Externally moveable intracavity probe for MRI imaging and spectroscopy

摘要

An insertable intracavity probe for use in magnetic resonance imaging of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient comprises an elongate shaft (14) having a proximal end and a distal end, a handle on the proximal end of the shaft (14) and a balloon structure (16) on the distal end of the shaft (14) including therein a pickup coil (20) having an electrical lead (42) extending through the shaft (14) for connection to an interface network. In order to improve the quality of a magnetic resonance image or spectrum, the balloon structure includes an outer balloon (26) and first and second inflatable inner balloons (22, 24) within the outer balloon (26), said inner balloons (22, 24) being located on first and second sides of said coil (20), respectively, sandwiching said coil (20) therebetween, and respective inflation tubes (28, 30) for inflating said inner balloons (22, 24) extending through said shaft (14). <IMAGE>