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US 4,829,252 AGranted
MRI system with open access to patient image volume
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorLeon Kaufman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An MRI system using a pair of opposed magnetic poles to create the requisite static magnetic field H.sub.o is configured so as to provide open and unobstructed patient access areas communicating directly with an MRI imaging volume along directions which are perpendicular to the patient transport axis. In this manner, operator/doctor access to the patient is maximized while potential claustrophobic reactions from the patient are minimized.
Claims16
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising:
- main static magnetic field means for producing a static magnetic field H.sub.o within a predetermined patient imaging volume;
- patient transport means for transporting a patient into said imaging volume along a predetermined z-axis;
- and
- magnetic gradient coil means associated with said main static magnetic field means for effecting controlled gradients in said H.sub.o field along mutually orthogonal axes within said patient imaging volume;
- said main static magnetic field means and said gradient coil means being configured to leave an open and unobstructed patient access area communicating directly with said imaging volume along a direction perpendicular to said z-axis.
2 more elements
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising:
- main static magnetic field means for producing a static magnetic field H.sub.o within a predetermined patient imaging volume;
- and
- magnetic gradient coil means associated with said main static magnetic field means for effecting controlled gradients in said H.sub.o field along mutually orthogonal axes within said patient imaging volume;
- said main field producing means and said gradient coil means being configured to leave at least three separated, open and unobstructed patient access areas communicating directly with said imaging volume along respective directions perpendicular to said H.sub.o field.
1 more element
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising:
- a pair of magnetic pole pieces opposingly disposed about a patient imaging volume located therebetween so as to produce a predetermined approximately homogeneous static magnetic field directed between said pole pieces parallel to a predetermined y-axis;
- patient transport means for transporting at least a portion of a patient along a predetermined z-axis into said imaging volume, said z-axis being substantially perpendicular to said y-axis;
- magnetic return circuit means for conducting return magnetic flux from one said pole piece to the other and located outside said imaging volume;
- and
- a plurality of magnetic gradient coils disposed substantially parallel to said pole pieces for producing controlled gradients in said static magnetic field in directions parallel to said y and z axes and to a predetermined x-axis, which x-axis is mutually orthogonal to said y and z axes;
- said magnetic return circuit means and said gradient coils being configured to leave open and unobstructed at least three patient access areas:
- (a) first and second patient access areas respectively leading into and out of opposite sides of said imaging volume along said z-axis for patient transport therealong;
- and
- (b) a third patient access area communicating directly with said imaging volume along a direction perpendicular to said z-axis.
6 more elements
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising:
- a first magnetic pole piece disposed on a first side of a patient image area;
- a second magnetic pole piece disposed on a second side of the patient image area opposite said first side;
- at least three magnetic circuit members interconnecting corresponding peripheral portions of said pole pieces and defining at least three open access ports therebetween into said patient image area;
- magnetic gradient coil means disposed adjacent said pole pieces on either side of said patient image area while leaving said open access ports substantially unobstructed;
- and
- patient support means for transporting a patient through one of said open access ports into said patient image area while leaving the remaining ports with open access whereby patient claustrophobic reactions are reduced while also facilitating ready access to the patient image area.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.