Radio frequency coil assemblies for magnetic resonance imaging systems and methods for making them

A method for making an RF coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the method comprising:

• providing a support structure that extends between a first end and a second end in a first direction and extends between an inner surface and an opposite outer surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein channels are provided within the support structure, the channels extending into the support structure in the second direction;
• and
• positioning an RF coil so as to be supported by the outer surface of the support structure, and such that the channels are at least partially positioned between the RF coil and the support structure in the first direction, wherein the RF coil is configured to transmit and/or receive RF signals, wherein the RF coil extends between a first end and a second end in the first direction with a center therebetween, wherein the channels are configured to convey a cooling medium to cool the support structure in use, and wherein the channels are configured to provide more cooling for the support structure near the first end and the second end of the RF coil than near the center of the RF coil.

A method for making an RF coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the method comprising:

• providing a support structure that extends between a first end and a second end in a first direction and extends between an inner surface and an opposite outer surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein channels are provided within the support structure, the channels extending into the support structure in the second direction;
• and
• positioning an RF coil so as to be supported by the outer surface of the support structure, and such that the RF coil is centered in the first direction relative to the channels, wherein the RF coil is configured to transmit and/or receive RF signals, and wherein the channels are configured to convey a cooling medium to cool the support structure in use.