Patent Description:
Magnetic resonance imaging provides an important imaging modality for numerous applications and is widely utilized in clinical and research settings to produce images of the inside of the human body. MRI is based on detecting magnetic resonance (MR) signals, which are electromagnetic waves emitted by atoms in response to state changes resulting from applied electromagnetic fields. For example, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques involve detecting MR signals emitted from the nuclei of excited atoms upon the re-alignment or relaxation of the nuclear spin of atoms in an object being imaged (e.g., atoms in the tissue of the human body). Detected MR signals may be processed to produce images, which in the context of medical applications, allows for the investigation of internal structures and/or biological processes within the body for diagnostic, therapeutic and/or research purposes.

MRI provides an attractive imaging modality for biological imaging due to the ability to produce non-invasive images having relatively high resolution and contrast without the safety concerns of other modalities (e.g., without needing to expose the subject to ionizing radiation, e.g., x-rays, or introducing radioactive material to the body). Additionally, MRI is particularly well suited to provide soft tissue contrast, which can be exploited to image subject matter that other imaging modalities are incapable of satisfactorily imaging. Moreover, MR techniques are capable of capturing information about structures and/or biological processes that other modalities are incapable of acquiring.

<CIT> discloses systems and method for positioning a neonate within an imaging device. A capsule incubator, a cart, and a docking incubator are used to move a baby between an imaging device and a incubator, such that a baby can be imaged without having to move the baby from its environment.

<CIT> discloses a radiofrequency (RF) coil unit and a housing for the RF coil unit. The RF coil unit can include a substantially annular body having a concave indent along a longitudinal direction along the substantially annular body such that when a head of the patient is inserted into an interior of the substantially annular body, at least a portion of the head of the patient is viewable and accessible from a location exterior to the substantially annular body. The housing for the RF coil unit can include a channel to receive the RF coil unit of a MRI device. The housing can enclose regions with high voltages (e.g., <NUM> Volts) and/or separate these regions from patient body parts by, for example, including insulating material, thereby enhancing a safety of the patient.

<CIT> discloses a neonate positioning assembly for positioning a head of a neonate within a radio frequency coil of a magnetic resonance imaging. The neonate positioning assembly allows for the head of the neonate to be positioned within a field of view of the radio frequency coil without repositioning the neonate on the positioning assembly.

<CIT> discloses a pediatric RF coil assembly including a head coil and a flexible body coil in a single dedicated device shaped and sized for a child in order to increase the signal to noise ratio, and thus increase the quality of images produced during pediatric MRI. The flexible body coil may be operable to at least partially surround and abut the body of the child located on the pediatric RF coil assembly, while the head coil may at least partially surround and abut the head of the child located on the pediatric RF coil assembly. In order to optimize workflow, the child may be positioned on the pediatric RF coil assembly in a first room and moved to a second room including an MRI system after the child is brought to sleep or sedated in the first room. The pediatric RF coil assembly and the child may be moved to the second room using a handle rotatably attached to the pediatric RF coil assembly, and may be positioned on a patient table of the MRI system when the imaging process is to begin.

An aspect of the present invention provides a system to facilitate imaging an infant using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device according to claim <NUM>.

Various non-limiting embodiments of the technology are described herein with reference to the following figures. Items appearing in multiple figures are indicated by the same reference numeral in all figures in which they appear.

Some embodiments provide for a system to facilitate imaging an infant using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, the system comprising: a radio frequency (RF) coil assembly configured to be coupled to the MRI device, the RF coil assembly comprising: a first RF coil configured to transmit RF signals during MRI and/or be responsive to MR signals generated during MRI; and a helmet for supporting at least a portion of the infant's head; and an infant support to support at least a portion of the infant's body and configured to be coupled to the RF coil assembly.

In some embodiments the helmet supports the first RF coil. In some embodiments, the first RF coil is housed inside the helmet. In some embodiments, the first RF coil is disposed on or proximate to an exterior surface of the helmet. In some embodiments, the RF coil assembly further comprises a second RF coil configured to receive MR signals during MRI, the second RF coil being removably coupled to the helmet.

