply 140 provides power to the primary field coil 128 to generate the primary magnetic field Bo. The power input (e.g., power from a utility or the power grid), a power distribution unit (PDU), a power supply (PS), and drive circuitry 150 may work together to provide power to cause the gradient field coils 130, 132, and 134 to produce pulses. The drive circuitry 150 may include amplification and control circuitry for supplying current to the coils in accordance with the limitations of a digitized pulse sequence output by the scanner control circuitry 104.

[0047] Another control circuit 152 is provided for regulating the operation of the radio frequency coil 136. The circuit 152 includes switching devices for alternating between an active operating mode and a passive operating mode, where the radio frequency coil 136 transmits signals and does not transmit signals, respectively. The circuit 152 also includes amplification circuitry configured to generate radio frequency pulses. Similarly, the receive coils 138 are connected to a switch 154 that is capable of switching the receive coils 138 between a receive mode and a non-receive mode. Thus, in the receive mode, the receive coils 138 resonate with the radio frequency signals generated by the release of magnetic resonance nuclei within the patient 126, and in the non-receive mode, they do not resonate with the radio frequency energy from the transmit coil (i.e., coil 136) to prevent unwanted operation. Additionally, a receive circuit 156 is configured to receive data detected by the receive coils 138 and may include one or more multiplexing and / or amplification circuits.

[0048] It should be noted that although the above scanner 102 and control / amplification circuit system are illustrated as being coupled by a single wire, in actual instances there may be many such wires. For example, separate wires may be used for control, data communication, power transmission, etc. Additionally, appropriate hardware may be provided along each type of wire for proper handling of data and current / voltage. In fact, various filters, digital converters, and processors may be provided between the scanner and either or both of the scanner control circuit 104 and the system control circuit system 106.

[0049] As illustrated, the scanner control circuit system 104 includes an interface circuit 158 that outputs signals for driving the gradient field coils and radio frequency coils and for receiving data representing magnetic resonance signals generated during an examination sequence. The interface circuit 158 is coupled to a control and analysis circuit 160. Based on a defined scheme selected via the system control circuit 106, the control and analysis circuit 160 executes commands for driving circuits 150 and 152.

[0050] The control and analysis circuit 160 is also used to receive magnetic resonance signals and perform subsequent processing before transmitting the data to the system control circuit 106. The scanner control circuit 104 also includes one or more memory circuits 162 that store configuration parameters, pulse sequence descriptions, examination results, etc. during operation.

[0051] An interface circuit 164 is coupled to the control and analysis circuit 160 for exchanging data between the scanner control circuit system 104 and the system control circuit system 106. In some embodiments, although the control and analysis circuit 160 is illustrated as a single unit, it may include one or more hardware devices. The system control circuit 106 includes an interface circuit 166 that receives data from the scanner control circuit system 104 and transmits data and commands back to the scanner control circuit system 104. The control and analysis circuit 168 may include a CPU in a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or workstation. The control and analysis circuit 168 is coupled to a memory circuit 170 to store programming code for operating the magnetic resonance imaging system 100 and to store processed image data for subsequent reconstruction, display, and transmission. The programming code may execute one or more algorithms that are configured to perform the reconstruction of the acquired data as described below. In some embodiments, the memory circuit 170 may store one or more neural networks for the reconstruction of the acquired data as described below. In some embodiments, image reconstruction may occur on a separate computing device having a processing circuit system and a memory circuit system.

[0052] An additional interface circuit 172 may be provided for exchanging image data, configuration parameters, etc. with external system components such as remote access and storage device 108. Finally, the system control and analysis circuit 168 may be communicatively coupled to various peripheral devices for facilitating an operator interface and generating a hard copy of the reconstructed image. In the illustrated embodiment, these peripheral devices include a printer 174, a monitor 176, and a user interface 178 that includes devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen (e.g., integrated with the monitor 176), etc.

