Patent EP0385367A1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
EP0385367A1
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Intracavity probe and interface device for MRI imaging and spectroscopy
Assignee: Bayer Medical Care Inc
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Filing: 1990-02-26
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2010-02-26
Abstract
Abstract An insertable pickup probe (10) and interface network (12) for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. The pickup probe in the preferred embodiment is for use in imaging the male prostate and comprises an elongated shaft (14) supporting a patient interface balloon (16) at its distal end which contains a RF receiving coil (52). The interface balloon comprises an inflatable inner balloon (44) enclosed by a flexible outer balloon (46). The receiving coil is positioned between the inner and outer balloons and placed intimately adjacent the region of interest by inflating the inner balloon to expand outwardly against the outer balloon. In addition, a non-stretchable planar material (50) is provided on the surface on the inner balloon adjacent the receiving coil for ensuring that the receiving coil is placed adjacent the region of interest. The inner balloon is inflated by an inflator cuff connected to the shaft and communicated to the inner balloon by a first lumen in the shaft. The receiving coil is electrically connected to an interconnecting cable which is connected to the proximal end of the shaft and communicated to the receiving coil by a second lumen in the shaft.
Inventors
- 👤 George J. Misic
- 👤 Edward J. Rhinehart
- 👤 Thomas R. Welch
- 👤 Theodore C. Claiborne
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:05
CPC Classifications
B; B82; B82Y; B82Y15/00; A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/05; A61B5/055; A61B5/43; A61B5/4375; A61B5/4381; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/10; A61M25/1002; A61M25/1011; G; G01; G01R; G01R33/00; G01R33/20; G01R33/28; G01R33/285; G01R33/32; G01R33/34; G01R33/341; G01R33/36; G01R33/3628; A61M2025/1013; A61M2025/1043; A61M2025/107; A61M2025/1084; G01R33/34084; G01R33/3621; G01R33/3642; G01R33/3657
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 58
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance system for obtaining images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends, and having first and second lumens; an inflatable interface balloon comprised of an inflatable inner balloon and a flexible outer balloon enclosing said inner balloon; a flexible coil contained within said interface balloon between said inner balloon and said outer balloon; inflating means connected to said shaft member and connected to said inflatable inner balloon via said first lumen of said shaft member; and an interconnecting cable connected to said shaft for providing electrical connection to said flexible coil via said second lumen of said shaft member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
126 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance system for obtaining images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends, and having first and second lumens; an inflatable interface balloon comprised of an inflatable inner balloon and a flexible outer balloon enclosing said inner balloon; a flexible coil contained within said interface balloon between said inner balloon and said outer balloon; inflating means connected to said shaft member and connected to said inflatable inner balloon via said first lumen of said shaft member; and an interconnecting cable connected to said shaft for providing electrical connection to said flexible coil via said second lumen of said shaft member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The insertable intracavity probe of claim 1, and further comprising a non-stretchable plane attached to the surface of said inner balloon adjacent said flexible coil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
78 words
The insertable intracavity probe of claim 1, wherein said inflating means comprises a compressible inflator cuff and a tube connected to said shaft member to deliver air upon compression of the cuff to said inner balloon via said first lumen of the shaft member, and further including a stop cock on the tube connecting the inflating cuff to the shaft member, said stop cock maintaining the inner balloon in an inflated state when placed in a closed position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The insertable intracavity probe of claim 1, wherein said flexible coil is a series resonant coil, and said interconnecting cable is a one quarter wavelength cable which transforms the series resonant coil to a parallel resonant coil as seen at the proximal end of the cable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
133 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance system for obtaining images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends; an inflatable interface balloon means positioned proximate the distal end of the shaft member, said inflatable interface balloon being formed of a single multi-ply inflatable balloon; a flexible antenna coil contained within said inflatable interface balloon means and encapsulated between the plies of said balloon; inflating means connected to said inflatable interface balloon means for selectively inflating said interface balloon means for intimately placing said flexible antenna coil adjacent said region of interest; and an interconnecting cable electrically connected to said flexible antenna coil for connecting said flexible coil to a remote scanning device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
133 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance system for obtaining images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends; an inflatable interface balloon means positioned proximate the distal end of the shaft member, said inflatable interface balloon being formed of a single multi-ply inflatable balloon; a flexible antenna coil contained within said inflatable interface balloon means and encapsulated between the plies of said balloon; inflating means connected to said inflatable interface balloon means for selectively inflating said interface balloon means for intimately placing said flexible antenna coil adjacent said region of interest; and an interconnecting cable electrically connected to said flexible antenna coil for connecting said flexible coil to a remote scanning device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
