Reception coil unit and magnetic resonance imaging device

Abstract

To provide a reception coil unit that reduces a burden of an inspection engineer in MRI examination, is easy to attach, and enables stable imaging with a magnetic resonance imaging device, and a magnetic resonance imaging device.SOLUTION: A reception coil unit 1 has an apron shape, and includes: a body part 11 arranged with a plurality of reception coils that receive a magnetic resonance signal from a subject and covering front and sides of the subject; a first band-shaped part 13 and a second band-shaped part 13 each having one end portion connected to an upper part of the body part 11 and having a band shape extending over both shoulders of the subject; and a first belt 15 and a second belt 15 connected to the other end portions of the first band-shaped part 13 and the second band-shaped part 13 and capable of approaching to and separating from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a receiving coil unit and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for an apron-shaped receiving coil unit that can be worn by a subject. [Background technology]

[0002] In an MRI examination using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, radio frequency (RF) waves at the element-specific resonance frequency are irradiated onto the subject's examination area, the generated nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are received by a receiving coil (also called an "RF coil"), and an image (MRI image) is generated from the received NMR signals. Therefore, the subject must wear a receiving coil to receive the nuclear magnetic resonance signals at the examination area.

[0003] For example, when imaging a subject's abdomen using a magnetic resonance imaging device, the technician attaches an abdominal receiving coil unit to the subject after the subject lies on the bed of the magnetic resonance imaging device.

[0004] On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a receiving coil unit that can be worn by hanging it over one shoulder of the subject before the subject lies down on the bed. The receiving coil unit of Patent Document 1 is hung over one shoulder so that receiving coils can be worn on the front and back sides of the subject before the subject lies down on the bed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,255,977 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, as mentioned above, when a technician attaches a receiving coil to a subject lying on a bed, the technician must carefully move the large receiving coil from the storage shelf, which increases the burden on the technician.

[0007] Furthermore, when a receiving coil is attached to a patient lying on a bed, the technician must fasten the receiving coil with a fastening belt, which increases the technician's workload. Additionally, the technician must connect the magnetic resonance imaging device main body and the receiving coil with a connection cable, which also increases the technician's workload.

[0008] Furthermore, in the receiver coil unit of Patent Document 1, the receiver coil is hung from one shoulder of the subject, which makes the attachment of the receiver coil to the subject unstable. Also, the receiver coil unit of Patent Document 1 requires two connection points, one shoulder and one flank, which may cause discomfort to the subject during an MRI examination.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a receiving coil unit and a magnetic resonance imaging device that reduce the burden on the technician during MRI examinations, are easy to wear, and enable stable imaging with the magnetic resonance imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the receiving coil unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is an apron-shaped receiving coil unit, comprising: a main body portion in which a plurality of receiving coils for receiving magnetic resonance signals from the subject are arranged and which covers the front and sides of the subject; a first band-shaped portion and a second band-shaped portion each having one end connected to the upper part of the main body and having a band shape that rests on both shoulders of the subject; and a first belt and a second belt connected to the other ends of the first band-shaped portion and the second band-shaped portion and which are capable of being attached to and detached from each other.

[0011] According to the present invention, an apron-shaped receiving coil unit is provided which is composed of a main body, first and second band-shaped portions, and first and second belts, thereby reducing the burden on the technician during an MRI examination, making it easy to wear, and enabling stable imaging using a magnetic resonance imaging device.

[0012] In the receiver coil unit according to the second aspect, it is preferable that a plurality of receiver coils are arranged in the first strip-shaped portion and the second strip-shaped portion.

[0013] In the receiver coil unit according to the third aspect, the first belt and the second belt are preferably configured to be movable toward and away from each other by a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0014] In the receiver coil unit according to the fourth aspect, the total weight of the first belt and the second belt is preferably 20% or more of the weight of the main body portion.

[0015] In the receive coil unit according to the fifth aspect, the main body preferably has a connector for connecting a receive cable that is connected to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

[0016] In the receive coil unit according to the sixth aspect, the connector is preferably placed at a position corresponding to the chest of the subject.

[0017] The receiver coil unit according to the seventh aspect preferably further comprises an additional element connected to an end of the main body, in which a plurality of receiver coils are arranged and which covers the front and sides of the subject.

