Receive coil for MRI breast imaging

Abstract

To provide a breast coil support structure which can be more easily assembled and disassembled by MRI technicians.SOLUTION: A MRI support structure for imaging the breast region of a patient comprises: a housing including a top portion, a bottom portion, a left support portion, and a right support portion, where the top portion, bottom portion and left support portion define a left cup opening, and the top portion, bottom portion and right support portion define a right cup opening; a rail system comprising a plurality of rails each coupled to the bottom surface of the top portion; a lateral grid plate holder comprising a ratchet mechanism engaged with the rail system and configured to ratchet along the rail system in a medial direction; and a medial grid plate holder coupled to the top surface of the bottom portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention disclosed in this specification relates to a system and method for improving a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, and more particularly to imaging a patient's breast using an MRI system. According to the system and method described in this specification, the usability of breast coil components is improved.

Background Art

[0002] MRI is a medical diagnostic imaging technique used to diagnose many types of medical conditions. In an MRI system, three electromagnetic fields interact to generate an image of an anatomical structure, such as a human anatomical structure. The three fields are 1) Main magnetic field: A static, spatially uniform field for polarizing the spins of various atomic nuclei in the body to create a net positive population available for detection. The static field must be very uniform for imaging. In the case of a horizontal field MRI system, the static magnetic field is oriented along the patient's axis, i.e., the patient's head / foot direction. This axis is usually referred to as the Z direction. 2) Gradient magnetic field: A spatially varying field capable of creating a difference in the z-component of the magnetic field across the imaging region. Further, the gradient magnetic field is switched at audible frequencies to encode the spin positions and generate contrast. In practice, three spatially varying magnetic fields are created along orthogonal axes to encode the spins in three directions. 3) Radio frequency (RF) magnetic field: A magnetic field operating at several tens of MHz used to add energy to the spins, detect the associated signals, and generate contrast. The direction of the RF field is perpendicular to the main magnetic field. including.

[0003] An MRI system may include a plurality of hardware components that function in cooperation with dedicated software to generate the necessary magnetic fields and MRI images. The MRI system has a main magnetic field B 0It may include a main magnet capable of generating. The main magnet of the MRI system can generate a horizontal magnetic field (along the long axis of the patient lying on the horizontal table (from the head to the feet)) or a vertical magnetic field (from the back to the front of the patient lying on the horizontal table). Most commonly, the magnetic field generated by the main magnet is 1.5T or 3.0T. Clinically, however, both lower-intensity and higher-intensity fields are used. Therefore, the resulting physical phenomena in the case of horizontal and vertical systems can be very different. Furthermore, a general description of the operation of the MRI system is described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,482,809 and 7,545,144, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0004] The spins generated by the electromagnetic field itself generate an RF field, which can be received by an RF coil tuned to the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) frequency proportional to the magnetic field. In the case of an MRI system employing a 1.5T magnet, this frequency is approximately 64 MHz. To maximize the received NMR signal and optimize the signal-to-noise ratio, usually, a number of receiving elements (channels) are implemented. Also, the receiving elements can be placed as close as possible to the anatomical structure of the object. The MRI RF coil can adopt a solenoid element, a loop element, a saddle element, or other shapes to maximize the received signal while preventing crosstalk with other receiving elements.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The invention disclosed in this specification relates to an RF receiving coil, specifically an RF receiving coil for breast imaging, which can accommodate patients of various sizes. The invention disclosed in this specification also relates to a method of fixing a device for invasive medical treatment.

[0007] MRI breast imaging is most typically performed with the patient in the prone position such that the breasts are in a pendant position. Therefore, the structure needs to support the patient in the prone position. Existing structures are cumbersome and difficult to position, at least due to their own size and the presence of the spinal coil. Here, the spinal coil is used to image the patient's spine and is usually fixed in place due to its own size.

[0008] Furthermore, since breast biopsies are often performed while the patient is positioned within the MRI system, MRI imaging can be used in real time for needle guidance. Since it is often not practical to approach the breast from either the head or foot directions, biopsy needle insertion is typically performed from the patient's left or right side. Therefore, it is necessary to approach the breast from both the outer (lateral) and inner (medial) directions so that the biopsy needle can be inserted.

[0009] For such MRI-guided needle biopsies, a grid plate can be utilized. According to the grid plate, the needle can be positioned at a known location and guided in a certain direction. Therefore, it is beneficial for the receiving coil structure to be designed to hold these grid plates, and it may be beneficial for the grid plates to be movable so as to slightly compress the breast in the inner direction. Furthermore, since the grid plates are usually sterilized, a method of equipping the plates is desired such that the user does not need to touch unsterilized items and contaminate the sterilized state of the grid plates.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a breast coil support structure that can be more easily installed and disassembled by an MRI technician.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] The objects and advantages of the invention disclosed in this specification are described below, will become apparent from the following description, and will be learned by the practice of the invention disclosed in this specification. Further advantages of the invention disclosed in this specification will be realized and achieved by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the description of this specification, the claims, and the appended drawings.

