Patent ID: 7343194
Filing Date: 2008-03-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A restraining assembly for an awake animal within a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, the restraining assembly comprising: a body restrainer having a first part and a second part that hold a body of the awake animal therebetween; a volume coil for generating an excitation RF signal, the volume coil being removably coupled to a holder that is securely coupled to the body restrainer; an RF surface coil for receiving an RF response from the animal, the RF surface coil being carried by a component that is disposed within the volume coil; and an adjustable hip holder that has a first section that seats against and applies a restraining force to a buttocks/hip area of the animal and a second section that is adjustably coupled to a pivoting member that is attached to the first part of the body restrainer such that the hip holder is adjustable in both a longitudinal direction along a length of the body restrainer and is pivotally adjustable in an up/down direction within the body restrainer between the first and second parts thereof, the first part of the body restrainer comprises a cover and the body restrainer further comprises a connector plate attached to the second part of the body restrainer, the connector plat having a flange member, one end of the first part seating against the flange member when the first and second parts are in a closed position, the connector plate having an opening formed threrethrough for receiving the head of the animal, the pivoting member having features that permit the hip holder to be locked in a desired location both in the longitudinal direction and the up/down direction so that a sufficient restraining force is applied the animal.