RF coil for magnetic resonance apparatus

摘要

A tunable radio frequency birdcage coil (30) is oriented vertically in a bore-type magnetic resonance apparatus. The birdcage coil (30) includes a pair of end rings (60, 62) disposed in parallel planes along a coil axis which is orthogonal to the main magnetic field. A plurality of rungs (64) electrically interconnect the end rings (60, 62) to form a generally cylindrical volume. The end rings (60, 62) and rungs (64) are mounted on a hinged (68) dielectric former (66). Conductive connectors (70) releasably fasten the end rings (60, 62) so that the coil (30) may be opened and closed to receive a portion of a subject to be examined. A conductive loop (80) is inductively coupled and positioned parallel to the end rings (60, 62). The conductive loop (80) is slidably adjustable along the coil axis for matching and tuning end-ring modes of the coil. The coil is oriented to provide a subject disposed therein with an open view for fMRI applications. Means for stimulating the visual senses (100) is mounted adjacent the examination region (14) to facilitate fMRI applications. <IMAGE>