In some embodiments, the infant support is configured to be coupled to the helmet. In some embodiments, the first RF coil is removably coupled to the helmet.

According to the invention, the infant support comprises: a tray for positioning the infant thereon along a longitudinal axis extending along a length of the tray, and a base coupled to the tray, the base comprising arms extending outward from the base in a direction along the longitudinal axis and configured to be received by a coupling mechanism of the MRI device. In some embodiments, the tray has a surface and sides coupled to and extending upwards from the surface.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises the coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism comprising: first and second receiving portions for receiving the arms of the infant support, wherein the coupling mechanism is coupled to the MRI device and the RF coil assembly. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism further comprises: guides on opposing sides of the coupling mechanism; and wings disposed at least partially above the guides; wherein the wings and guides together form the first and second receiving portions for receiving the arms of the infant support, the first and second receiving portions being configured such that the arms of the infant support are inserted into the first and second receiving portions below the wings and along the guides. In some embodiments, distal ends of the guides are configured to receive a respective snap disposed at distal ends of the arms of the infant support.

In some embodiments, the RF coil assembly is electrically coupled to the MRI device. In some embodiments, the RF coil assembly is mechanically coupled to the MRI device. In some embodiments, the helmet is dimensioned to accommodate the infant's head. In some embodiments, a maximum dimension of an interior of the helmet is less than <NUM> centimeters.

Some embodiments provide for an infant support for supporting an infant during imaging by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, the apparatus comprising: a tray for positioning the infant thereon along a longitudinal axis extending along a length of the tray, the tray having a surface and sides coupled to and extending upwards from the surface; and a base coupled to the tray, the base comprising arms extending outward from the base in a direction along the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the arms slope upward in the direction along the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the arms are configured to be received by respective receiving portions of a coupling mechanism coupled to the MRI device. In some embodiments, each of the arms comprise a respective snap at a distal end of the arm, the snap configured to be received by the coupling mechanism.

In some embodiments, the infant support further comprises a bridge supporting the tray on the base and providing a gap between the base and the tray. In some embodiments, the base further comprises a notch disposed between the arms, the notch complementary to a protrusion of a coupling mechanism coupled to the MRI device. In some embodiments, the base further comprises a protrusion disposed between the arms, the protrusion complementary to a notch of a coupling mechanism coupled to the MRI device. In some embodiments, each of the sides comprises one or more slots for receiving one or more straps.

In some embodiments, the surface is tapered such that a proximal end of the surface has a width that is greater than a width of a distal end of the surface. In some embodiments, the infant support comprises one or more tabs coupled to the distal end of the surface to support the infant's head. In some embodiments, the infant support comprises a brace disposed above and coupled to the distal end of the surface. In some embodiments, the tray further comprises padding.

Some embodiments provide for a method for positioning an infant in a field of view of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device using an infant support configured to support the infant during imaging, the infant support comprising a base, a tray supported by the base, and arms coupled to the base, the method comprising: placing the infant on the tray along a longitudinal axis of the infant support; moving the infant support towards an RF coil assembly of the MRI device in a direction along the longitudinal axis so that the arms are inserted into a coupling mechanism coupled to the RF coil assembly and at least a portion of the infant's head is disposed within an opening of the RF coil assembly; and imaging the infant using the MRI device.

In some embodiments, the moving comprises moving the infant support until either a notch of the infant support receives a protrusion of the coupling mechanism or a protrusion of the infant support is received by a notch of the coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the moving comprises moving the infant support until snaps disposed at distal ends of the arms are received by respective distal ends of guides of the coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the method further comprises, after placing the infant on the tray, extending one or more straps over the infant.

Some embodiments provide for an apparatus for coupling an infant support to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, the infant support comprising a base and arms coupled to the base, the apparatus comprising: a body; outer arms coupled to the body and configured to receive arms of the infant support; and inner arms coupled to the body and configured to couple the apparatus to the MRI device.

