Patent ID: 6501980
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: A61B,G01R

Abstract:
A reusable endocavity RF coil probe for an MRI apparatus, which probe is chemically high level disinfected or sterilized between patients, the probe comprising:a hollow outer cover formed of multiple pieces, the pieces forming seams where they join, the cover having a closed distal end and an open proximate end, the distal end formed to fit into a cavity of the patient being examined; an active RF coil element rigidly formed internally within the distal end of the outer cover; a tuning and matching circuit disposed within the outer cover on the proximate end side of the active RF coil element, the tuning and matching circuit being arranged on a printed circuit board and attached to the active RF coil element; an over-molded form connected to the proximate end of the outer cover, the over-molded form being arranged such that the over-molded form seals the proximate end of the outer cover closed; surfaces adjacent and along the seams being treated by one of coated with a hydrophilic coating and chemically modified with one of radiation and plasma treatment; and, a medical grade epoxy coating, whose bonding to the outer cover pieces is facilitated by the surface treatment adjacent the seams, sealing and filling the seams to eliminate crevices that could shelter microbes during high level disinfection and sterilization.