165 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance system for obtaining images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends, and having first and second lumens; an inflatable interface balloon comprised of an inflatable inner balloon and a flexible outer balloon enclosing said inner balloon, said outer balloon having an anterior saddle shape on one surface thereof and lateral indentations on each side of said outer balloon; a flexible coil contained within said interface balloon between said inner balloon and said outer balloon and maintained in position in said interface balloon by said lateral indentations of said outer balloon; inflating means connected to said shaft member and connected to said inflatable inner balloon via said first lumen of said shaft member; and an interconnecting cable connected to said shaft member for providing electrical connection to said flexible coil via said second lumen of said shaft member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
165 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance system for obtaining images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends, and having first and second lumens; an inflatable interface balloon comprised of an inflatable inner balloon and a flexible outer balloon enclosing said inner balloon, said outer balloon having an anterior saddle shape on one surface thereof and lateral indentations on each side of said outer balloon; a flexible coil contained within said interface balloon between said inner balloon and said outer balloon and maintained in position in said interface balloon by said lateral indentations of said outer balloon; inflating means connected to said shaft member and connected to said inflatable inner balloon via said first lumen of said shaft member; and an interconnecting cable connected to said shaft member for providing electrical connection to said flexible coil via said second lumen of said shaft member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The insertable intracavity probe of claim 1, wherein said flexible coil and said interconnecting cable are formed of a single piece of RF coaxial cable.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
75 words
An insertable probe for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system, said probe comprising: a series resonant receiving coil; an interface means for placing said receiving coil intimately adjacent a region of interest of a patient; and a one quarter wavelength interconnecting cable for connecting said probe to an interface device at its proximal end, said cable causing said receiving coil to appear as a parallel resonant coil at the proximal end of said cable.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
75 words
An insertable probe for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system, said probe comprising: a series resonant receiving coil; an interface means for placing said receiving coil intimately adjacent a region of interest of a patient; and a one quarter wavelength interconnecting cable for connecting said probe to an interface device at its proximal end, said cable causing said receiving coil to appear as a parallel resonant coil at the proximal end of said cable.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
154 words
A magnetic resonance imaging system including: an insertable intracavity probe having a receiving coil for placement proximate a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said receiving coil being a series resonant coil; a magnetic resonance imaging scanner; a separable interface network for coupling said probe with said scanner and including impedance matching means to match the output impedance of said probe with the input impedance of the scanner, tuning means to tune the resonant frequency of the probe to the Larmour frequency of the scanner, decoupling means for decoupling the probe from the scanner during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission procedure; and a one quarter wavelength interconnecting cable for connecting to said receiving coil at its distal end and connecting to said interface network at its proximal end, said one quarter wavelength cable allowing said receiving coil to appear as a parallel resonant coil at said proximal end of said cable.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
154 words
A magnetic resonance imaging system including: an insertable intracavity probe having a receiving coil for placement proximate a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said receiving coil being a series resonant coil; a magnetic resonance imaging scanner; a separable interface network for coupling said probe with said scanner and including impedance matching means to match the output impedance of said probe with the input impedance of the scanner, tuning means to tune the resonant frequency of the probe to the Larmour frequency of the scanner, decoupling means for decoupling the probe from the scanner during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission procedure; and a one quarter wavelength interconnecting cable for connecting to said receiving coil at its distal end and connecting to said interface network at its proximal end, said one quarter wavelength cable allowing said receiving coil to appear as a parallel resonant coil at said proximal end of said cable.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
126 words
An interface network for interfacing a magnetic resonance imaging pickup probe with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said pickup probe having a receiving coil and being electrically connected to said interface network by an interconnecting cable, said interface network comprising: an input terminal for receiving as input said interconnecting cable of said pickup probe; an output terminal for connection to said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; tuning means for tuning said pickup probe to a predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; impedance matching means for matching the output impedance of said pickup probe with the input impedance of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; and decoupling means for decoupling said pickup probe from said magnetic resonance imaging scanner during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission event.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