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency coil assembly 180 (e.g., a radio frequency receive coil assembly) having a layered and / or double-sided arrangement of coil elements. The radio frequency coil assembly 180 can be used in a magnetic resonance imaging system (e.g., Figure 1 the magnetic resonance imaging system 100 in). The radio frequency coil assembly 180 includes a radio frequency coil 184 having a plurality of coil elements 186 (e.g., loops or channels). Each element 186 is coupled to an electronic unit 185, and the electronic unit is coupled to a coil interface cable 187. The coil interface cable 187 of each coil element in the coil elements 186 is coupled to an electrical connector interface or interface circuitry 188 (e.g., a balun such as an integrated balun cable harness that can act as a radio frequency trap). The electrical connector interface 188 (via a cable 190) is coupled to a P connector 192 (e.g., a port connector), and the P connector enables the radio frequency coil assembly 180 to be coupled (e.g., via a wired connection) to an interface of the magnetic resonance imaging system that couples the imaging component to the processing component. In some embodiments, the radio frequency coil assembly 180 may have no wired connection and may be configured to be utilized wirelessly with the magnetic resonance imaging system during a magnetic resonance imaging scan (e.g., for coupling the imaging component to a wireless component).

[0054] Each element 186 may be composed of a coupled resonator coil element coupled to a printed circuit board module (e.g., the electronic unit 185). Each electronic unit 185 may include various components (e.g., a decoupling circuit, an impedance inverter circuit, and a preamplifier). The radio frequency coil 184 may be designed using AIR TM coil technology from General Electric Healthcare. This enables the radio frequency coil 184 to be lightweight and flexible. Each element 186 includes a conductor or conductors that can be extended (e.g., flexible) and that can achieve a complex and irregular surface profile. In some embodiments, each element 186 may be stretchable (e.g., due to a liquid metal conductor, a stretchable / elastic conductor, or a meandering structure). Additionally, the coil elements 186 of the radio frequency coil 184 are transparent, thus contributing to the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0055] The radio frequency coil 184 is disposed within a flexible housing 194 (e.g., a blanket). As depicted, the flexible housing 194 has a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the flexible housing 194 may have a square shape or other shape. In some embodiments, the flexible housing 194 includes holes or openings to increase the flexibility of the radio frequency coil assembly 180 (and the flexible housing 194). Each hole or opening may be radially located within the element 186. In some embodiments, the flexible housing 194 may contain a deformable material therein. The deformable material may include foam, memory foam, expanded foam, polyurethane foam, a gel such as hydrogel, water balloons, or other suitable deformable materials. When a subject lies on the radio frequency coil assembly 180, the subject will sink into the deformable material, and the radio frequency coil 184 may conform to the unique shape of the subject and thus rest precisely against the patient's body. As depicted, the interface circuitry 188 is disposed within the flexible housing 194. In some embodiments, the interface circuitry 188 may be disposed outside the flexible housing 194.

[0056] Each coil element 186 includes a distributed capacitance configuration. Specifically, each coil element 186 includes a coaxial conductor having a cross-section configured to generate an exact capacitance for element tuning at a specific frequency. For example, as Figure 3 depicted, the coaxial coil element portion 198 (of the coil element 186) includes a circular center conductor 200, an outer concentric shield 202, and a dielectric material 204 therebetween. The center conductor 200 may be made of copper (e.g., silver-plated copper), and the dielectric material 204 may be rubber, plastic, or some other dielectric material (e.g., fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) or polytetrafluoroethylene (pTFE)). In some embodiments, the center conductor 200 may be a wire harness as shown in Figure 4 . The outer concentric shield 202 may enclose or otherwise surround the dielectric material 204 and the center conductor 200 and may be composed of braided copper or other suitable conductive material. The center conductor 200, the dielectric material 204, and the outer shield 202 all share a common central axis 206. Additionally, although not shown in Figure 3 , in some examples, an outer sheath (e.g., made of a dielectric material) may surround the outer shield 202. Although two coaxial conductors (the center conductor 200 and the outer shield 202) are shown in Figure 3 , the radio frequency coil element portion may include three or more coaxial conductors encapsulated by a dielectric material and spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the center conductor 200 may be made of a liquid metal conductor such that the coil element 186 can be stretched.

