Magnetic resonance imaging excitation and reception methods and apparatus

摘要

In magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI"), RF power is applied to a region of interest within the patient by a local antenna disposed adjacent the region of interest. The local antenna is excited by RF signals sent through free space from a principal antenna mounted to the primary field magnet of the MRI system. The principal antenna includes one or more loops mounted so that the plane of the loop is transverse to the pole pieces of the magnet frame and so that the plane of the loop is transverse to adjacent metallic portions of the frame. The loops are aligned with openings in the frame so that a patient is advanced into a frame through the loop. The loops do not substantially obstruct axis to the subject receiving space.