126 words
An interface network for interfacing a magnetic resonance imaging pickup probe with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said pickup probe having a receiving coil and being electrically connected to said interface network by an interconnecting cable, said interface network comprising: an input terminal for receiving as input said interconnecting cable of said pickup probe; an output terminal for connection to said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; tuning means for tuning said pickup probe to a predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; impedance matching means for matching the output impedance of said pickup probe with the input impedance of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; and decoupling means for decoupling said pickup probe from said magnetic resonance imaging scanner during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission event.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
90 words
The interface network of claim 10, wherein said impedance matching means comprises a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor and first and second shunting capacitors, said second capacitor being positioned on the side of said inductor proximate the magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a predetermined value to cause the Pi network to transform the real part of the output impedance of said pickup probe to match the input impedance of the magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
91 words
The interface network of claim 10, wherein said tuning means comprises a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor and first and second shunting capacitors, said first capacitor being connected to said inductor on the side of said inductor proximate said pickup probe, said first capacitor being variable for adjusting a selected electrical parameter of said pickup probe to tune the resonant frequency of the pickup probe to said predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
100 words
The interface network of claim 10, and further comprising a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor and first and second shunting capacitors, and wherein said decoupling means comprises a diode connected in parallel with the one quarter wavelength cable from the receiving coil of the pickup probe and the Pi network to the magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said decoupling means forward biasing the diode during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission procedure to create an open circuit in series with the receiving coil of the pickup probe.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
86 words
The interface network of claim 10, wherein said tuning means comprises a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor, an input shunting varactor diode adjustable by a control voltage, and an output shunting capacitor, and wherein said interface network further comprises a circuit for automatically adjusting the control voltage of said varactor diode for tuning the resonant frequency of said pickup probe to said predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
107 words
The interface network of claim 14, wherein said circuit for automatically tuning said pickup probe comprises: a local RF signal generating means selectably coupled to said Pi network and said pickup probe for delivering an electrical signal thereto; sampling means for sampling the power reflected from the pickup probe and the Pi network; converting means for converting the sample of the reflected power to a DC signal level; slope detector means for detecting when said DC signal level reaches a zero slope as it drops from an initial value and adjusting the control voltage of said varactor diode according to the slope of said DC level signal.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
37 words
The interface network of claim 15, wherein said circuit for automatically tuning said pickup probe further comprises a locking means for locking said control voltage of said varactor diode when said DC signal level reaches zero slope.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
82 words
An interface network for interfacing a magnetic resonance imaging pickup probe with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said interface network comprising: tuning means for tuning said pickup probe to a predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; impedance matching means for matching the output impedance of said pickup probe with the input impedance of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; and decoupling means for decoupling said pickup probe from said magnetic resonance imaging scanner during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission procedure.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
82 words
An interface network for interfacing a magnetic resonance imaging pickup probe with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said interface network comprising: tuning means for tuning said pickup probe to a predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; impedance matching means for matching the output impedance of said pickup probe with the input impedance of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; and decoupling means for decoupling said pickup probe from said magnetic resonance imaging scanner during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission procedure.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
87 words
The interface network of claim 17, wherein said tuning means and said impedance matching means comprises a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor and first and second shunting varactor diodes, and further comprising an electronic circuit for adjusting the control voltage of said first varactor diode for tuning said pickup probe, and adjusting the control voltage of said second varactor diode for impedance matching the pickup probe with the magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
133 words
The interface network of claim 17, wherein said impedance matching means comprises a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said Pi network comprising a series inductor and first and second shunting capacitors, said first capacitor being variable, said interface network further including an electronic circuit comprising: a local RF signal generator selectively coupled to said Pi network and said pickup probe, and for delivering an electrical signal thereto; sampling means for sampling the power reflected by said Pi network and said pickup probe; and display means for displaying the power reflected as sampled by said sampling means to allow an operator to adjust the value of said variable capacitor to tune the pickup probe to the Larmour frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