In some embodiments, the body comprises a notch, the notch complementary to a protrusion of the infant support. In some embodiments, the body comprises a protrusion, the protrusion complementary to a notch of the infant support. In some embodiments, the outer arms comprise guides for receiving the arms of the infant support.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises wings coupled to the body and disposed at least partially above the guides; and wherein the wings and guides together form first and second receiving portions for receiving the arms of the infant support, the first and second receiving portions being configured such that the arms of the infant support are inserted into the first and second receiving portions below the wings and along the guides. In some embodiments, distal ends of the guides are configured to receive a respective snap disposed at distal ends of the arms of the infant support. In some embodiments, the wings slope upwards along a longitudinal axis extending substantially along a length of the wings.

In some embodiments, each of the inner arms comprise a contact configured to be received by a groove of the MRI device. In some embodiments, the MRI device comprises a helmet base, the helmet base comprising the groove, and the contacts of the inner arms are configured be received by the groove of the helmet base to couple the apparatus to the helmet base.

Some embodiments provide for a system configured to facilitate imaging of an infant using a magnetic resonance (MRI) device, the system comprising: an infant support for supporting the infant during imaging by the MRI device, the infant support comprising: a tray for positioning the infant thereon along a longitudinal axis extending along a length of the tray; and a base coupled to the tray, the base comprising arms extending outward from the base in a direction along the longitudinal axis distal to the base; and an apparatus for coupling the infant support to the MRI device comprising: a body; outer arms coupled to the body and configured to receive the arms of the infant support; and inner arms coupled to the body and configured to couple to the apparatus to the MRI device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a notch and the infant support comprises a protrusion configured to be received by the notch. In some embodiments, the infant support comprises a notch and the apparatus comprises a protrusion configured to be received by the notch.

In some embodiments, the outer arms comprise guides for receiving the arms of the infant support. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: wings coupled to the body and disposed at least partially above the guides; and wherein the wings and guides together form first and second receiving portions for receiving the arms of the infant support, the first and second receiving portions being configured such that the arms of the infant support are inserted into the first and second receiving portions below the wings and along the guides. In some embodiments, distal ends of the arms comprise snaps; and distal ends of the guides are configured to receive a respective one of the snaps.

Some embodiments provide for an apparatus for coupling an infant support to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, the infant support comprising a base and arms coupled to the base, the apparatus comprising: a body; guides coupled to the body; and wings coupled to the body and disposed at least partially above the guides, wherein the wings and guides together form first and second receiving portions for receiving the arms of the infant support, the first and second receiving portions being configured such that the arms of the infant support are inserted into the first and second receiving portions below the wings and along the guides.

In some embodiments, the body comprises a notch, the notch complementary to a protrusion of the infant support. In some embodiments, the body comprises a protrusion, the protrusion complementary to a notch of the infant support.

In some embodiments, distal ends of the guides are configured to receive a respective snap disposed at distal ends of the arms of the infant support. In some embodiments, the wings slope upwards along a longitudinal axis extending substantially along a length of the wings.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises inner arms coupled to the body and configured to couple the apparatus to the MRI device. In some embodiments, each of the inner arms comprise a contact configured to be received by a groove of the MRI device. In some embodiments, the MRI device comprises a helmet base, the helmet base comprising the groove, and the contacts of the inner arms are configured be received by the groove of the helmet base to couple the apparatus to the helmet base.

Aspects of the present application relate to a system configured to facilitate imaging infants (e.g., neonates and older infants) using a magnetic resonance imaging device. Some aspects relate to an infant support for securing and precisely positioning an infant relative to an MRI device. The infant support may be used alone or in combination with a radio frequency (RF) coil assembly configured to facilitate MR imaging of at least a portion of the infant's head. In addition, the inventors have developed a coupling mechanism for positioning and securely coupling the infant support relative to the MRI device. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism facilitates coupling the RF coil assembly to the MRI device.

