University of California

Louis T Kircos

Douglas A Ortendahl

Ernesto Zepeda

Brenda G Nichols

Matthias Gyori

An adjustable holder for a magnetic resonance imaging RF surface coil for imaging a part of the body such as the temporomandibular joint. Elements are provided for positioning and securing the RF surface coil at a first predetermined point along a longitudinal axis of the holder and for positioning and securing the RF surface coil at a second predetermined point transverse to the longitudinal axis and at a radial distance R from the longitudinal axis. The preferred embodiment provides orbital movement of the surface coil about the longitudinal axis using a pair of U-shaped runner guides disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis and adjustable clamps in cooperative engagement with the runner guides. The surface coil may be adjusted along a path transverse to the longitudinal axis by way of an adjustable shaft or arm which can be moved inwardly and outwardly, and the surface coil can be pivoted in a step-wise manner using a pivot head having a plurality of equally spaced detents. The pivot head is biased in a direction away from the surface coil and adjustably engages one of the plural detents while rotating about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Growing community of inventors

Sausalito, CA, United States of America

Louis T Kircos