43 words
The interface network of claim 19, wherein said second capacitor is variable, the value of said second capacitor being adjusted by said electronic circuit to match the output impedance of said pickup probe with the input impedance of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
171 words
An interface network for interfacing a magnetic resonance imaging pickup probe with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said pickup probe having a receiving coil and being electrically connected to said interface network by an interconnecting cable, said interface network comprising: an input terminal for receiving as input said interconnecting cable of said pickup probe; an output terminal for connection to said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; and impedance matching means for matching the output impedance of said pickup probe with the input impedance of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said impedance matching means comprising a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor and first and second shunting capacitors, said second capacitor being positioned on the side of said inductor proximate the magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a predetermined value to cause the Pi network to transform the real part of the output impedance of said pickup probe to match the input impedance of the magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
171 words
An interface network for interfacing a magnetic resonance imaging pickup probe with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said pickup probe having a receiving coil and being electrically connected to said interface network by an interconnecting cable, said interface network comprising: an input terminal for receiving as input said interconnecting cable of said pickup probe; an output terminal for connection to said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; and impedance matching means for matching the output impedance of said pickup probe with the input impedance of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said impedance matching means comprising a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor and first and second shunting capacitors, said second capacitor being positioned on the side of said inductor proximate the magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a predetermined value to cause the Pi network to transform the real part of the output impedance of said pickup probe to match the input impedance of the magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
168 words
An interface network for interfacing a magnetic resonance imaging pickup probe with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said pickup probe having a receiving coil and being electrically connected to said interface network by an interconnecting cable, said interface network comprising: an input terminal for receiving as input said interconnecting cable of said pickup probe; an output terminal for connection to said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; and tuning means for tuning said pickup probe to a predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said tuning means comprising a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor and first and second shunting capacitors, said first capacitor being connected to said inductor on the side of said inductor proximate said pickup probe, said first capacitor being variable for adjusting a selected electrical parameter of said pickup probe to tune the resonant frequency of the pickup probe to said predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
168 words
An interface network for interfacing a magnetic resonance imaging pickup probe with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said pickup probe having a receiving coil and being electrically connected to said interface network by an interconnecting cable, said interface network comprising: an input terminal for receiving as input said interconnecting cable of said pickup probe; an output terminal for connection to said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; and tuning means for tuning said pickup probe to a predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said tuning means comprising a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor and first and second shunting capacitors, said first capacitor being connected to said inductor on the side of said inductor proximate said pickup probe, said first capacitor being variable for adjusting a selected electrical parameter of said pickup probe to tune the resonant frequency of the pickup probe to said predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
184 words
An interface network for interfacing a magnetic resonance imaging pickup probe with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said pickup probe having a receiving coil and being electrically connected to said interface network by an interconnecting cable, said interconnecting cable being a one quarter wavelength cable, said interface network comprising: an input terminal for receiving as input said interconnecting cable of said pickup probe; an output terminal for connection to said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor and first and second shunting capacitors; and decoupling means for decoupling said pickup probe from said magnetic resonance imaging scanner during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission event, said decoupling means comprising a diode connected in parallel with the one quarter wavelength cable from the receiving coil of the pickup probe and the Pi network to the magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said decoupling means forward biasing the diode during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission procedure to create an open circuit in series with the receiving coil of the pickup probe.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
184 words
