C-shaped NMR imaging system

摘要

An open magnetic structure comprising a conical permanent magnetic structure that generates an NMR imaging field around the head of a patient in a head cavity of the structure, and a transition magnetic structure including a cylindrical magnet connected to the conical magnetic structures that extends the uniform field generated in the head cavity to or near the shoulders of the patient positioned in a larger shoulder cavity. The overall geometry is designed to integrate the magnetic structure in a surgical suite with minimum interference with surgical procedures, which typically involve surgery on the brain of the patient. Methods for improving field uniformity by adding compensation or shimming means is also included. Advantages include improved field uniformity, and reduced weight and size. <IMAGE>