[0057] In some embodiments, as Figure 4As shown, the coil element 186 only has a bare conductor 208. Specifically, an outer covering (e.g., a dielectric material or a shield) is disposed around the bare conductor 208. In certain embodiments, the bare conductor 208 is a Litz wire, a wire harness, a bundle of wires, a bundle of plated wires, a bundle of braided wires, a flexible wire / bundle, or a conductive wire bundle. Specifically, the bare conductor 208 can be one or more bundles of conductive fibers. In certain embodiments, the bare conductor 208 can include multiple bundles of conductive fibers twisted or braided in a uniform pattern.

[0058] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a coil layout 220 (e.g., for a double-sided arrangement) of the radio frequency coil 184 (of the radio frequency receiving coil assembly). Figure 6 and Figure 7 are respectively Figure 5 schematic diagrams of the first side 222 and the second side 224 of the radio frequency coil 184 in Figure 4 . The radio frequency coil 184 includes a first set 226 of coil elements 186 (e.g., flexible coil elements) coupled to the first side 222 of an anchoring material layer 228 (e.g., a flexible anchoring material layer). The radio frequency coil 184 further includes a second set 230 of coil elements 186 coupled to the second side 224 of the anchoring material layer 228. In certain embodiments, the coil elements 186 can be glued to the anchoring material layer 228. In certain embodiments, the coil elements 186 can be sutured to the anchoring material layer 228. For example, a bobbin suturing technique can be used to suture the conductors of the coil elements 186 to the anchoring material layer 228. In certain embodiments, the conductors of the coil elements 186 are used as the bottom thread, and a non-conductive wire (e.g., a plastic wire) is used as the top thread. In certain embodiments, the conductors of the coil elements 186 are used as the top thread, and a non-conductive wire (e.g., a plastic wire) is used as the bottom thread. In certain embodiments, the coil elements 186 include a bare conductor as described in Figure 3 . In certain embodiments, the coil elements 186 include a shielded conductor as described in Figure 2 . The corresponding electronic units and coil interface cables for each of the coil elements 186 in the coil elements are not shown. In certain embodiments, the anchoring material layer 228 can include slits such that the corresponding electronic units and coil interface cables of a set of coil elements on one side of the anchoring material layer 228 are disposed on its opposite side, so that all the electronic units and coil interface cables of all the coil elements (two sets of coil elements) are disposed on a single side of the anchoring material layer 228 to more easily achieve wiring. The anchoring material layer 228, as well as the first set 226 of coil elements 186 and the second set 230 of coil elements, are disposed within a flexible housing (e.g., the flexible housing 194 in Figure 2 ). The number of coil elements 186 in each of the sets 226, 230 can be changed. The number and arrangement structure of the rows and / or columns of coil elements 186 in each of the sets 226, 230 can be changed.

[0059] In some embodiments, the flexible anchoring material layer 228 is stretchable. In some embodiments, the flexible anchoring material layer 228 is made of a heat dissipating material. In some embodiments, the flexible anchoring material layer 228 is MRI-compatible and does not generate proton signals. In some embodiments, the flexible anchoring material layer 228 is made of a film (e.g., a plastic film). In some embodiments, the flexible anchoring material layer 228 is made of a fabric.

[0060] As Figure 5 shown in the coil layout 220 in

[0061] Figure 8 is Figure 5 a schematic side view of the RF coil 184 in (e.g., as viewed from the side 238 in Figure 5 ). Figure 8 The RF coil 184 in Figures 5 to 7 is not drawn to scale. The RF coil assembly 184 is as shown in

[0062] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the coil layout 240 for the RF coil 184 (e.g., for a layered arrangement structure) of (the RF receiving coil assembly). Figures 10 to 13 is Figure 9 a schematic diagram of different groups of coil elements 186 on different layers of the RF coil 184 in