The inventors have recognized that, despite providing an important diagnostic tool, use of MRI is complicated by the lack of availability and accessibility of current MRI systems. The inventors have further recognized that infant care is one area in which MR imaging would be beneficial, but which is often inaccessible. In particular, for neonates (e.g., infants within the first <NUM> days after birth) alone, there are on the order of <NUM>,<NUM> Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in the United States. The average number of beds (or NICU stations) is <NUM> per NICU for a total of <NUM>,<NUM> beds. Despite providing a potent diagnostic modality for investigating infant complications (e.g., abnormal infant brain function), MRI is often unavailable to infants in need of this technology.

Patient positioning is an important aspect of MR imaging, which impacts the quality of obtained. In particular, it is often desired to obtain an image of a particular portion of a patient's body, such as the brain or spinal cord. As such, it is important to precisely position a patient relative to the MRI device such that images of the appropriate part of the patient's body can be obtained. Another aspect of patient positioning includes minimizing movement of the patient and/or other components of the MRI system during imaging to prevent artefacts from appearing in the acquired images. This is especially problematic when imaging infants given the relative difference in size between infants and adults and/or older children. Indeed, conventional MRI machines developed for adult patients cannot be suitably used for infants as the machine is not able to accurately position a patient of a smaller size. In addition, infants may be relatively more prone to movement during imaging, which necessitates using movement restriction mechanisms to obtain useful images. Thus, in many cases, MR imaging of infants cannot be performed by conventional machines for imaging adults and can only be performed by specialized machines specifically adapted for imaging smaller patients.

The inventors have recognized that the above described issues and others can be overcome with use of a structure configured to position infants relative to an MRI device during MR imaging and which may be used to adapt a conventional MRI device configured for imaging adults into an MRI device that is capable of imaging infants, thus increasing the availability of MR imaging for infants. The infant support may securely couple to one or more components of an existing MRI device such that an infant can be precisely positioned relative to the MRI device for imaging with minimal movement of the infant support and infant. In some embodiments, the infant support may be coupled to an RF coil assembly configured for imaging at least a portion of the infant's head. The RF coil assembly may include components (e.g., a helmet) for positioning and restraining the infant during MR imaging.

Thus, aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems, devices, and methods for facilitating MR imaging of an infant. According to some aspects of the technology described herein, there is provided a system to facilitate imaging an infant using an MRI device, the system comprising: (<NUM>) an RF coil assembly configured to be coupled to the MRI device (e.g., mechanically coupled, electronically coupled), the RF coil assembly comprising: (a) a first RF coil configured to transmit RF signals during MRI and/or be responsive to MR signals generated during MRI, and (b) a helmet for supporting at least a portion of the infant's head; and (<NUM>) an infant support to support at least a portion of the infant's body and configured to be coupled to the RF coil assembly (to the helmet, for example).

In some embodiments, the helmet supports the first RF coil (e.g., where the RF coil is housed inside the helmet). In some embodiments, the first RF coil is disposed on or proximate to an exterior surface of the helmet. In some embodiments, the first RF coil is removably coupled to the helmet. In some embodiments, the RF coil assembly further comprises a second RF coil configured to receive MR signals during MR and the second RF coil is removably coupled to the helmet. In some embodiments, the helmet is dimensioned to accommodate the infant's head (for example, the helmet may have a maximum interior dimension of less than <NUM> centimeters).

According to some aspects of the technology described herein, there is provided an infant support for supporting an infant during imaging by an MRI device, the apparatus comprising a tray for positioning the infant thereon along a longitudinal axis extending along a length of the tray, the tray having a surface and sides coupled to and extending upwards from the surface, and a base coupled to the tray, the base comprising arms extending outward from the base in a direction along the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the arms slope upward in the direction along the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the arms are configured to be received by respective receiving portions of a coupling mechanism coupled to the MRI device. In some embodiments, each of the arms comprises a respective snap at a distal end of the arm configured to be received by the coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the infant support further comprises a bridge supporting the tray on the base and providing a gap between the base and the tray. In some embodiments, the base of the infant support further comprises a notch and/or a protrusion disposed between the arms and being complementary to a respective protrusion and/or notch of the coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, each of the sides comprises one or more slots for receiving one or more straps. In some embodiments, the surface of the infant support is tapered such that a proximal end of the surface has a width that is greater than a width of a distal end of the surface. In some embodiments, the infant support comprises one or more tabs coupled to the distal end 113B of the surface to support the infant's head. In some embodiments, the infant support comprises a brace disposed above (or below) and coupled to the distal end 113B of the surface. In some embodiments, the tray of the infant support further comprises padding.