An interface network for interfacing a magnetic resonance imaging pickup probe with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said pickup probe having a receiving coil and being electrically connected to said interface network by an interconnecting cable, said interconnecting cable being a one quarter wavelength cable, said interface network comprising: an input terminal for receiving as input said interconnecting cable of said pickup probe; an output terminal for connection to said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor and first and second shunting capacitors; and decoupling means for decoupling said pickup probe from said magnetic resonance imaging scanner during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission event, said decoupling means comprising a diode connected in parallel with the one quarter wavelength cable from the receiving coil of the pickup probe and the Pi network to the magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said decoupling means forward biasing the diode during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission procedure to create an open circuit in series with the receiving coil of the pickup probe.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
164 words
An interface network for interfacing a magnetic resonance imaging pickup probe with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said pickup probe having a receiving coil and being electrically connected to said interface network by an interconnecting cable, said interface network comprising: an input terminal for receiving as input said interconnecting cable of said pickup probe; an output terminal for connection to said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; and tuning means for tuning said pickup probe to a predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said tuning means comprising a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor, an input shunting varactor diode adjustable by a control voltage, and an output shunting capacitor, and wherein said interface network further comprises a circuit for automatically adjusting the control voltage of said varactor diode for tuning the resonant frequency of said pickup probe to the said predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
164 words
An interface network for interfacing a magnetic resonance imaging pickup probe with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said pickup probe having a receiving coil and being electrically connected to said interface network by an interconnecting cable, said interface network comprising: an input terminal for receiving as input said interconnecting cable of said pickup probe; an output terminal for connection to said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; and tuning means for tuning said pickup probe to a predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said tuning means comprising a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor, an input shunting varactor diode adjustable by a control voltage, and an output shunting capacitor, and wherein said interface network further comprises a circuit for automatically adjusting the control voltage of said varactor diode for tuning the resonant frequency of said pickup probe to the said predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
267 words
An interface network for interfacing a magnetic resonance imaging pickup probe with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said pickup probe having a receiving coil and being electrically connected to said interface network by an interconnecting cable, said interface network comprising: an input terminal for receiving as input said interconnecting cable of said pickup probe; an output terminal for connection to said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; and tuning means for tuning said pickup probe to a predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said tuning means comprising a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor, an input shunting varactor diode adjustable by a control voltage, and an output shunting capacitor, and wherein said interface network further comprises a circuit for automatically adjusting the control voltage of said varactor diode for tuning the resonant frequency of said pickup probe to the said predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner, and wherein said circuit for automatically tuning said pickup probe comprises: a local RF signal generating means selectably coupled to said Pi network and said pickup probe for delivering an electrical signal thereto; sampling means for sampling the power reflected from the pickup probe and the Pi network; converting means for converting the sample of the reflected power to a DC signal level; and slope detector means for detecting when said DC signal level reaches a zero slope as it drops from an initial value and adjusting the control voltage of said varactor diode according to the slope of said DC level signal.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
267 words
An interface network for interfacing a magnetic resonance imaging pickup probe with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said pickup probe having a receiving coil and being electrically connected to said interface network by an interconnecting cable, said interface network comprising: an input terminal for receiving as input said interconnecting cable of said pickup probe; an output terminal for connection to said magnetic resonance imaging scanner; and tuning means for tuning said pickup probe to a predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner, said tuning means comprising a Pi network connected in series with said pickup probe and said magnetic resonance imaging scanner and having a series inductor, an input shunting varactor diode adjustable by a control voltage, and an output shunting capacitor, and wherein said interface network further comprises a circuit for automatically adjusting the control voltage of said varactor diode for tuning the resonant frequency of said pickup probe to the said predetermined scanning frequency of said magnetic resonance imaging scanner, and wherein said circuit for automatically tuning said pickup probe comprises: a local RF signal generating means selectably coupled to said Pi network and said pickup probe for delivering an electrical signal thereto; sampling means for sampling the power reflected from the pickup probe and the Pi network; converting means for converting the sample of the reflected power to a DC signal level; and slope detector means for detecting when said DC signal level reaches a zero slope as it drops from an initial value and adjusting the control voltage of said varactor diode according to the slope of said DC level signal.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