[0063] The radio frequency coil 184 includes a first set 242 of coil elements 186 (e.g., flexible coil elements) coupled to the side 244 of the anchoring material layer 246 (e.g., flexible anchoring material layer), and no coil elements are provided on the opposite side 248 of the anchoring material layer 246. The radio frequency coil 184 further includes a second set 250 of coil elements 186 (e.g., flexible coil elements) coupled to the side 252 of the anchoring material layer 254 (e.g., flexible anchoring material layer), and no coil elements are provided on the opposite side 256 of the anchoring material layer 254. The radio frequency coil 184 further includes a third set 258 of coil elements 186 (e.g., flexible coil elements) coupled to the side 260 of the anchoring material layer 262 (e.g., flexible anchoring material layer), and no coil elements are provided on the opposite side 264 of the anchoring material layer 262. The radio frequency coil 184 even further includes a fourth set 266 of coil elements 186 (e.g., flexible coil elements) coupled to the side 268 of the anchoring material layer 270 (e.g., flexible anchoring material layer), and no coil elements are provided on the opposite side 272 of the anchoring material layer 270.

[0064] The anchoring material layer 262 is stacked on the anchoring material layer 270 such that the side 268 (and the coil elements 186 on the side 268) is connected to the side 264 of the anchoring material layer 262. The anchoring material layer 254 is stacked on the anchoring material layer 262 such that the side 260 (and the coil elements 186 on the side 260) is connected to the side 256 of the anchoring material layer 254. The anchoring material layer 246 is stacked on the anchoring material layer 254 such that the side 252 (and the coil elements 186 on the side 252) is connected to the side 248 of the anchoring material layer 246.

[0065] In some embodiments, the coil elements 186 can be glued to the respective anchoring material layers 246, 254, 262, and 270. In some embodiments, the coil elements 186 can be sutured to the respective anchoring material layers 246, 254, 262, and 270. For example, the conductor of the coil element 186 can be sutured to the anchoring material layers 246, 254, 262, and 270 using a bobbin suturing technique. In some embodiments, the conductor of the coil element 186 serves as the bobbin thread, and a non-conductive thread (e.g., plastic thread) serves as the face thread. In some embodiments, the conductor of the coil element 186 serves as the face thread, and a non-conductive thread (e.g., plastic thread) serves as the bobbin thread. In some embodiments, the coil element 186 includes a bare conductor as described in Figure 4 as described in Figure 3The shield conductor described in. The corresponding electronic units and coil interface cables for each coil element in the coil element 186 are not shown. In some embodiments, some of the anchoring material layers 246, 254, 262, and 270 may include slits such that the corresponding electronic units and coil interface cables of one or more groups of coil elements on one or more of the anchoring material layers 246, 254, 262, and 270 are disposed on a single side of one of the anchoring material layers 246, 254, 262, and 270, so that all the electronic units and coil interface cables of all the coil elements (of all groups of coil element groups) are disposed on a single side of only one of the anchoring material layers 246, 254, 262, and 270 to more easily achieve wiring. The anchoring material layers 246, 254, 262, and 270 and the coil elements 186 of the groups 242, 250, 258, and 266 are disposed within a flexible housing (e.g., Figure 2 the flexible housing 194 in). The number of coil elements 186 in each of the groups 242, 250, 258, and 266 can be changed. The number and arrangement structure of the rows and / or columns of the coil elements 186 in each of the groups 242, 250, 258, and 266 can be changed. Both the number of groups of coil elements 186 and the corresponding number of anchoring material layers can be changed.

[0066] In some embodiments, one or more of the flexible anchoring material layers 246, 254, 262, and 270 are stretchable. In some embodiments, one or more of the flexible anchoring material layers 246, 254, 262, and 270 are made of a heat dissipating material. In some embodiments, one or more of the flexible anchoring material layers 246, 254, 262, and 270 are magnetic resonance compatible and do not generate a proton signal. In some embodiments, one or more of the flexible anchoring material layers 246, 254, 262, and 270 are made of a film (e.g., a plastic film). In some embodiments, one or more of the flexible anchoring material layers 246, 254, 262, and 270 are made of a fabric.