According to some aspects of the technology described herein, there is provided a method for positioning an infant in a field of view of an MRI device using an infant support configured to support the infant during imaging, the infant support comprising a base, a tray supported by the base, and arms coupled to the base, the method comprising: placing the infant on the tray along a longitudinal axis of the infant support; moving the infant support towards an RF coil assembly of the MRI device in a direction along the longitudinal axis so that the arms of the infant support are inserted into a coupling mechanism coupled to the RF coil assembly and at least a portion of the infant's head is disposed within an opening of the RF coil assembly, and imaging the infant using the MRI device.

In some embodiments, moving the infant support comprises moving the infant support until either a notch of the infant support receives a protrusion of the coupling mechanism or a protrusion of the infant support is receive by a notch of the coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, moving the infant support comprises moving the infant support until at distal ends of the arms are received by respective distal ends of guides of the coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the method further comprises extending one or more straps over the infant after placing the infant on the tray.

According to some aspects of the technology described herein, there is provided an apparatus for coupling an infant support to an MRI device, the infant support comprising a base and arms coupled to the base, the apparatus comprising a body, outer arms coupled to the body and configured to receive arms of the infant support, and inner arms coupled to the body and configured to couple the apparatus to the MRI device.

In some embodiments, the body comprises a notch and/or a protrusion complementary to a respective protrusion and/or notch of the infant support. In some embodiments, the outer arms comprise guides for receiving the arms of the infant support. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises wings coupled to the body and disposed at least partially above the guides, wherein the wings and guides together form first and second receiving portions for receiving the arms of the infant support and being configured such that the arms of the infant support are inserted into the first and second receiving portions below the wings and along (e.g., adjacent to) to the guides. In some embodiments, distal ends of the guides are configured to receive a respective snap disposed at distal ends of the arms of the infant support (e.g., by snap fitting the snaps to the distal ends of the guides). In some embodiments, the wings of the apparatus slope upwards along a longitudinal axis extending substantially along a length of the wings. In some embodiments, each of the inner arms of the apparatus comprises a contact configured to be received by a groove of the MRI device (for example, by a groove of a helmet base of the MRI device such that the helmet base is coupled to the apparatus by contacts of the inner arms being received by the groove of the helmet base).

According to some aspects of the technology described herein, there is provided a system configured to facilitate imaging of an infant using an MRI device, the system comprising an infant support for supporting the infant during imaging by the MRI device, the infant support comprising a tray for positioning the infant thereon along a longitudinal axis extending along a length of the tray, and a base coupled to the tray, the base comprising arms extending outward from the base in a direction along the longitudinal axis distal to the base. The system may further comprise an apparatus for coupling the infant support to the MRI device, the apparatus comprising a body, outer arms coupled to the body and configured to receive the arms of the infant support, and inner arms coupled to the body and configured to couple the apparatus to the MRI device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a notch and the infant support comprises a protrusion configured to be received by the notch. In some embodiments, the infant support comprises a notch and the apparatus comprises a protrusion configured to be received by the notch. In some embodiments, the outer arms of the apparatus comprise guides for receiving the arms of the infant support. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises wings coupled to the body and disposed at least partially above the guides, and the wings and guides together form first and second receiving portions for receiving the arms of the infant support and being configured such that the arms of the infant support are inserted into the first and second receiving portions below the wings and along (e.g., adjacent to) to the guides. In some embodiments, distal ends of the arms comprise snaps and distal ends of the guides are configured to receive a respective one of the snaps.