123 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system for obtaining images of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends, and having at least one lumen; an inflatable interface balloon comprised of an inflatable inner balloon and a flexible outer balloon enclosing said inner balloon; a flexible coil contained within said interface balloon between said inner balloon and said outer balloon; inflating means connected to said shaft member and connected to said inflatable inner balloon via said lumen of said shaft member; and an interconnecting cable connected to said shaft for providing electrical connection to said flexible coil via said lumen of said shaft member.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
123 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system for obtaining images of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends, and having at least one lumen; an inflatable interface balloon comprised of an inflatable inner balloon and a flexible outer balloon enclosing said inner balloon; a flexible coil contained within said interface balloon between said inner balloon and said outer balloon; inflating means connected to said shaft member and connected to said inflatable inner balloon via said lumen of said shaft member; and an interconnecting cable connected to said shaft for providing electrical connection to said flexible coil via said lumen of said shaft member.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
23 words
The insertable intracavity probe of claim 26, wherein said elongated shaft member comprises a rigid elongated portion and a flexible distal tip portion.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
46 words
The insertable intracavity probe of claim 27, and further comprising a handle at the proximal end of said shaft member, wherein said shaft member, said interface balloon, and said handle are bonded together to rotate as a single unit when torque is applied at said handle.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
34 words
The insertable intracavity probe of claim 25, and further including alignment marker means on said shaft member to indicate the relative longitudinal and radial position of said shaft member when inserted into a patient.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
105 words
A magnetic resonance imaging system including: an insertable intracavity probe having a receiving coil for placement proximate a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said intracavity probe being designed as a disposable device; a magnetic resonance imaging scanner; a separable interface network for coupling said probe with said scanner and including impedance matching means to match the output impedance of said probe with the input impedance of the scanner, tuning means to tune the resonant frequency of the probe to the Larmour frequency of the scanner, decoupling means for decoupling the probe from the scanner during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission procedure.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
105 words
A magnetic resonance imaging system including: an insertable intracavity probe having a receiving coil for placement proximate a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said intracavity probe being designed as a disposable device; a magnetic resonance imaging scanner; a separable interface network for coupling said probe with said scanner and including impedance matching means to match the output impedance of said probe with the input impedance of the scanner, tuning means to tune the resonant frequency of the probe to the Larmour frequency of the scanner, decoupling means for decoupling the probe from the scanner during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission procedure.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
31 words
The insertable intracavity probe of claim 26, wherein said interface balloon is formed of a single multi-ply inflatable balloon, with the flexible coil being encapsulated between the plies of the balloon.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
73 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system for obtaining images of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends; an inflatable interface balloon means; a flexible coil contained within said interface balloon means; inflating means connected to said inflatable interface balloon means; and an interconnecting cable for providing electrical connection to said flexible coil.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
73 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system for obtaining images of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends; an inflatable interface balloon means; a flexible coil contained within said interface balloon means; inflating means connected to said inflatable interface balloon means; and an interconnecting cable for providing electrical connection to said flexible coil.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
17 words
The insertable intracavity probe of claim 32, wherein said elongated shaft member comrpises a rigid elongated portion.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
19 words
The insertable intracavity probe of claim 33, wherein said elongated shaft member further comprises a flexible distal tip portion.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
46 words
The insertable intracavity probe of claim 34, and further comrpising a handle at the proximal end of said shaft member, wherein said shaft member, said interface balloon, and said handle are bonded together to rotate as a single unit when torque is applied at said handle.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
140 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance system for obtaining images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends, and having first and second lumens; an inflatable interface balloon comprised of an inflatable inner balloon and a flexible outer balloon enclosing said inner balloon; a flexible coil contained within said interface balloon between said inner balloon and said outer balloon; inflating means connected to said shaft member and connected to said inflatable inner balloon via said first lumen of said shaft member; an interconnecting cable connected to said shaft for providing electrical connection to said flexible coil via said second lumen of said shaft member; and wherein said shaft member includes a positioning scale printed on the outer surface thereof.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