[0067] As Figure 9As shown by the coil layout 240 in, corresponding coil elements 186 among different groups 242, 250, 258, and 266 of coil elements 186 are alternately arranged between each other along a horizontal plane 274 defined by stacked layers of anchoring material 246, 254, 262, and 270 in a first direction 232 and a second direction 234 (the two directions being orthogonal to each other). At least one coil element 186 in each group 242, 250, 258, and 266 of coil elements 186 overlaps with at least one coil element 186 in two or more other groups 242, 250, 258, 266 of coil elements 186 without the corresponding extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly. In some embodiments, if the corresponding extensible or stretchable conductors are bare extensible or stretchable conductors, the bare extensible or stretchable conductors of the overlapping coil elements 186 overlap without directly contacting each other at the overlap point (thus, avoiding any potential short circuits). The layered arrangement achieves an optimal number of overlaps between the coil elements 186 in different groups 242, 250, 258, 266 of coil elements 186.

[0068] Figure 14 is a perspective view (e.g., Figure 9 perspective view 276 in) of Figure 9 the RF coil 184 in. Figure 14 The RF coil 184 in is not drawn to scale. The RF coil assembly 184 is as Figures 9 to 13 described.

[0069] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the RF coil 184 (having both a double-sided arrangement and a layered arrangement) from the side. The RF coil 184 includes a group 278 of coil elements 186 (e.g., flexible coil elements) coupled to a side 280 of an anchoring material layer 282 (e.g., a flexible anchoring material layer), and no coil elements are provided on the opposite side 284 of the anchoring material layer 282. The RF coil 184 also includes a group 286 of coil elements 186 (e.g., flexible coil elements) coupled to a side 288 of an anchoring material layer 290 (e.g., a flexible anchoring material layer), and no coil elements are provided on the opposite side 292 of the anchoring material layer 290. Only a single coil element is shown for each of the group 278 of coil elements 186 and the group 286 of coil elements 186. The RF coil 184 also includes a group 294 of coil elements 186 coupled to a side 296 of an anchoring material layer 298 and a group 300 of coil elements 186 coupled to the opposite side 302 of the anchoring material layer 298.

[0070] The anchoring material layers 282, 290, and 298 and their corresponding coil elements 186 are arranged and disposed in a stacked arrangement within a flexible housing (e.g.,Figure 2 within the flexible housing 192). For example, the anchoring material layer 282 is stacked on the anchoring material layer 290 such that the side 288 abuts the side 284. Also, the anchoring material layers 282 and 290 are stacked on the anchoring material layer 298 such that the side 296 abuts the side 292. At least one coil element in each of a set 278 of coil elements 186, a set 286 of coil elements 186, a set 294 of coil elements 186, and a set 300 of coil elements 186 overlaps one or more coil elements 186 in one or more other sets of coil elements among the other sets 278, 286, 294, and 300 of coil elements 186 without the corresponding extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly. In some embodiments, if the corresponding extensible or stretchable conductors are bare extensible or stretchable conductors, the bare extensible or stretchable conductors overlap without contacting each other directly at the overlap point (thus, avoiding any potential short circuits).

[0071] It should be noted that Figure 9 in the stacked arrangement of the RF coil 184 in Figure 15 or in the combination of the stacked arrangement and the double-sided arrangement of the RF coil 184 in Figure 16 a splicing method can be utilized in the form of one or more stacked layers. Specifically, a set of coil elements for a given layer can be divided between two or more separate pieces of anchoring material to form a single anchoring material layer having that set of coil elements. Each separate piece of anchoring material can have one or more coil elements of the given set of coil elements, while the remaining coil elements are distributed on the remaining pieces of anchoring material that form the single anchoring material layer. For example, Figure 9 shows Figure 12 the third layer of the RF coil in Figure 16 but the third layer is divided into multiple pieces. Specifically, the anchoring material layer 262 is divided into pieces 304 and 306 that together form the third layer. As Figure 9 shown, a single coil element 186 is disposed on the side 260 of pieces 304 and 306 to form a set 258 of coil elements 186. Then pieces 304 and 306 can be disposed on Figure 13 the fourth layer of the RF coil 184 in