[0012] As specifically shown in this specification, an MRI support structure for imaging a patient's breast region may include a housing, a rail system, an outer grid plate holder, and an inner grid plate holder. The housing may include an upper portion, a bottom portion, a left support portion, and a right support portion. The upper portion, the bottom portion, and the left support portion may define a left cup opening, and the upper portion, the bottom portion, and the right support portion may define a right cup opening. The rail system may include a plurality of rails each connected to the bottom surface of the upper portion. The outer grid plate holder may include a plurality of rails each connected to the bottom surface of the upper portion. The inner grid plate holder may be connected to the upper surface of the bottom portion.

[0013] As disclosed herein, each of the plurality of rails may include a plurality of rail teeth, and the ratchet mechanism may include a plurality of ratchet teeth configured to engage with the plurality of rail teeth. In some embodiments, the ratchet mechanism may further include a release mechanism having a latch and a push button, the release mechanism can be in a locked position when the latch is engaged with the ratchet teeth, the release mechanism can be in a released position when the latch is disengaged from the ratchet teeth, and in response to pressing of the push button, the release mechanism can be moved from the locked position to the released position. In yet another embodiment, the push button can be spring-biased toward the locked position. Also, as disclosed herein, the plurality of rails may include a first rail and a second rail, and the ratchet mechanism may include a first ratchet gear engaged with the first rail and a second ratchet gear engaged with the second rail. According to yet another embodiment, each of the plurality of rails may extend in an outer-to-inner direction along each of at least one of the head side and the foot side of the left cup opening and the right cup opening. As disclosed herein, the outer grid plate holder can ratchet gradually in an inner direction when the release mechanism is in the locked position. Further, in another embodiment, the outer grid plate holder can move freely in each of the inner direction and the outer direction when the release mechanism is in the released position.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the outer grid plate may be movable in a vertical direction. In some embodiments, the locking portion can prevent the vertical movement of the outer grid plate holder. In another embodiment, the inner grid plate holder may be connected to the bottom portion of the housing at a pivot point and configured to rotate about a vertical axis at the pivot point. In some embodiments, the inner grid plate holder may be disposed between the left cup opening and the right cup opening, and the outer grid plate holder may be disposed at an outer position relative to the inner grid plate holder.

[0015] Also, the embodiments described herein disclose a method of operating an MRI support structure for imaging a patient's human breast region. The method may include the steps of having the patient lie ventral side down on a housing, positioning an inner grid plate holder at an inner position relative to the patient's breast, positioning the patient's breast into one of a left cup opening and a right cup opening, positioning an outer grid plate holder at an outer position relative to the breast, and compressing the breast between the inner grid plate and the outer grid plate. The housing may include an upper portion, a bottom portion, a left support portion, and a right support portion, wherein the upper portion, the bottom portion, and the left support portion define the left cup opening, and the upper portion, the bottom portion, and the right support portion define the right cup opening. The inner grid plate holder may hold an inner grid plate, and the outer grid plate holder may hold an outer grid plate. The step of compressing the breast may include gradually moving the outer grid plate holder in an inner direction along a rail system and keeping the inner grid plate holder in a stationary position.

[0016] As disclosed herein, the method may include the step of actuating a release mechanism to enable outward movement of the outer grid plate holder. In some embodiments, the release mechanism may include a latch positioned between a first ratchet tooth and a second ratchet tooth to prevent rotation of a ratchet gear in one direction, and the step of actuating the release mechanism may include removing the latch from between the first ratchet tooth and the second ratchet tooth to enable the ratchet gear to rotate in that one direction.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the method may include the steps of pivoting the inner grid plate holder relative to a vertical axis and inserting an inner grid plate into the inner grid plate holder. In yet another embodiment, the method may include the step of pivoting the inner grid plate holder relative to the vertical axis up to approximately 30 degrees maximum. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]

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Figure 8C

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Various exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are specifically referred to, and such exemplary embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms and singular nouns such as "a", "an", "the", etc. are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. According to the invention disclosed herein, an MRI system for imaging a human breast region of a patient may include a breast coil including a housing and a receiving coil. The housing may include an upper portion, a bottom portion, a left support portion, and a right support portion, such that the upper portion, the bottom portion, and the left support portion define a left cup opening, and the upper portion, the bottom portion, and the right support portion define a right cup opening. The bottom portion of the housing may include a first side and a second side. The first side may be adjacent to the spine coil, and the first side and the spine coil are each disposed on a top plate. The second side may overlap the upper surface of the spine coil such that the upper surface of the bottom portion is substantially horizontal.

[0020] As disclosed herein, the breast coil may include a ramp that is releasably coupled to the housing. The ramp may be disposed at least partially on the upper surface of the spine coil. The ramp may be coupled to the housing with a screw fastener. Alternatively, the ramp may include a protrusion that can engage a recess of the housing. As disclosed herein, the breast coil may include a locking portion to prevent the ramp from separating from the housing.