140 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance system for obtaining images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends, and having first and second lumens; an inflatable interface balloon comprised of an inflatable inner balloon and a flexible outer balloon enclosing said inner balloon; a flexible coil contained within said interface balloon between said inner balloon and said outer balloon; inflating means connected to said shaft member and connected to said inflatable inner balloon via said first lumen of said shaft member; an interconnecting cable connected to said shaft for providing electrical connection to said flexible coil via said second lumen of said shaft member; and wherein said shaft member includes a positioning scale printed on the outer surface thereof.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
159 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance system for obtaining images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends, and having first and second lumens; an inflatable interface balloon comprised of an inflatable inner balloon and a flexible outer balloon enclosing said inner balloon; a flexible coil contained within said interface balloon between said inner balloon and said outer balloon; inflating means connected to said shaft member and connected to said inflatable inner balloon via said first lumen of said shaft member; an interconnecting cable connected to said shaft for providing electrical connection to said flexible coil via said second lumen of said shaft member; and an anti-migration disc, said anti-migration disc having a semi-spherical shape and a slot which snaps into said shaft member for preventing unwanted movement of said probe relative to the cavity of the patient.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
159 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance system for obtaining images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends, and having first and second lumens; an inflatable interface balloon comprised of an inflatable inner balloon and a flexible outer balloon enclosing said inner balloon; a flexible coil contained within said interface balloon between said inner balloon and said outer balloon; inflating means connected to said shaft member and connected to said inflatable inner balloon via said first lumen of said shaft member; an interconnecting cable connected to said shaft for providing electrical connection to said flexible coil via said second lumen of said shaft member; and an anti-migration disc, said anti-migration disc having a semi-spherical shape and a slot which snaps into said shaft member for preventing unwanted movement of said probe relative to the cavity of the patient.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
153 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance system for obtaining images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends, and having first and second lumens; an inflatable interface balloon comprised of an inflatable inner balloon and a flexible outer balloon enclosing said inner balloon; a flexible coil contained within said interface balloon between said inner balloon and said outer balloon; inflating means connected to said shaft member and connected to said inflatable inner balloon via said first lumen of said shaft member; an interconnecting cable connected to said shaft for providing electrical connection to said flexible coil via said second lumen of said shaft member; and a dilator element slidably mounted on said shaft member for dilating an orifice leading to said cavity to allow easy positioning of the probe within the cavity.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
153 words
An insertable intracavity probe for use in a magnetic resonance system for obtaining images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient, said probe comprising: an elongated shaft member having proximal and distal ends, and having first and second lumens; an inflatable interface balloon comprised of an inflatable inner balloon and a flexible outer balloon enclosing said inner balloon; a flexible coil contained within said interface balloon between said inner balloon and said outer balloon; inflating means connected to said shaft member and connected to said inflatable inner balloon via said first lumen of said shaft member; an interconnecting cable connected to said shaft for providing electrical connection to said flexible coil via said second lumen of said shaft member; and a dilator element slidably mounted on said shaft member for dilating an orifice leading to said cavity to allow easy positioning of the probe within the cavity.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
96 words
A magnetic resonance imaging system including: an insertable intracavity probe having a receiving coil for placement proximate a region of interest within a cavity of a patient; a magnetic resonance imaging scanner; a separable interface network for coupling said probe with said scanner and including impedance matching means to match the output impedance of said probe with the input impedance of the scanner, tuning means to tune the resonant frequency of the probe to the Larmour frequency of the scanner, decoupling means for decoupling the probe from the scanner during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission procedure.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
96 words
A magnetic resonance imaging system including: an insertable intracavity probe having a receiving coil for placement proximate a region of interest within a cavity of a patient; a magnetic resonance imaging scanner; a separable interface network for coupling said probe with said scanner and including impedance matching means to match the output impedance of said probe with the input impedance of the scanner, tuning means to tune the resonant frequency of the probe to the Larmour frequency of the scanner, decoupling means for decoupling the probe from the scanner during a magnetic resonance imaging transmission procedure.
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