Cryogenically cooled superconductor RF head coil array and head-only magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system using same

Abstract

A cryogenically-cooled superconducting RF head-coil array which may be used in whole-body MRI scanners and / or in dedicated, head-only MRI systems. An RF head-coil array module may comprise a vacuum thermal isolation housing comprising a double wall hermetically sealed jacket that (i) encloses a hermetically sealed interior space under a vacuum condition, and (ii) substantially encloses an interior chamber region that is separate from the hermetically sealed interior space and is configured to be evacuated to a vacuum condition. A plurality of superconductor radiofrequency coils are disposed in the interior chamber region, and each radiofrequency coil is configured for at least one of generating and receiving a radiofrequency signal for at least one of magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. At least one thermal sink member may be disposed in the interior chamber region and in thermal contact with the superconductor radiofrequency coils. A port is configured for cryogenically cooling the thermal sink members.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 171,074, filed Apr. 20, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates generally to magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, and, more particularly, to magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy apparatus employing superconductor components, and to methods for manufacturing such apparatus.BACKGROUND[0003]Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology is commonly used today in larger medical institutions worldwide, and has led to significant and unique benefits in the practice of medicine. While MRI has been developed as a well-established diagnostic tool for imaging structure and anatomy, it has also been developed for imaging functional activities and other biophysical and biochemical characteristics or processes (e.g., blood flow, metabolites / metabolism, diffusion), some of these magnetic resonance (MR) imaging t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]Various embodiments of the present invention provide a cryogenically cooled superconducting RF head-coil array which may be used in whole-body MRI scanners and/or in dedicated, head-only MRI systems (also referred to herein as “head-dedicated MRI systems,”“head-only MRI systems,” or the like). Some embodiments o

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, a significant factor affecting further use of MRI technology is the high cost associated with high magnetic field systems, both for purchase and maintenance.

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