[0021] As disclosed herein, the breast coil may include at least one diagnostic paddle. The at least one diagnostic paddle may be configured to be releasably coupled to the receiving coil by moving the at least one diagnostic paddle along an inner-outer axis.

[0022] As disclosed herein, the first side of the bottom portion of the housing may include a channel configured to receive a cable extending from the spine coil.

[0023] According to the invention disclosed in this specification, a method of operating an MRI system to image a patient's human breast region may include the step of providing a breast coil including a housing and a receiving coil. The housing may include an upper portion, a bottom portion, a left support portion, and a right support portion, such that the upper portion, the bottom portion, and the left support portion define a left cup opening, and the upper portion, the bottom portion, and the right support portion define a right cup opening. The bottom portion of the housing may include a first side and a second side. The method may further include the step of disposing, on a top plate, the first side of the bottom portion adjacent to a spinal coil, and the step of overlapping the upper surface of the spinal coil with the second side of the bottom portion such that the upper surface of the bottom portion is substantially horizontal.

[0024] As is known to those skilled in the art, elements in the design of a breast coil are generally formed using copper conductors and are typically formed in the form of a flexible printed circuit board (PCB). The elements may be constructed using a single PCB or may be formed using a number of PCBs with copper jumpers or electrical components that bridge adjacent compartments to form a continuous signal path. The width, thickness, and number of bends of the copper conductors used are selected according to the sensitivity of the optimized coil, as is well known in the art, and may vary according to the individual system in which the coils are used in cooperation and the magnetic field strength of the MRI system. The elements may be mounted on a frame structure for supporting the elements while the coil is being used for imaging, so that the elements do not bend or change position, although this is not essential. The frame structure may be constructed of a plastic material. At least a part of the frame should be sufficiently flexible to prevent cracking of the frame or the elements during use of the coil, while returning to its original shape when the weight is removed. Also, the design may include electronic components that are electrically connected to the elements of the breast coil design. These electronic components enable the received signals generated within the coil to be efficiently transmitted to other components of the MRI system in order to produce the desired image of the patient.

[0025] For purposes of illustration and not limitation, as shown in FIGS. 1A - 1B, the design of the breast coil 104 described herein includes a housing 106 that includes an upper portion 108 and a bottom portion 112. The bottom portion 112 of the housing 106 can rest on the top plate of an MRI system. The housing 106 can generally be provided with a portion designed to contact and support the chest wall of a patient lying prone on the upper part of the coil design. The housing 106 can include two recessed or cut - out portions designed to receive the patient's breasts, which are referred to herein as coil cups 118, 120. The coil cups 118, 120 can be defined by a left side 118a, 120a, a right side 118b, 120b, a head side 118c, 120c, and a foot side 118d, 120d and can be generally square - shaped or generally rectangular - shaped. However, it is contemplated that the coil cups are not limited to square or rectangular shapes. The coil cups can even be n - sided or circular. For the purposes of this application, a coil having a circular - shaped cup will be understood to have an infinite number of sides and thus more than the typical four sides. Also, it is contemplated that the coil cups 118, 120 can be surrounded on all sides except the top, or that the coil cups can be generally open on their sides such that there are no walls where there are no elements.

[0026] As described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,285,361, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, the housing 106 can enclose individual coil elements disposed within the breast coil 104. The breast coil 104 according to the invention disclosed herein includes loop elements that surround each side of each of the coil cups 118, 120, two sets of saddle elements, counter rotating current (CRC) elements at the bottom of each cup 118, 120, and elements that at least partially wrap both sides of the coil 104 across the width of the coil 104. The elements that wrap at least a portion of both sides of the coil can be surrounded by a rigid housing of the coil 104 or can be surrounded by a flexible housing that allows the elements to be positioned at a closer distance to the patient being imaged within the coil. Generally, it is possible to maximize the number of elements covering the anatomical structure to be imaged, and as a result, maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. However, for biopsy procedures or positioning access, it is necessary to allow access to the anatomical structure, and for this purpose, it is necessary to appropriately select the arrangement of the elements. One skilled in the art will recognize that numerous element layout configurations can be selected. According to the invention disclosed herein, the loop element can be positioned between the left cup 118 and the right cup 120, and the two saddle elements and the two CRC elements can be positioned at the bottom of each cup 118, 120. Further, the loop element is positioned on the upper surface of the left cup 118 and extends through the left support portion 114. Preferably, the loop element is positioned on the upper surface of the right cup 120 and extends through the right support portion 116. Also, the two CRC elements are located at the upper part of the coil, one below the breast cups 118, 120 and one above the breast cups 118, 120. Each of these two CRC elements extends across the width of the coil in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 8A and described in more detail below, some breast coils 104 can also include one or more diagnostic paddles 188 positioned on either or both of the left and right sides of the housing 106, and each of the diagnostic paddles can include additional coil elements disposed therein.As mentioned below, such a diagnostic paddle 188 can be removably coupled to the breast coil 104 so as to be fixed in a fixed position when coupled to the breast coil 104. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that alternative element configurations are also possible.