[0072] Figure 17Schematic diagram of an RF coil 184 having coil elements 186 stitched to an anchoring material layer 308. The RF coil 184 is assembled in a double-sided arrangement. A first set 310 of coil elements 186 is stitched to a side 312 of the anchoring material layer 308, and a second set 314 of coil elements 186 (as indicated by the profile of top stitches 316 (e.g., non-conductive wires)) is stitched to an opposite side 318 of the anchoring material layer 308. As depicted, the coil elements 186 are in a meandering shape (e.g., zigzag). This enables the coil elements 86 to stretch over the anchoring material layer 308. Also, as shown, the electronic unit 185 is all disposed on the side 312. The anchoring material layer 308 includes slits (not shown) to enable the electronic unit 185 associated with the second set 314 of coil elements 186 to be disposed on the side 312 of the anchoring material layer 308. In certain embodiments, the coil elements 186 may have a capacitive break (e.g., as indicated by the smaller / narrower rectangles depicted in Figure 17 ). In certain embodiments, the coil elements 186 may be continuous and connected to the electronic unit 185.

[0073] The technical effects of the disclosed subject matter include enabling the use of conductors (e.g., bare conductors) without a conductive shield or cover. The technical effects of the disclosed subject matter also include enabling bare conductors to overlap without contacting each other at the overlap points, thereby avoiding any potential short circuits. The technical effects of the disclosed subject matter also include expanding the number of techniques available for constructing coils. The technical effects of the disclosed subject matter even further include achieving a lighter and more flexible coil assembly, thereby improving patient comfort and enabling easier positioning of the coil assembly. The technical effects of the disclosed subject matter also include enabling the manufacture of coils in a simpler (and thus faster) manner and at a reduced cost.

[0074] Referring to the techniques presented herein and claimed and applying them to physical objects and specific examples having practical natures, the practical natures clearly improve the current technical field and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Further, if any of the claims appended to this specification contain one or more coil elements designated as "means for [performing]... function" or "step for [performing]... function", such coil elements are intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing coil elements designated in any other manner, such coil elements are not intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

[0075] This written description uses examples to disclose the subject matter, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the subject matter, including making and using any device or system and performing any included method. The patent scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural coil elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural coil elements that have minor differences from the literal language of the claims, then such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A radio frequency receiving coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the radio frequency receiving coil assembly comprising: A flexible housing; And A radio frequency coil disposed within the flexible housing, wherein the radio frequency coil includes a plurality of flexible coil elements having exposed conductors that are extensible or stretchable, wherein the plurality of flexible coil elements includes a first set of flexible coil elements and a second set of flexible coil elements, wherein at least one flexible coil element of the first set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of the second set of flexible coil elements without the corresponding exposed extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly.

2. The radio frequency receiving coil assembly according to claim 1, wherein each flexible coil element of the first set of flexible coil elements overlaps at least two flexible coil elements of the second set of flexible coil elements without the corresponding exposed extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly.

3. The radio frequency receiving coil assembly according to claim 1, the radio frequency receiving coil assembly further comprising a flexible anchoring material layer disposed within the flexible housing, wherein the first set of flexible coil elements is disposed on a first side of the flexible anchoring material layer, and the second set of flexible coil elements is disposed on a second side of the flexible anchoring material layer opposite the first side.

4. The radio frequency receiving coil assembly according to claim 3, wherein the flexible anchoring material layer is stretchable.

5. The radio frequency receiving coil assembly according to claim 1, the radio frequency receiving coil assembly further comprising a first flexible anchoring material layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a second flexible anchoring material layer having a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side; wherein the first set of flexible coil elements is disposed on the first side of the first flexible anchoring material layer, and the second set of flexible coil elements is disposed on the third side of the second flexible anchoring material layer, and the first flexible anchoring material layer is disposed above the second flexible anchoring material layer in a stacked arrangement within the flexible housing such that the third side of the second flexible anchoring material layer abuts the second side of the first flexible anchoring material layer.

