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 system for imaging the breast region of a patient comprises a breast coil comprising: 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; and a receive coil configured to image the breast region of the patient. The bottom portion of the housing comprises: a first side adjacent to a spine coil, the first side and the spine coil each being disposed on a tabletop; and a second side overlapping the top surface of the spine coil such that the top surface of the bottom portion is approximately horizontal.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 typically 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 required 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 an 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, but clinically, 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 an MRI system is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,482,809 and U.S. Patent No. 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 subject. 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 an apparatus for invasive medical treatment.

[0007] MRI breast imaging is most typically performed with the patient in the prone position such that the breasts hang down. Therefore, a structure is required 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 spine coil. Here, the spine 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, the biopsy needle is typically inserted from the left or right side of the patient. Therefore, it is necessary to approach the breast from both the lateral (outer) and medial (inner) 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 touch unsterilized items and thus 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 will be described below, will become apparent from the following description, and will be acquired 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 this specification, the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

[0012] According to the invention disclosed in this specification, an MRI system for imaging a patient's human breast region may include a housing and a breast coil including 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.

[0013] As disclosed in this specification, the breast coil may include an inclined path releasably coupled to the housing. The inclined path may be disposed at least partially on the upper surface of the spine coil. The inclined path may be coupled to the housing with a screw fastener. Alternatively, the inclined path may include a protrusion engageable with a recess of the housing. As disclosed in this specification, the breast coil may include a locking portion for preventing the inclined path from separating from the housing. As disclosed in this specification, 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.

[0014] As disclosed in this specification, the first side of the bottom portion of the housing may include a channel configured to receive a cable extending from the spine coil.

[0015] 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 spine coil, and the step of overlapping the upper surface of the spine coil with the second side of the bottom portion such that the upper surface of the bottom portion is substantially horizontal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6A

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Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 8C

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Various exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are specifically referred to, and such exemplary embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. When 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 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.

[0018] As disclosed herein, the breast coil may include an inclined path that is releasably connected to the housing. The inclined path may be disposed at least partially on the upper surface of the spine coil. The inclined path may be connected to the housing with a screw fastener. Alternatively, the inclined path may include a protrusion that can engage with a recess of the housing. As disclosed herein, the breast coil may include a locking portion for preventing the inclined path from separating from the housing.

[0019] As disclosed herein, a breast coil may include at least one diagnostic paddle. The at least one diagnostic paddle may be configured to be releasably coupled to a receive coil by moving the at least one diagnostic paddle along an inner-outer axis.

[0020] As disclosed herein, the first side of the bottom portion of the housing may include a channel configured to receive a cable extending from a spine coil.

[0021] According to the invention disclosed herein, a method of operating an MRI system to image a patient's human breast region may include providing a breast coil including a housing and a receive 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 disposing the first side of the bottom portion adjacent to a spine coil on a top plate, and overlapping an upper surface of the spine coil with the second side of the bottom portion such that an upper surface of the bottom portion is substantially horizontal.

[0022] As is known to those skilled in the art, elements in the design of breast coils are generally formed using copper conductors and are typically in the form of flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs). The above elements can be constructed using a single PCB or can be formed using multiple PCBs with copper jumpers or electrical components that bridge adjacent sections 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 can vary according to the individual system in which the coils are used in cooperation and the magnetic field strength of the MRI system. The above elements can 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 the position of the elements does not change, but this is not essential. The frame structure can be constructed of a plastic material. At least a part of the frame should be flexible enough to prevent cracking of the frame or elements during use of the coil, while returning to its original shape when the weight is removed. Also, the design can 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 parts of the MRI system in order to create the desired image of the patient.

[0023] 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-away 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 or generally rectangular in shape. 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.

[0024] As described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,285,361, which is incorporated herein 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 surrounding 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 at least partially wrapping both sides of the breast coil 104 across the width of the breast coil 104. The elements at least partially wrapping both sides of the coil can be surrounded by a rigid housing of the breast coil 104 or can be surrounded by a flexible housing allowing 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. Those skilled in the art will notice 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 positioned 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.

[0025] 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 plastic or polymer, and a portion of the breast 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 a rigid material such as rigid plastic, 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 breast coil 104 and is required to support the patient's weight.

[0026] 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 also 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 the more sensitive electronics of the breast 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 electronics located at the central portion of the breast coil 104. Also, it is foreseen that the electronics can be located within the same housing 106 as the breast coil 104 element, under the breast coil 104 element, between the MRI table and the breast coil 104 element, or at another location in the breast coil 104. The housing structure 106 can be shaped to conform to the general shape of the patient's chest and breast region in addition to the design of the breast coil 104 to provide a comfortable fit during patient imaging.

[0027] The breast 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 breast coils 104 to obtain optimal imaging of the patient. However, it is foreseen that larger or smaller sized breast coils 104 will be created using the designs disclosed herein to provide optimal imaging for very large or very small patients.

[0028] In addition to imaging, there may be times when it is 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. Thus, the breast coil 104 and the intervention device can 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 position before receiving the intervention device, ensuring accurate insertion. Further, at least the outer grating plate 156 can 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 of 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.

[0029] 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, 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 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 allow 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.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 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 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.

[0031] 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 with respect to the ratchet mechanism 136. For example, the outer grid plate holder base 190 and the ratchet mechanism 136 may mesh with a dovetail 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 the 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.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, improvements to the inner grid plate holder 138 are also being considered. In particular, commercially available grid plates, including the inner grid plate 154, are known to be enclosed in a sterile environment. For the health and well-being of the patient, it is extremely important that this sterile 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 the sterilization of the inner grid plate 154 may be impaired because the housing 106 may need to be disassembled. 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 may 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 respectively attached to each of the pivot points 152. 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.