[0027] According to the invention disclosed herein, the breast coil design can be surrounded by a housing structure 106. The housing structure 106 is not limited to any particular design, but the housing structure 106 can be constructed of a combination of rigid materials such as rigid plastics or polymers, and a portion of the coil 104 can be constructed of a flexible material such as foam, rubberized polymer, or other similar materials. Without limitation, since the housing 106 can also be constructed from only rigid materials such as rigid plastics, the housing should be rigid overall or partially flexible. The housing 106 can be any material that appropriately protects the internal elements and associated electronics of the coil from any external contaminants such as moisture and dust, and the only limitation is that the material used to construct the housing does not affect the MR image created by the coil 104 and is required to support the patient's weight.

[0028] The housing 106 can be made from two or more types of materials. For example, the housing 106 can be constructed from a rigid plastic and can be covered with a second material such as vinyl or an antibacterial coating that allows for easy cleaning of the coil. Alternatively, a rigid housing integrated with a cushioning foam can be envisioned. Further, different materials can be used to house more sensitive electronic devices of the coil 104, such that a rigid plastic and a flexible foam can be used for the body of the coil housing while a different rigid plastic can be used to protect the electronic devices located at the central portion of the coil 104. Also, it is foreseen that the electronic devices can be located within the same housing 106 as the coil 104 elements, below the coil 104 elements, between the MRI table and the coil 104 elements, or at another location in the coil 104. The housing structure 106 can be shaped to conform not only to the design of the breast coil 104 but also to the general shape of the patient's chest and breast regions to provide a comfortable fit during patient imaging.

[0029] The coil 104 disclosed herein can be used to image the breasts and chest regions of a substantial majority of patients and does not require different sized coils 104 to obtain optimal imaging of the patient. However, it is foreseen that larger or smaller sized coils 104 will be created using the designs disclosed herein to provide optimal imaging for very large or very small patients.

[0030] In addition to imaging, it may sometimes be desirable for a healthcare provider to perform a biopsy of a patient's breast. Also, it may be desirable to use MRI imaging to guide a biopsy intervention device during the performance of a biopsy of a patient's breast. Accordingly, the breast coil 104 and the intervention device may be used in conjunction with one or more grating plates 154, 156 known in the art. In particular, the grating plate 156 located outside the patient's breast to be imaged can be moved in an inward direction to compress the patient's breast against the grating plate 154 located inside the patient's breast. In this way, the patient's breast can be held more firmly in place before receiving the intervention device, ensuring accurate insertion. Further, at least the outer grating plate 156 may include a pattern of holes configured in a grating pattern for the purpose of allowing the intervention device to pass through the grating plate 156 and to be positioned in space. The grating plate pattern can be any suitable shape, such as, for example, square, circular, or honeycomb. Also, either or both of the grating plates 154, 156 can be replaced with a solid plate without a pattern of holes, so that compression can be applied to the breast. Generally, a clinician will utilize the grating plates 154, 156 on either the inside or the outside of the breast being biopsied, and a solid plate on the other side, such that compression and needle access through the grating plates can be obtained, and compression can be applied by the solid plate in the opposite direction.

[0031] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, an MRI support structure 102 for imaging a patient's breast region is disclosed. The support structure 102 can include a housing 106, a rail system 130, an outer grid plate holder 134, and (referring to FIGS. 4A-4B) an inner grid plate holder 138. As described above, the housing 106 can include an upper portion 108 and a bottom portion 112, and the upper portion 108 can include a left support portion 114 and a right support portion 116. The left support portion 114 can define a left cup opening 118, and the right support portion 116 can include a right cup opening 120. Each of the left cup opening 118 and the right cup opening 120 can be defined by a left side 118a, 120a, a right side 118b, 120b, a head side 118c, 120c, and a foot side 118d, 120d, respectively. Further, the rail system 130 can include a plurality of individual rails 132 (referring to FIGS. 3A-3B), and each of the individual rails 132 is connected to the bottom surface 110 of the upper portion 108 of the housing 106. The outer grid plate holder 134 can include a ratchet mechanism 136 that engages the rail system 130 to enable the outer grid plate holder 134 to move gradually in an outer-inner direction along the rail system 130. To achieve this, each of the individual rails 132 can extend in an outer-inner direction along each of the head side 118c, 120c and the foot side 118d, 120d of at least one of the left cup opening 118 and the right cup opening 120. Further, the inner grid plate holder 138 can be connected to the upper surface 140 of the bottom portion 112 of the housing 106. It is envisioned that additional rails can be provided, for example, directly below the rails 132, to provide additional stability to the grid plate holders 134, 138.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2-3B, the individual rails 132 and the ratchet mechanism 136 can each include teeth 142, 144, which engage with each other to allow movement in the outer-inner direction along the rail 132 of the outer grid plate holder 134. Further, the ratchet mechanism 136 can include a release mechanism 146 that can be configured in a locked position or a released position. For example, the release mechanism 146 can include a latch 148 that engages with the ratchet teeth 144 of the ratchet gear 158. The ratchet teeth 144 are engaged with the rail teeth 142, and thus, the release mechanism 146 is in the locked position when the latch 148 is engaged with the ratchet teeth 144 and in the released position when the latch 148 is disengaged from the ratchet teeth 144. The release mechanism 146 can be moved from the locked position to the released position by pressing the push button 150. In this way, by releasing the push button 150, the push button 150 can be spring-biased toward the locked position so that the release mechanism 146 is moved back from the released position to the locked position by the spring 192. By using the ratchet mechanism 136, the operator can more easily position the outer grid plate holder 134 and the outer grid plate 156. For example, the ratchet mechanism 136 can enable the operator to advance the outer grid plate holder 134 and the outer grid plate 156 in the inner direction without unintentionally moving them in the outer direction. If the operator desires to move the outer grid plate holder 134 and the outer grid plate 156 in the outer direction, the release mechanism 146 can be easily moved from the locked position to the released position, thereby allowing movement in the outer direction until the release mechanism 146 is returned to the locked position. Other suitable embodiments of the release mechanism will also be known to those skilled in the art. For example, the release mechanism can include a knob, a handle, an electromechanical assembly, or any other suitable embodiment.

