Design modification of dedicated MR breast coil

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics

Background:

• Dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) receiver coils improve signal detection.
• Simultaneous breast imaging requires specialized coil designs for optimal performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel breast MRI receiver coil with enhanced sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
• To reduce spatial variation in reception sensitivity compared to previous designs.
• To maintain compatibility with existing 0.15 T resistive magnet systems.

Main Methods:

• A modified triple-coil structure with specific loop orientations was implemented.
• The coil design incorporates a two-chambered plastic box for patient positioning.
• The coil operates as a plug-in replacement for standard receiver coils.

Main Results:

• The new design demonstrates increased sensitivity and SNR.
• Spatial variation in reception sensitivity is significantly decreased.
• The coil is insensitive to cardiac and pulmonary motion, reducing artifacts.

Conclusions:

• The modified breast MRI coil offers superior performance for simultaneous breast imaging.
• Improved sensitivity, SNR, and reduced motion artifacts lead to enhanced image quality and resolution.
• This coil is a viable upgrade for 0.15 T MRI systems, improving diagnostic accuracy.