[0018] The receive coil unit according to the eighth aspect preferably further comprises a fixing belt attached to the main body for fixing the subject to the table of the bed of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

[0019] The receive coil unit according to the ninth aspect preferably further comprises a wrapping belt for wrapping the main body around the trunk of the subject.

[0020] A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to a tenth aspect includes the receive coil unit according to any one of the first to ninth aspects. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, the burden on the technician during an MRI examination can be reduced, and a stable MRI examination can be performed without causing discomfort to the subject. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (MRI apparatus). [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the MRI apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing the examination preparation process for a conventional MRI examination. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing the examination preparation process for an MRI examination when the apron-shaped receive coil unit of the present invention is used. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an apron-shaped receiving coil unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of an apron-shaped receiving coil unit worn by a subject. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a view from behind of a subject wearing an apron-shaped receiving coil unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an apron-shaped receiver coil unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an apron-shaped receiver coil unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an apron-shaped receiver coil unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an apron-shaped receive coil unit to which a number of additional elements are connected. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an apron-shaped receiver coil unit according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a subject is fixed to a top board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a receiving coil unit and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] [External view of MRI device] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (MRI apparatus). A receive coil unit according to the present invention is worn by a subject (subject) when an MRI examination is performed using the MRI apparatus 100.

[0025] The MRI apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a gantry 110 and a bed 130 having a table 132 arranged in front of a bore 120, which is a cylindrical imaging space provided in the gantry 110.

[0026] [Internal structure of an MRI device] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the MRI apparatus shown in FIG.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the MRI device 100 includes a static magnetic field generating magnet 104 that generates a uniform static magnetic field in the imaging space in which the subject P is placed, a gradient magnetic field coil 106 that generates a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space, an RF (Radio Frequency) coil (transmitting coil) 108 that generates a high-frequency magnetic field that generates nuclear magnetic resonance signals (NMR signals) in the nuclei of atoms that make up the tissues of the subject P, and a receiving coil unit 1 that includes a receiving coil 3 that detects the NMR signals generated from the subject P.

[0028] The receiving coil unit 1 is attached to the subject P before the subject P lies down on the bed 130, and after the receiving coil unit 1 is attached, the subject lies down on the bed 130. The subject P is usually placed in the imaging space lying down on a top board 132 of the bed 130. The receiving coil unit 1 will be described in detail later.

[0029] The sequencer 118 sends commands to the radio frequency magnetic field generator 112 and the gradient magnetic field power supply 116 in accordance with an imaging sequence (pulse sequence), causing them to generate a radio frequency magnetic field and a gradient magnetic field, respectively. The generated radio frequency magnetic field is applied to the subject P as a pulsed radio frequency magnetic field (RF pulse) via the transmitting coil 108. The NMR signal generated from the subject P is received by the receiving coil unit 1.

[0030] The gradient magnetic field coil 106 is composed of gradient magnetic field coils in three directions, X, Y, and Z, and generates gradient magnetic fields in response to signals from a gradient magnetic field power supply 116 .

[0031] The sequencer 118 controls each component so that it operates at pre-programmed timing and intensity. The program, which particularly describes the timing and intensity of RF pulses, gradient magnetic fields, and signal reception, is called a pulse sequence.

[0032] There are various known pulse sequences depending on the purpose, but the details thereof will be omitted here.

[0033] The control unit 140 controls the operation of the MRI apparatus 100 via the sequencer 118 and performs various signal processing such as image reconstruction.

[0034] The control unit 140 can be configured using a computer. The computer applied to the control unit 140 may be a personal computer or a workstation.

[0035] The control unit 140 receives various instruction inputs from the operation unit 150, controls each unit of the MRI apparatus 100, and performs processes such as converting the echo signals in the spatial frequency domain received from the receiver 114 into images in real space by inverse Fourier transform, thereby generating MRI images.

[0036] The operation unit 150 includes a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and functions as part of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that uses a display operation window on a display (not shown) to accept input from an operator.

[0037] That is, the operation unit 150 and the display function as a GUI for the operator to start and stop (pause) the MRI apparatus 100, select a pulse sequence, and input imaging conditions and processing conditions. The operation unit 150 in this example also functions as an operation unit (operation buttons) used when the operator raises the bed 130 (top board 132) at the start of an examination or when the subject withdraws the bed 130 (top board 132) from the gantry 110 at the end of the examination. In the example described with reference to FIG. 2 , data obtained by the receiving coil unit 1 (data including an NMR signal detected by the receiving coil 3) is input to the receiver 114 via a receiving cable K, where it is subjected to AD conversion and then input to the control unit 140. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, data may be input to the control unit 140 wirelessly. Specifically, the data obtained by the receiving coil unit 1 may be subjected to AD conversion by an AD converter provided in the receiving coil unit 1 and then transmitted to the control unit 140 via a wireless device (radio wave or optical wireless) built into the receiving coil unit 1.

