Transverse gradient coils for imaging the head
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorPeter B. Roemer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus for producing a magnetic field gradient for magnetic resonant imaging of the head of a subject employs two fingerprint coils disposed apart from each other, creating a generally cylindrical cavity in which subject's head is placed. A power supply provides current through the two fingerprint coils. The fingerprint coils are comprised of concentric current-carrying paths with each path being elongated along the length of the cylindrical cavity on only one end. The shape and geometry of the fingerprint coils create a magnetic field gradient that has high linearity inside the cavity, and monotonically decreases outside the cavity, thereby minimizing artifacts introduced by the body of the subject.
Claims13
A means for providing a magnetic field gradient for creating medical images of a subject's head while minimizing interference from remaining portions of said subject comprising:
- at least two current-carrying fingerprint coils, each comprised of a plurality of concentric turns, positioned apart from each other to create a cavity, and positioned such that lines normal to a center of each fingerprint coil would pass through the cavity, each turn comprising:
- a) a current return lobe enclosing a side of a first end of the cavity, and
- b) an imaging lobe enclosing a side of a second end of the cavity into which said subject's head is placed and the imaging lobe extending along a z axis that passes between the fingerprint coils through the center of the cavity, said lobes being situated for creating, when energized, a magnetic field having an area of high linearity and homogeneity over said subject's head, the magnetic field decreasing monotonically over said remaining portions of said subject.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.