[0033] As described above, the outer grid plate 156 serves to allow the interventional device to pass through the outer grid plate 156, while compressing the patient's breast and positioning the interventional device in the space. Therefore, it may be essential to adjust the position of the outer grid plate 156 to allow the interventional device to pass through the holes of the outer grid plate 156 so that any area of the breast can be the subject of a biopsy. Thus, the outer grid plate holder base 190 may be configured to move vertically, as shown in FIG. 5. Referring now to FIG. 2, this can be achieved by sliding the outer grid plate holder base 190 vertically relative to the ratchet mechanism 136. For example, the outer grid plate holder base 190 and the ratchet mechanism 136 may mesh with a dovetail joint to allow free vertical movement of the outer grid plate holder base 190. The outer grid plate holder base 190 may be locked in place by engaging with a locking portion 186 to prevent unwanted vertical movement during invasive medical procedures. As seen in FIG. 2, according to the invention disclosed herein, the locking portion 186 may be a twist knob or a pull knob, although those skilled in the art will understand that many other suitable embodiments may be possible.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, improvements to the inner grid plate holder 138 are also being considered. In particular, commercially available grid plates that include an inner grid plate 154 are known to be enclosed in a sterilized environment. For the health and well-being of the patient, it is extremely important that this sterilized environment be maintained. Therefore, it is beneficial to minimize physical contact between the healthcare provider and the inner grid plate 154. Separately, as already disclosed and as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, in known breast coil systems, the inner grid plate 154 is generally disposed thereunder (see FIGS. 1A-1B) between the left cup opening 118 and the right cup opening 120. Therefore, it is difficult to equip the inner grid plate 154 into the inner grid plate holder 138 and may require disassembly of the housing 106, thereby compromising the sterility of the inner grid plate 154. To mitigate this, the inner grid plate holder 138 can be connected at a pivot point 152 to the upper surface 140 of the bottom portion 112 of the housing 106 (see FIG. 1B). The upper surface can also include two pivot points 152, one on each of the left and right sides, and the inner grid plate holder 138 can be transferred from one pivot point 152 to the other as needed. Alternatively, two separate inner grid plate holders 138 can be attached to each of the pivot points 152, respectively. Thus, by pivoting the inner grid plate holder 138 about a vertical axis, the inner grid plate 154 can be inserted into the inner grid plate holder 138 through the left cup opening 118 or the right cup opening 120, respectively, without the need for further disassembly of the housing 106. To properly position the inner grid plate holder 138 for insertion and removal of the inner grid plate 154, the inner grid plate holder 138 can be rotated approximately 30 degrees towards each of the cup openings 118, 120. Depending on the specific geometry of the housing 106, alternatively, it may be essential to rotate the inner grid plate holder 138 at 15 degrees, 45 degrees, or any other suitable angle. Further, either the inner grid plate holder 138 or the pivot point 152 can include a detent or any other suitable means to prevent unwanted rotation.Finally, to ensure the proper functioning of the inner grid plate 154, the inner grid plate holder 138 can be disposed between the left cup opening 118 and the right cup opening 120, and the outer grid plate holder 134 can be disposed at an outer position relative to the inner grid plate holder 138.