[0038] Next, a conceptual explanation will be given of the preparation process for an MRI examination using the MRI apparatus 100. Fig. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing the preparation process for a conventional MRI examination. Fig. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing the preparation process for an MRI examination when the apron-shaped receive coil unit 1 of the present invention is used.

[0039] First, the examination preparation process for a conventional MRI examination will be described.

[0040] 3(A) shows the process of the subject P entering the examination room, and FIG. 3(B) shows the process of the subject P lying on the top board 132 of the bed 130 of the MRI apparatus 100 and having the receiving coil unit F attached to him. In this way, when an MRI examination is performed using a conventional receiving coil unit F, the subject P lies on the top board 132, and then the receiving coil unit F is attached by the medical technician N.

[0041] In this case, the technician N must select and carry the receiver coil unit F that is suitable for the subject P from a storage shelf S in which multiple types and sizes of receiver coil units are stored. Furthermore, the technician N must carefully attach the large receiver coil unit F to the subject P after the subject P lies down on the tabletop 132. Furthermore, the technician N must secure the subject P to the tabletop 132 with a fixing belt (not shown in FIG. 3 ) that is separate from the receiver coil unit F, which requires a lot of work. Furthermore, the technician N must connect the receiver coil unit F to the MRI apparatus 100 with a receiving cable (not shown in FIG. 3 ), which requires a lot of work to handle. Thus, conventionally, the preparation process for an MRI examination places a heavy burden on the technician N.

[0042] Next, a test preparation process for an MRI test using the apron-shaped receive coil unit 1 of the present invention will be described.

[0043] Fig. 4(A) shows the process of subject P entering the examination room, Fig. 4(B) shows the process of subject P putting on the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 after entering or leaving the examination room, Fig. 4(C) shows the process of fixing subject P to the tabletop 132 with a fixing belt, and Fig. 4(D) shows the process of connecting the MRI apparatus 100 and the receiving coil unit 1 with a receiving cable. Note that Fig. 4 shows the fixing belt 31a, the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 having the connector 19, and the additional element 27, which will be explained in detail later.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), the subject P enters an examination room and puts on the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 hanging on a dedicated rack. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4(C), the subject P wearing the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 lies on the tabletop 132 of the MRI apparatus 100. Then, the medical technician N fixes the subject P to the tabletop 132 with the fixing belt 31a of the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1. The fixing belt 31a is attached to the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 as a part of the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1.

[0045] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4(D), a receiving cable K, which connects to the MRI apparatus 100, is connected to a connector 19 provided at a corresponding position on the chest of the subject P.

[0046] In this way, when the conventional receiving coil unit F is replaced with the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 of the present invention, the examination preparation process for an MRI examination can be improved. Specifically, by using the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1, the medical technician N does not need to move the receiving coil unit from the storage shelf S, and the medical technician N does not need to move the receiving coil unit and carefully attach it to the subject P after the subject P lies down on the tabletop 132. Furthermore, if the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 has a fixing belt 31a, the medical technician N can fix the subject P to the tabletop 132 without having to handle the fixing belt 31a in a special way. Furthermore, if the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 has a connector 19, the medical technician N can connect the receiving cable K to the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 without having to handle the receiving cable K in a special way.

[0047] Next, the apron-shaped receive coil unit 1 will be described in detail.

[0048] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1. Fig. 6 is a diagram of a subject P wearing the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1, viewed from the side. Fig. 7 is a diagram of a subject P wearing the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1, viewed from behind.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5, the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 has an apron main body (main body) 11, shoulder parts (first and second band-shaped parts) 13, and a wearing belt (first and second belts) 15. The apron main body 11 has a plurality of receiving coils 3, and receives nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals generated by the receiving coils 3. In Fig. 5, some of the receiving coils 3 are shown and the rest are omitted, but the receiving coils 3 are arranged over the entire surface of the apron main body 11. Note that the receiving coils 3 are also omitted from the subsequent drawings.

