IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,928,321
Granted Patent B2
US 8,928,321 · App. 12/872,033 · Granted Jan 6, 2015

Magnetic resonance system

Inventor: Ralf Ladebeck (Erlangen, DE)
Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
G01R33/34046G01R33/3415G01R33/481
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,928,321
App. No.
12/872,033
Granted
Jan 6, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

A magnetic resonance system is disclosed, with a tunnel for accommodating an object under investigation and at least one local coil array. In at least one embodiment, the local coil array is arranged in a fixed position within the tunnel and in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic resonance system, where the geometry of the local coil array, in particular its diameter, can be altered. In at least one embodiment, for the purpose of arranging the local coil array on the patient's body, at least a proportion of the coils of the local coil array is attached to a fixture the volume of which can be altered, either hydraulically or pneumatically. The fixture is subdivided into chambers, the volumes of which can be altered separately in order to realize a bending of the fixture. Or, in at least one embodiment, for the purpose of arranging the local coil array on the patient's body at least a proportion of the coils of the local coil array is arranged on a lamellar structure so that they can be moved relative to each other.

Claims (26)

1. A magnetic resonance system, comprising:

a tunnel for accommodating an object under investigation; and

at least one local coil array arranged in a fixed location and in the longitudinal direction within the tunnel of the magnetic resonance system, a geometry of the local coil array being alterable, wherein for the purpose of arranging the local coil array on the object under investigation,

at least a portion of the coils of the local coil array is attached to a fixture, a volume of the fixture being alterable hydraulically or pneumatically, the fixture being subdivided into chambers, volumes of the chambers being separately alterable in order to realize a bending of the fixture, and

at least a portion of the coils of the local coil array is arranged on segments of a lamellar structure so as to be movable relative to each other, wherein in a central region relative to the longitudinal axis of the tunnel, the local coil array is configured to attenuate less radiation than in edge regions of the tunnel for the purpose of adding at least one second imaging modality.

2. The magnetic resonance system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a cross section of the local coil array is essentially ring-shaped.

3. The magnetic resonance system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the segments of the lamellar structure includes one or more coils of the local coil array, each segment being movable via pulling devices provided on an edge of each segment.

4. The magnetic resonance system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the segments of the lamellar structure consist of a foam-type material.

5. The magnetic resonance system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least three coils which mutually overlap are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic resonance system on each segment of the lamellar structure.

6. A medical examination device, comprising:

the magnetic resonance system as claimed in claim 1 ; and

the at least one second imaging modality.

7. The medical examination device as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the at least one second imaging modality is a positron emission tomography facility or a scintigraphy facility.

8. The magnetic resonance system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a diameter of the local coil array is alterable.

9. The magnetic resonance system as claimed in claim 2 , wherein each of the segments of the lamellar structure includes one or several coils of the local coil array, each segment being movable via pulling devices provided on an edge of each segment.

10. The magnetic resonance system as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the segments of the lamellar structure consist of a foam-type material.

11. The magnetic resonance system as claimed in claim 2 , wherein at least three coils which mutually overlap are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic resonance system on each segment of the lamellar structure.

12. A medical examination device, comprising:

the magnetic resonance system as claimed in claim 2 ; and

the at least one second imaging modality.

13. The medical examination device as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the at least one second imaging modality is a positron emission tomography facility or a scintigraphy facility.

14. A magnetic resonance system, comprising:

a tunnel for accommodating an object under investigation; and

at least one local coil array arranged in a fixed location and in the longitudinal direction within the tunnel of the magnetic resonance system, a geometry of the local coil array being alterable, wherein for the purpose of arranging the local coil array on the object under investigation,

at least a portion of the coils of the local coil array is attached to a fixture, a volume of the fixture being alterable hydraulically or pneumatically, the fixture being subdivided into chambers, volumes of the chambers being separately alterable in order to realize a bending of the fixture, and

at least a portion of the coils of the local coil array is arranged on segments of a lamellar structure so as to be movable relative to each other, wherein in a central region relative to the longitudinal axis of the tunnel, the local coil array is configured to attenuate less radiation along the entire longitudinal axis of the tunnel than in edge regions of the tunnel.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 28, 2016
From: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
To: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
Reel/Frame 039271/0561 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 31, 2010
From: LADEBECK, RALF
To: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
Reel/Frame 024916/0724 →
Priority Claims (1)
DE 10 2009 043 446 · Sep 29, 2009 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20110074420A1 · Mar 31, 2011