[0035] Here, a method for operating an MRI support structure according to the above disclosure is described. In particular, the method may include the step of laying the ventral side of the patient on the upper portion 108 of the housing 106 as described above. Since the ventral side of the patient is positioned on the upper portion 108, one of the patient's breasts can be positioned in one of the left cup opening 118 and the right cup opening 120 as necessary. As is known in the art, the unexamined breast, although not essential, can be supported by a baffle so as not to be positioned in the opposite cup openings 118, 120. The method may also include the step of positioning the inner grid plate holder 138 that holds the inner grid plate 154 at an inner position relative to the breast of the patient to be examined, and the step of positioning the outer grid plate holder 134 that holds the outer grid plate 156 at an outer position relative to the breast. Further, to support the patient's breast, the outer grid plate holder 134 is gradually moved inward along the rail system 130 while keeping the inner grid plate holder 138 in a stationary position, so that the breast can be compressed between the inner grid plate 154 and the outer grid plate 156.

[0036] After the examination of the breast or to adjust the compression of the breast, the release mechanism 146 is actuated to allow outward movement of the outer grid plate holder 134. Further, as described above, referring to FIGS. 3A - 3B, the release mechanism 146 can engage with the ratchet teeth 144 so as to be positioned between two individual ratchet teeth 144 to prevent rotation of the ratchet gear 158 in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Thus, the method may further include the step of actuating the release mechanism 146 by removing the latch 148 from its position between the individual ratchet teeth 144 so that the ratchet gear 158 can rotate in one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0037] Also as described above, referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, the inner grating plate 154 can be positioned before the patient lies on the upper portion 108. The inner grating plate holder 138 can be rotated at an angle with respect to the vertical, for example, about 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or other suitable angle, and the inner grating plate 154 can be slid into the inner grating plate holder 138. After the inner grating plate 154 is inserted, the inner grating plate holder 138 can be rotated back to the vertical and the patient can lie on the upper portion 108. Inserting the inner grating plate 154 into the inner grating plate holder 138 can occur before positioning the patient on the support structure 102, but can also occur after positioning the patient, depending on the physical configuration of the structure 102.

[0038] As is well known, MRI systems are generally used to image a patient's spinal and / or torso regions. Similar to breast coils, MRI systems typically use a special RF receiving coil, also known as a spinal coil, to image the spine. Many commercially available spinal coils have a generally rectangular form factor with length and width dimensions sized to image a patient's spinal and / or torso regions and a relatively small depth dimension. Thus, the resulting spinal coil is large and cumbersome to move, and as a result, MRI technicians often leave the spinal coil in a fixed position on the tabletop even when not in use. Therefore, the ease of operation of the breast coil can be improved by providing a form factor that allows the breast coil to be used without the need to move a pre-positioned spinal coil.

[0039] To achieve these goals, an MRI system having a breast coil 104 for imaging a patient's breast region is disclosed. The breast coil 104 can have each of the above-described features with respect to FIG. 1, including a support structure 102 having a housing 106 and a receive coil 122 configured to image the patient's breast region. As described above, the housing 106 can include an upper portion 108, a bottom portion 112, a left support portion 114, and a right support portion 116. The left support portion 114 can include a left cup opening 118, the right support portion 116 can include a right cup opening 120, and each of the left cup opening 118 and the right cup opening 120 can define a left side 118a, 120a, a right side 118b, 120b, a head side 118c, 120c, and a foot side 118d, 120d, respectively. Further, (referring to FIGS. 6A-6B,) the bottom portion 112 can be shaped to overlap a spine coil 124. In a non-limiting example, the bottom portion 112 can include a first side 112a positioned adjacent to the spine coil 124 and a second side 112b that overlaps the upper surface 128 of the spine coil 124 such that the upper surface 112c of the bottom portion 112 is substantially horizontal. To achieve proper alignment between the first side 112a and the spine coil 124, the first side 112a and the spine coil 124 can engage in a butt joint configuration. Alternatively, the first side 112a and the spine coil 124 can engage in any suitable manner, such as a dovetail configuration, for example, without limitation. As seen in FIGS. 6A-6B, the first side 112a of the bottom portion 112 of the housing 106 can include a channel 174 that receives the power and / or data cable 172 of the spine coil 124 and can accommodate an adjacent-arranged breast coil 104.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7, to enhance patient comfort, the breast coil 104 may further include an inclined path 170 on the foot side of the housing 106. According to the invention disclosed herein, the inclined path 170 may be releasably coupled to the housing 106. This can be achieved in a number of suitable ways. For example, the inclined path 170 may engage the housing 106 with a screw fastener, a hook, a clip, or any other suitable fastener. Additionally or alternatively, the inclined path 170 may include one of a protrusion 178 and a recess 180, which may respectively engage corresponding grooves or protrusions 178 of the housing 106. In a non-limiting example, the inclined path 170 may have a 3-inch square protrusion 178, and the housing 106 may have a 3-inch square recess 180, such that when the protrusion 178 is positioned within the recess 180, the inclined path 170 is prevented from moving in all directions except vertically. According to the invention disclosed herein, the inclined path 170 may be positioned partially on the housing 106 and partially on the upper surface 128 of the spinal coil 124. Alternatively, the inclined path may be positioned entirely on the upper surface 128 of the spinal coil 124 or entirely on the housing 106. As another example, the inclined path 170 may be fixed to the breast coil 104.