[0051] 6, the apron main body 11 is wider in the region (lateral region) corresponding to the armpits and flanks of the subject P, and can be bent along the flanks of the subject P. This allows an MRI examination to be performed on the armpits and flanks of the subject P wearing the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1.

[0052] The shoulder portion 13 corresponds to both shoulders of the subject P, and has one end connected to the upper part of the apron main body 11. It has a band shape that is placed on each shoulder of the subject P, and bends along the shoulders of the subject P as shown in FIG. 6. The shoulder portion 13 preferably has a width that allows it to be stably placed on the shoulders in a band shape. Furthermore, multiple receiving coils 3 may be arranged on the shoulder portion 13, similar to the apron main body 11. By arranging the receiving coils 3 on the shoulder portion 13, an MRI examination of the shoulders of the subject P can be performed.

[0053] The attachment belts 15 are crossed around the back of the subject P to attach the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 to the subject P. The attachment belts 15 are configured to be detachable from each other using hook-and-loop fasteners (Magic Tape (registered trademark)). This allows the subject P to lie face-up on the tabletop 132 without any attachment hardware on the back. The attachment belts 15 are also weighted to a certain extent so that the weight of the attachment belts 15 is balanced with the weight of the apron main body 11 on the front side, with the subject P's shoulders as the fulcrum. For example, the total weight of the attachment belts 15 is 20% to 80% of the weight of the apron main body 11, and preferably 30% to 80%. The attachment belts 15 are made of a material such as rubber.

[0054] As explained above, the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 can be worn by the subject P by himself / herself and can be fastened at one point behind the subject P for easy wearing. In addition, the attachment belts 15 can be attached and detached using hook-and-loop fasteners, so metal fittings are placed on the back of the subject P and do not interfere with lying on his / her back.

[0055] (Second embodiment) Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment of the apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1. The apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1 of this embodiment has a wrapping belt 17 for wrapping around the subject P.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0057] The apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 of this embodiment has an apron main body 11, shoulder parts 13, a wearing belt 15, and a wrapping belt 17.

[0058] The wrapping belts 17 are belts for wrapping the apron main body 11 around the torso of the subject P. Specifically, the wrapping belts 17 can be passed under the sides of the subject P and secured on the back. The wrapping belts 17 preferably have a constant width so that they can be stably wrapped around the torso of the subject P. Furthermore, the wrapping belts 17 are preferably connected to each other with hook-and-loop fasteners (Magic Tape (registered trademark)).

[0059] In this way, since the apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1 has the wrapping belt 17, the apron main body 11 can be stably attached to the subject P, and a stable MRI examination can be performed.

[0060] (Third embodiment) Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment of the apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1. The apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1 of this embodiment has a connector for connecting a receiver cable.

[0061] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0062] The apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 of this embodiment has an apron main body 11, shoulder parts 13, a wearing belt 15, and a connector 19.

[0063] The connector 19 is provided on the apron main body 11 at a position corresponding to the chest of the subject P. The connector 19 is formed, for example, by a socket, and a receiving cable K, which is connected to the MRI apparatus 100, is connected to the connector 19. By providing the connector 19 at a position corresponding to the chest of the subject P in this way, the labor required by the technician N to handle the receiving cable can be reduced.

[0064] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1 will be described. In the apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1 of this embodiment, an additional element 27 for increasing the size is joined to the end of the apron main body 11. The receiver coil unit 1 having the additional element 27 can transmit data acquired by the additional element 27 (data including the NMR signal detected by the receiver coil 3) from the apron main body 11 to the MRI apparatus 100 via, for example, the connector 19 and the receiver cable K described in the third embodiment. Furthermore, if the receiver coil unit 1 is provided with an AD converter and a wireless device, data can be transmitted from the receiver coil unit 1 to the MRI apparatus 100 wirelessly.

[0065] 10 is a diagram illustrating an apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1 according to a fourth embodiment. The apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1 of this embodiment includes an apron body 11, shoulder parts 13, a wearing belt 15, and an additional element 27.