6. The RF receiving coil assembly according to claim 5, wherein the RF receiving coil assembly further comprises a third flexible anchoring material layer, wherein the plurality of flexible coil elements include a third group of flexible coil elements and a fourth group of flexible coil elements, wherein the third group of flexible coil elements are disposed on a fifth side surface of the flexible anchoring material layer, and the fourth group of flexible coil elements are disposed on a sixth side surface of the flexible anchoring material layer opposite to the fifth side surface, and the first flexible anchoring material layer and the second flexible anchoring material layer are both disposed above the third anchoring material layer in a stacked arrangement within the flexible housing such that the fifth side surface of the third flexible anchoring material layer abuts against the fourth side surface of the second flexible anchoring material layer; and at least one flexible coil element in the third group of flexible coil elements overlaps with at least one flexible coil element in the fourth group of flexible coil elements without the respective bare extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly.

7. The RF receiving coil assembly according to claim 6, wherein at least one flexible coil element in both the third group of flexible coil elements and the fourth group of flexible coil elements overlaps with at least one flexible coil element in both the first group of flexible coil elements and the second group of flexible coil elements without the respective bare extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly.

8. The RF receiving coil assembly according to claim 5, wherein the RF receiving coil assembly further comprises a third flexible anchoring material layer having a fifth side surface and a sixth side surface opposite to the fifth side surface, wherein the plurality of flexible coil elements include a third group of flexible coil elements, wherein the third group of flexible coil elements are disposed on the fifth side surface of the third flexible anchoring material layer, and the third flexible anchoring material layer is disposed above the first flexible anchoring material layer in a stacked arrangement within the flexible housing such that the first side surface of the first flexible anchoring material layer abuts against the sixth side surface of the third flexible anchoring material layer, and at least one flexible coil element in the third group of flexible coil elements overlaps with at least one flexible coil element in both the first group of flexible coil elements and the second group of flexible coil elements without the respective bare extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other.

9. The RF receiving coil assembly according to claim 8, wherein the RF receiving coil assembly further comprises a fourth flexible anchoring material layer having a seventh side and an eighth side opposite the seventh side, wherein the plurality of flexible coil elements includes a fourth group of flexible coil elements, wherein the fourth group of flexible coil elements is disposed on the seventh side of the fourth flexible anchoring material layer, and the fourth flexible anchoring material layer is disposed above the third flexible anchoring material layer in a stacked arrangement within the flexible housing such that the fifth side of the third flexible anchoring material layer abuts the eighth side of the fourth flexible anchoring material layer, and at least one flexible coil element of the fourth group of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of each of the first group of flexible coil elements, the second group of flexible coil elements, and the third group of flexible coil elements without the respective exposed extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other.

10. The RF receiving coil assembly according to claim 5, wherein both the first flexible anchoring material layer and the second flexible anchoring material layer are stretchable.

11. The RF receiving coil assembly according to claim 1, wherein the exposed extensible or stretchable conductor of each flexible coil element of the plurality of flexible coil elements comprises a Litz wire, a wire harness, a bundle of wires, a bundle of plated wires, a bundle of braided wires, or a conductive wire bundle.

12. The RF receiving coil assembly according to claim 1, wherein the RF coil comprises a single-tuned coil.

13. The RF receiving coil assembly according to claim 1, the RF receiving coil assembly comprising a multi-tuned coil, wherein the first group of flexible coils is tuned to a first frequency and the second group of flexible coils is tuned to a second frequency different from the first frequency.

14. An RF receiving coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the RF receiving coil assembly comprising: a flexible housing; a flexible anchoring material layer disposed within the flexible housing; and an RF coil disposed within the flexible housing, wherein the RF coil comprises a plurality of flexible coil elements having extensible or stretchable conductors, wherein the plurality of flexible coil elements includes a first group of flexible coil elements and a second group of flexible coil elements, wherein the first group of flexible coil elements is disposed on a first side of the flexible anchoring material layer and the second group of flexible coil elements is disposed on a second side of the flexible anchoring material layer opposite the first side, and wherein at least one flexible coil element of the first group of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one flexible coil element of the second group of flexible coil elements.

15. The radio frequency receiving coil assembly according to claim 14, wherein the extensible or stretchable conductor of each of the plurality of flexible coil elements is an exposed extensible or stretchable conductor, and at least one of the flexible coil elements in the first group of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one of the flexible coil elements in the second group of flexible coil elements without the corresponding exposed extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly.