[0041] In scenarios where a biopsy is not required, the accuracy and quality of breast MRI images can be improved by increasing the number of RF receive coils used to image the patient's anatomy. As described above, a plurality of coils for imaging the breast may be included within the housing. However, due to the form factor of the housing, it may not be possible to adequately image the patient's breast from the outside. Therefore, a removable outer RF receive coil, also referred to as a diagnostic paddle, may be positioned on the left and / or right side of the breast coil when the intervention device is not in use. To achieve this, the diagnostic paddle may be releasably coupled mechanically and / or electrically to the left and / or right side of the breast coil, respectively.

[0042] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, (see FIG. 1A) the breast coil 104 may include at least one diagnostic paddle 188. Specifically, the breast coil 104 may utilize the diagnostic paddle 188 only on the side corresponding to the breast to be imaged, or the breast coil 104 may utilize the diagnostic paddle 188 on each of the left and right sides of the breast coil 104. To enable the exchange between the diagnostic paddle 188 and the intervention instrument, at least one diagnostic paddle 188 may be releasably coupled to the housing 106. As an example, this may be achieved by guiding the diagnostic paddle 188 along an inner-outer axis until the mechanical connector 188a and the electrical connector 188b of the diagnostic paddle 188 releasably engage corresponding connectors located at the bottom portion 112 of the housing 106. Alternatively, the connectors may be disposed at any other suitable location of the breast coil 104. Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, rails 132 may be used to support the diagnostic paddle 188 and to assist in positioning the paddle 188 in space. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, the diagnostic paddle 188 need not engage the rail teeth 142 shown in FIGS. 3A-3B and may simply slide over the rails 132. In an alternative embodiment, when the mechanical and electrical connection of the diagnostic paddle 188 to the breast coil 104 is complete, an LED on the outer surface of the diagnostic paddle may light up, thus providing a clear indication that the connection is complete.

[0043] In accordance with the disclosure herein, methods for operating an MRI system to image a patient's human breast region are also contemplated. For example, the method may include the step of providing a breast coil 104 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The method may further include the step of disposing on a top plate the first side 112a of the bottom portion 112 and the spine coil 124, with the first side 112a adjacent to the spine coil 124. As described above, the second side 112b of the bottom portion 112 may overlap the upper surface 128 of the spine coil 124 such that the upper surface 112c of the bottom portion 112 is substantially horizontal.

[0044] As described above, the method may also include the step of releasably coupling the ramp 170 to the housing 106, which may be accomplished by any of a screw fastener, or any other suitable means, by engaging corresponding grooves and recesses. Also as described above, it may be desirable to use the breast coil 104 in conjunction with the diagnostic paddle 188. Therefore, the method may further include the step of releasably coupling at least one diagnostic paddle 188 to the receiving coil 122 by moving at least one diagnostic paddle 188 along an inner-outer axis.

[0045] As described above, the breast coil 104 can be configured to be used without the need to remove the spinal coil 124 from the MRI system when the spinal coil 124 is not in use. To achieve this, the top plate can consist of a first top plate portion connected to a second top plate portion, and the method includes the steps of placing the first side 112a of the bottom portion 112 of the housing 106 on the first top plate portion, placing the spinal coil 124 on the second top plate portion, and positioning the first top plate portion adjacent to the second top plate portion. To join the first top plate portion and the second top plate portion, the first top plate portion can include a first connector that is electrically communicative with the breast coil 104, and the second top plate portion can include a second connector that is engagable with the first connector. In this way, the breast coil 104 can utilize the cable 172 of the spinal coil 124 to transmit power and / or data. Thus, the method can include the step of routing the cable 172 through the channel 174. More specifically, the spinal coil 124 can be connected to the breast coil 104 via a connector on the patient top plate without the use of a cable, or the spinal coil cable 172 can extend from the breast coil 104 in the opposite direction to the MRI system and be connected to the MRI system. Both the spinal coil 124 and the breast coil 104 can be present during a breast MRI examination, but generally are not used simultaneously to image the anatomical structure, so it is also possible for the breast coil 104 to utilize the mating connector to the spinal coil, and thus power to the breast coil 104 and the MRI signal from the breast coil 104 can thus continue through the spinal coil 124 and be sent to the MRI system.

[0046] While the invention disclosed in this specification is described in terms of certain exemplary embodiments herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements can be made to the invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed herein. Further, even if an individual feature of one embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is discussed herein or shown in the drawings of one embodiment and not in other embodiments, it will be apparent that an individual feature of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment, or features from a plurality of embodiments.