[0066] The additional element 27 has a receiving coil 3 arranged therein, similar to the apron main body 11, and the area of ​​the subject P covered by the additional element 27 can be the target of an MRI examination. The additional element 27 can cover the front and sides of the subject P, similar to the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1. The additional element 27 is connected to the lower end of the apron main body 11. The apron main body 11 has an overlapping region 21 on the front surface of the lower end, which is provided with a connector 23 for connecting the receiving coil 3 of the additional element 27. The additional element 27 has an overlapping region 25 on the back surface of the upper end, which is provided with a connector 33 for connecting the receiving coil 3 of the additional element 27 to the receiving coil 3 of the apron main body 11. The overlapping region 21 of the apron main body 11 and the overlapping region 25 of the additional element 27 are connected with a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0067] In this way, by connecting the additional element 27 to the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1, the size can be increased, and a receiving coil unit that matches the size of the subject P can be attached.

[0068] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an apron-shaped receive coil unit 1 to which a plurality of additional elements are connected.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 11, the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 can be connected to multiple additional elements. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 is connected to additional element 27 and additional element 29. In this way, by adding multiple additional elements to the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1, the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 can be changed to various sizes. For example, the size can be adjusted as follows: when there is only the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1, it is S (Small), when the additional element 27 is connected, it is M (Medium), and when the additional element 29 is further connected, it is L (Large).

[0070] In this way, by connecting a plurality of additional elements to the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1, the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 can be changed to various sizes.

[0071] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a description will be given of a fifth embodiment of the apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1. The apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1 of this embodiment has a fixing belt 31.

[0072] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an apron-shaped receiver coil unit 1 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0073] The apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 has an apron body 11, shoulder parts 13, a wearing belt 15, a wrapping belt 17, and a fixing belt 31.

[0074] The fixing belts 31 have the function of fixing the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 to a tabletop 132 on which the subject P lies. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the apron-shaped receiving coil unit 1 has four fixing belts 31, which are attached to the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. By fixing each of the four fixing belts 31 to the tabletop 132, the subject P can be fixed to the tabletop 132.

[0075] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the subject P is fixed to the top board 132. As shown in FIG.

[0076] The subject P lies face up on the tabletop 132 and is fixed in place by the fixing belt 31. For example, the fixing belt 31 is fixed by hooking a hook-shaped connector 41 onto the tabletop 132. After the fixing belt 31 is hooked onto the tabletop 132 by the connector 41, the length of the fixing belt 31 is adjusted by an adjustment mechanism 43 that adjusts the length of the fixing belt 31. Note that a thin and soft material is preferably used for the fixing belt 31 so that it can be easily handled.

[0077] As described above, the apron-shaped receive coil unit 1 has the fixing belt 31, so that the subject P can be fixed onto the tabletop 132, and a stable MRI examination can be performed.

[0078] Although examples of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1: Receiving coil unit 3: Receiving coil 11: Apron body 13:Shoulder 15: Wearing belt 17: Wrapping belt 19: Connector 21 :Area 23: Connector 25: area 27: Additional elements 29: Additional elements 31: Fixed belt 31a: Fixed belt 33: Connector 41:Coupler 43: Adjustment mechanism 100:MRI machine N: Laboratory technician P: Subject

Claims

1. a main body portion of an apron-shaped receiver coil unit, the main body portion including a plurality of receiver coils arranged therein for receiving magnetic resonance signals from the subject, the main body portion covering the front and sides of the subject; a first strip-shaped portion and a second strip-shaped portion, each having one end connected to an upper portion of the main body and each having a strip shape that is laid over both shoulders of the subject; a first belt and a second belt connected to the other end of the first band-shaped portion and the other end of the second band-shaped portion, the first belt and the second belt being movable toward and away from each other; A receiving coil unit comprising:

2. The receiver coil unit according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of receiver coils are arranged on the first strip-shaped portion and the second strip-shaped portion.

3. 2. The receiving coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the first belt and the second belt are configured to be movable toward and away from each other by a hook-and-loop fastener.

4. The receiver coil unit according to claim 1 , wherein the total weight of the first belt and the second belt is 20% or more of the weight of the main body.

5. The receive coil unit according to claim 1 , wherein the main body portion has a connector for connecting a receive cable connected to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

6. The receive coil unit according to claim 5 , wherein the connector is placed at a position corresponding to the chest of the subject.

7. The receiver coil unit according to claim 1 , further comprising an additional element connected to an end of the main body, the additional element having the plurality of receiver coils arranged thereon and covering the front and sides of the subject.

8. The receive coil unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a fixing belt attached to the main body for fixing the subject to a table of a bed of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

9. The receive coil unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a wrapping belt for wrapping the main body around the trunk of the subject.

10. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising the receive coil unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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