16. A radio frequency receiving coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the radio frequency receiving coil assembly comprising: A flexible housing; A first flexible anchoring material layer disposed within the flexible housing and having a first side and a second side; A second flexible anchoring material layer disposed within the flexible housing and having a third side and a fourth side; And A radio frequency coil disposed within the flexible housing, wherein the radio frequency coil comprises a plurality of flexible coil elements having extensible or stretchable conductors, wherein the plurality of flexible coil elements comprises a first group of flexible coil elements and a second group of flexible coil elements, wherein the first group of flexible coil elements is disposed on the first side of the first flexible anchoring material layer and the second group of flexible coil elements is disposed on the third side of the second flexible anchoring material layer, the first flexible anchoring material layer is disposed above the second flexible anchoring material layer in a stacked arrangement within the flexible housing such that the third side of the second flexible anchoring material layer abuts the second side of the first flexible anchoring material layer, and wherein at least one of the flexible coil elements in the first group of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one of the flexible coil elements in the second group of flexible coil elements.

17. The radio frequency receiving coil assembly according to claim 16, wherein the extensible or stretchable conductor of each of the plurality of flexible coil elements is an exposed extensible or stretchable conductor, and at least one of the flexible coil elements in the first group of flexible coil elements overlaps at least one of the flexible coil elements in the second group of flexible coil elements without the corresponding exposed extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly.

18. The radio frequency receiving coil assembly according to claim 16, wherein the radio frequency receiving coil assembly further comprises a third flexible anchoring material layer having a fifth side and a sixth side opposite to the fifth side, wherein the plurality of flexible coil elements comprises a third group of flexible coil elements, wherein the third group of flexible coil elements is disposed on the fifth side of the third flexible anchoring material layer, and the third flexible anchoring material layer is disposed above the first flexible anchoring material layer in a stacked arrangement within the flexible housing such that the first side of the first flexible anchoring material layer abuts the sixth side of the third flexible anchoring material layer, and at least one flexible coil element in the third group of flexible coil elements overlaps with at least one flexible coil element in both the first group of flexible coil elements and the second group of flexible coil elements.

19. The radio frequency receiving coil assembly according to claim 18, wherein the radio frequency receiving coil assembly further comprises a fourth flexible anchoring material layer having a seventh side and an eighth side opposite to the seventh side, wherein the plurality of flexible coil elements comprises a fourth group of flexible coil elements, wherein the fourth group of flexible coil elements is disposed on the seventh side of the fourth flexible anchoring material layer, and the fourth flexible anchoring material layer is disposed above the third flexible anchoring material layer in a stacked arrangement within the flexible housing such that the fifth side of the third flexible anchoring material layer abuts the eighth side of the fourth flexible anchoring material layer, and at least one flexible coil element in the fourth group of flexible coil elements overlaps with at least one flexible coil element in each of the first group of flexible coil elements, the second group of flexible coil elements, and the third group of flexible coil elements.

20. The radio frequency receiving coil assembly according to claim 16, wherein the radio frequency receiving coil assembly further comprises a third flexible anchoring material layer having a fifth side and a sixth side opposite to the fifth side, wherein the plurality of flexible coil elements comprises a third group of flexible coil elements, wherein the third group of flexible coil elements is disposed on the fifth side of the third flexible anchoring material layer, and the third flexible anchoring material layer is disposed above the first flexible anchoring material layer in a stacked arrangement within the flexible housing such that the first side of the first flexible anchoring material layer abuts the sixth side of the third flexible anchoring material layer, and at least one flexible coil element in the third group of flexible coil elements overlaps with at least one flexible coil element in both the first group of flexible coil elements and the second group of flexible coil elements without the respective bare extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other; and wherein at least one flexible coil element in both the third group of flexible coil elements and the fourth group of flexible coil elements overlaps with at least one flexible coil element in both the first group of flexible coil elements and the second group of flexible coil elements without the respective bare extensible or stretchable conductors contacting each other directly.

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