Patent ID: 7511498
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: a magnetostatic field forming unit which forms a magnetostatic field; a gradient magnetic field forming unit which forms a gradient magnetic field; an RF coil which applies a high frequency magnetic field to a subject within said magnetostatic field and receives magnetic resonance signals from said subject; an RF drive unit which outputs drive signals for applying said high frequency magnetic field to said RF coil; a data collecting unit which collects data based on the magnetic resonance signals received by said RF coil; an image forming unit which forms tomographic images of the subject on the basis of the data collected by said data collecting unit; and a control unit which controls the operation of said RF coil, wherein: said RF coil includes: an original loop unit; a conductor which is so connected to said original loop unit as to split said original loop unit into a plurality of split loop units; a capacitor located along the conductor, a switching unit having a pair of input/output conductors and each being connected to opposing terminals of the capacitor which makes said conductor either conductive or non-conductive thereby switching between the original loop unit and the split loop units, and said control unit so controls the operation of said switching means as to apply said high frequency magnetic field by way of said original loop unit and receive said magnetic resonance signals generated by the application by way of said split loop units.