[0047] In addition to the specific embodiments claimed below, the invention disclosed herein also contemplates other embodiments having any other possible combination of the dependent features claimed below and disclosed above. Accordingly, the specific features recited in the dependent claims and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other ways within the scope of the invention disclosed herein, and thus the invention disclosed herein should be recognized as specifically contemplating other embodiments having any other possible combination. Therefore, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the invention disclosed herein has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention disclosed herein to the embodiments disclosed.

[0048] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the methods and systems of the invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, the invention disclosed herein is intended to cover modifications and variations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) support structure for imaging a breast region of a patient, comprising: a housing including a top portion, a bottom portion, a left support portion, and a right support portion, the top portion, the bottom portion, and the left support portion defining a left cup opening, and the top portion, the bottom portion, and the right support portion defining a right cup opening; a rail system comprising a plurality of rails, each rail coupled to a bottom surface of the upper portion; an outer grid plate holder including a ratchet mechanism engaged with the rail system and configured to move incrementally inwardly along the rail system; an inner grid plate holder connected to an upper surface of the bottom portion; A support structure comprising:

2. each of the plurality of rails includes a plurality of rail teeth; The support structure of claim 1 , wherein the ratchet mechanism comprises a plurality of ratchet teeth configured to engage the plurality of rail teeth.

3. the ratchet mechanism further comprises a release mechanism comprising a latch and a push button; the release mechanism is in a locked position when the latch is engaged with the ratchet teeth; the release mechanism is in a released position when the latch is disengaged from the ratchet teeth; The support structure of claim 2 , wherein the release mechanism is moved from the locked position to the released position in response to depression of the push button.

4. The support structure of claim 3 , wherein said push button is spring biased toward said locked position.

5. the plurality of rails comprises a first rail and a second rail; The support structure of claim 1 , wherein the ratchet mechanism comprises a first ratchet gear engaged with the first rail and a second ratchet gear engaged with the second rail.

6. The support structure of claim 1 , wherein the outer grid plates are vertically movable.

7. The support structure of claim 1 , wherein the inner grid plate holder is connected to the bottom portion of the housing at a pivot point and configured to rotate about a vertical axis at the pivot point.

8. The support structure of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of rails extends in a lateral-medial direction along each of a head side and a foot side of at least one of the left cup opening and the right cup opening.

9. the inner grid plate holder is disposed between the left cup opening and the right cup opening, The support structure of claim 1 , wherein the outer grid plate holder is disposed at an outer position relative to the inner grid plate holder.

10. 1. A method of operating an MRI support structure for imaging a human breast region of a patient, comprising: lying the patient ventrally on a housing including a top portion, a bottom portion, a left support portion, and a right support portion, the top portion, the bottom portion, and the left support portion defining a left cup opening, and the top portion, the bottom portion, and the right support portion defining a right cup opening; positioning an inner grid plate holder holding an inner grid plate in an inner position relative to the patient's breast; positioning the patient's breast in one of the left cup opening and the right cup opening; positioning an outer grid plate holder for holding an outer grid plate in an outer position relative to the breast; compressing the breast between the inner and outer grid plates, the step including gradually moving the outer grid plate holder inward along a rail system and keeping the inner grid plate holder in a stationary position; A method comprising:

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of actuating a release mechanism to allow outward movement of the outer grid plate holder.

12. the release mechanism includes a latch positioned between the first ratchet tooth and the second ratchet tooth to prevent rotation of the ratchet gear in a certain direction; 12. The method of claim 11, wherein actuating the release mechanism includes removing the latch from between the first ratchet teeth and the second ratchet teeth to allow the ratchet wheel to rotate in the one direction.

13. pivoting the inner grid plate holder about a vertical axis; inserting the inner grid plate into the inner grid plate holder; The method of claim 10 further comprising:

14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising pivoting the inner grid plate holder up to about 30 degrees relative to the vertical axis.

15. 1. An MRI support structure for imaging a human breast region of a patient, comprising: a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion; a rail system connected to the bottom portion of the housing, the rail system comprising a plurality of rails oriented in an outward-inward direction, each of the plurality of rails comprising a plurality of rail teeth; an outer grid plate holder including a plurality of ratchets configured to respectively engage with each of the plurality of rails; each of the ratchets includes a ratchet gear having ratchet teeth engaged with the rail teeth and a release mechanism including a latch and a push button; the release mechanism is in a locked position when the latch is engaged with the ratchet teeth; the release mechanism is in a released position when the latch is disengaged from the ratchet teeth; A support structure that, in response to depression of the push button, moves the release mechanism from the locked position to the released position.

16. The support structure of claim 15 , wherein the outer grid plate holders move incrementally inwardly when the release mechanism is in the locked position.

17. The support structure of claim 16 , wherein the outer grid plate holders are free to move in each of the inward and outward directions when the release mechanism is in the release position.

18. The support structure of claim 17 , wherein the push button is spring biased towards the locked position.

19. The support structure of claim 15 , wherein the outer grid plate holder is vertically movable.

20. 20. The support structure of claim 19, further comprising a stop to prevent movement of the outer grid plate holder in the vertical direction.

Images