[0033] 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 needed. As is known in the art, the breast that is not being examined, although not essential, can be supported by a shielding plate so as not to be positioned in the opposite cup openings 118, 120. The method may also include 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 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.

[0034] After the examination of the breast or to adjust the compression of the breast, the release mechanism 146 is actuated to allow the outer grid plate holder 134 to move outward. 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.

[0035] As also described above, referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, the inner grid plate 154 can be positioned before the patient lies on the upper portion 108. The inner grid plate holder 138 can be rotated relative to the vertical at, for example, about 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or other suitable angle, and the inner grid plate 154 can be slid into the inner grid plate holder 138. After the inner grid plate 154 is inserted, the inner grid plate holder 138 can be rotated back to vertical and the patient can lie on the upper portion 108. Inserting the inner grid plate 154 into the inner grid 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.

[0036]

[0035] As is well known, MRI systems are commonly used to image a patient's spinal and / or torso regions. Similar to breast coils, MRI systems typically image the spine using a special RF receive coil, also known as a spine coil. Many commercially available spine 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 spine coil is large and cumbersome to move, and as a result, MRI technicians often leave the spine 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 spine coil.

[0037] 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 the 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, for example, a tongue and groove configuration, 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 the breast coil 104 in an adjacent arrangement.

[0038] 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, hook, 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 can 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.

[0039] 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 instrument 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.

[0040] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the breast coil 104 (see FIG. 1A) 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 device, 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 diagnostic 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.

[0041] According to 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, on the upper surface 128 of the spine coil 124, the second side 112b of the bottom portion 112 may overlap such that the upper surface 112c of the bottom portion 112 is substantially horizontal.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 a 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 can engage 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. Accordingly, 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 connect 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 anatomical structures, so the breast coil 104 can also utilize a mating connector to the spinal coil, and thus power to the breast coil 104 and the MRI signal from the breast coil 104 continue through the spinal coil 124 and are thus sent to the MRI system.

[0044] While the invention disclosed in this specification is described in terms of specific 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.

[0045] The invention disclosed herein is also directed to other embodiments having any other conceivable combination of the dependent features claimed below and disclosed above in addition to the specific embodiments claimed below. Thus, 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 being specifically directed to other embodiments having any other conceivable combination. Accordingly, 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.

[0046] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in 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 include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for imaging a human breast region of a patient, comprising: Equipped with a breast coil, The breast coil comprises: 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 receive coil configured to image a breast region of the patient; The bottom portion of the housing is a first side adjacent to a spinal coil, the first side and the spinal coil each being disposed on a tabletop; and a second side overlying an upper surface of the spine coil such that an upper surface of the base portion is generally horizontal.

2. The MRI system of claim 1 , wherein the breast coil further comprises a ramp releasably coupled to the housing.

3. The MRI system of claim 2 , wherein the ramp is disposed at least partially on the top surface of the spine coil.

4. The MRI system of claim 2 , wherein the ramp is coupled to the housing with a threaded fastener.

5. The MRI system of claim 2 , wherein the ramp comprises a protrusion matable with a recess in the housing.

6. The MRI system of claim 1 , wherein the breast coil further comprises at least one diagnostic paddle.

7. The MRI system of claim 6 , wherein the at least one diagnostic paddle is configured to be releasably coupled to the receive coil by moving the at least one diagnostic paddle along a medial-lateral axis.

8. The MRI system of claim 1 , wherein the first side of the bottom portion of the housing includes a channel configured to receive a cable extending from the spine coil.

9. 1. A method of operating an MRI system to image a human breast region of a patient, comprising: providing a breast coil 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, and a receive coil configured to image a breast region of the patient; disposing a first side of the bottom portion and a spine coil on a top plate, the first side being adjacent to the spine coil; overlapping a top surface of the spinal coil with a second side of the base portion such that the top surface of the base portion is generally horizontal; A method comprising:

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the breast coil further comprises a ramp, further comprising the step of releasably coupling the ramp to the housing.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein releasably coupling the ramp to the housing comprises coupling the ramp to the housing with a threaded fastener.

12. The method of claim 10 , wherein releasably coupling the ramp to the housing comprises interlocking a protrusion of the ramp into a recess of the housing.

13. The method of claim 9 , further comprising the step of releasably coupling at least one diagnostic paddle to the receive coil by moving the at least one diagnostic paddle along a medial-lateral axis.

14. the top plate comprises a first top plate portion connected to a second top plate portion; disposing the first side of the bottom portion on the first top portion; disposing the spinal coil on the second tabletop portion; positioning the first top plate portion adjacent to the second top plate portion; The method of claim 9 further comprising:

15. the first top portion includes a first connector in electrical communication with the breast coil; the second top panel portion includes a second connector; The method of claim 14 further comprising mating the first connector with the second connector.

16. the spinal coil further comprising a cable; the bottom portion of the housing comprises a channel; The method of claim 9 further comprising routing the cable through the channel.

17. 1. A breast coil for imaging a human 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 ramp configured to support a ventral side of the patient, the ramp releasably coupled to the housing; a receive coil configured to image a breast region of the patient; A breast coil comprising:

18. 20. The breast coil of claim 17, wherein the ramp is releasably coupled to the housing with a threaded fastener.

19. the ramp comprises a protrusion; The housing has a recess, The breast coil of claim 17 , wherein the protrusions are matable with the recesses.

20. 20. The breast coil of claim 17, further comprising a stop to prevent the ramp from separating from the housing.

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