Patent ID: 7560930
Filing Date: 2009-07-14
Classification: A61B,G01R

Abstract:
1. A magnetic resonance apparatus comprising: a patient table configured to receive a patient thereon; a magnetic resonance scanner having an opening configured to receive said patient table therein with the patient thereon, said magnetic resonance scanner comprising a basic field magnet that generates a static, homogenous basic magnetic field in an examination volume within said opening, a gradient coil system that generates at least one gradient magnetic field in said examination volume, a whole-body coil that emits radio-frequency signals into the examination subject within said examination region to cause magnetic resonance signals to be emitted from the subject, and a spine coil configured for placement in proximity to the spine of the subject to receive magnetic resonance signals from the spine; and said spine coil being mounted within said scanner at a fixed and immovable position relative to said whole body coil and being disposed beneath and separated from the patient table.