Frank G Muennemann

US Patent:

51430681, Sep 1, 1992

Filed:

Nov 26, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/617902

Inventors:

Frank Muennemann - Menlo Park CA
Rodney Bell - Kalamazoo MI

Assignee:

Resonex, Inc. - Sunnyvale CA

International Classification:

A61B 5055

US Classification:

1286535

Abstract:

A flexible, conformally fitted coil for imaging of the human shoulder and topologically similar specimens is in the form of a band of flexible conductive foil covered by a soft flexible insulating material. The geometry of the coil is such that it can pass under the arm and over the top of the shoulder, providing high sensitivity for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the shoulder in MRI apparatus having either a vertical or horizontal axial magnetic field. The flexibility of the coil and the generality of its geometry makes it suitable for examination of patients in a wide variety of sizes. Radio Frequency (RF) Power is delivered to and/or received from the coil via a matching network. The matching network may include a transformer to reduce the necessary current delivered to the coil, or RF current may be injected directly into and extracted directly from the coil. In the case where a transformer is used, the secondary winding is incorporated into the coil in such a fashion as to make the flexible coil removable and replaceable without direct electrical contacts.