The aspects and embodiments described above, as well as additional aspects and embodiments, are described further below. These aspects and/or embodiments may be used individually, all together, or in any combination, as the technology is not limited in this respect.

Aspects of the technology described herein relate to systems, devices, and methods configured to facilitate imaging of infants. Some embodiments relate to facilitating MR imaging of at least a portion of the infant's head. <FIG> is a perspective view of an example system to facilitate imaging an infant using an MRI device, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> comprises an RF coil assembly <NUM> and an infant support <NUM>.

RF coil assembly <NUM> comprises at least one RF coil configured to transmit RF signals and/or receive MR signals during MR imaging, also referred to herein as transmit and receive coils. In some embodiments, the at least one RF coil may consist of a single RF coil, which may be a transmit (Tx) RF coil, a receive (Rx) RF coil, or both a transmit RF coil and a receive RF (Tx/Rx) coil. In some embodiments, the at least one RF coil may include multiple coils, each of which may be a transmit (Tx) coil, a receive (Rx) coil, or both a transmit coil and a receive (Tx/Rx) coil.

In the illustrated in embodiment, the RF coil assembly <NUM> includes a first RF coil <NUM>. In some embodiments, the RF coil assembly <NUM> further includes one or more additional RF coils. In the illustrated embodiment, the first RF coil <NUM> is a Tx coil configured to transmit RF signals during MR imaging. In other embodiments, RF coil assembly <NUM> additionally or alternatively includes one or more other RF coils. For example, the RF coil assembly may include one or more Rx coils and/or one or more Tx/Rx coils. The Tx/Rx coils of the RF coil assembly <NUM> may, in some embodiments, be used in combination with an MRI device to perform magnetic resonance imaging of an infant.

The system <NUM> further includes an infant support <NUM> configured to support an infant during MR imaging. In particular, the infant support <NUM> may be dimensioned for supporting the infant, for example, having a length and width suitable for (e.g., approximately being equal to the dimensions of the infant) placing the infant thereon during MR imaging.

In some embodiments, the infant support <NUM> may be coupled to the RF coil assembly <NUM>. For example, the infant support <NUM> may be coupled to a helmet <NUM> of the RF coil assembly <NUM>, as described herein. In some embodiments, the infant support <NUM> may include components allowing the infant support <NUM> to be coupled to a coupling mechanism coupled to the RF coil assembly <NUM> and/or an MRI device.

<FIG> is perspective view of an example RF coil assembly of the example system of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> shows a helmet <NUM> of the RF coil assembly <NUM>. Helmet <NUM> may be configured to support the head of an infant during MR imaging. For example, the helmet <NUM> may receive at least a portion of the infant's head in an opening <NUM> of the helmet <NUM>. The helmet <NUM> may be formed of any suitable material, for example, a material which supports the infant's head but which is also comfortable for the infant. In some embodiments, the helmet <NUM> comprises foam. In some embodiments, the helmet comprises plastic.

The helmet <NUM> of the RF coil assembly <NUM> may have any suitable form. For example, in some embodiments, the helmet may have an opening for receiving the infant's head shaped such that the sides and top of the infant's head are enclosed during imaging. In some embodiments, the helmet may have an opening for receiving the infant's head shaped such that the sides of the infant's head are enclosed during imaging while the top of the infant's head is at least partially exposed by the helmet. In some embodiments, the helmet may support the infant's head during imaging while not fully surrounding the entire circumference of the infant's head.

In some embodiments, the helmet may be dimensioned for supporting the infant's head during imaging. For example, the opening <NUM> of the helmet <NUM> may be sized to securely receive the infant's head. In some embodiments, the opening of the helmet may be approximately <NUM> along the superior-inferior axis ("SI"), approximately <NUM> along the anterior-posterior axis ("AP"), and approximately <NUM> along the left-right axis ("LR"). A maximum interior dimension of the helmet (e.g., a maximum dimension of the opening) may be less than and/or equal to <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or any suitable dimension in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>.

In some embodiments, the RF coil assembly may be configured for imaging an adult's head (e.g., having interior dimensions in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>), but the helmet may adapted to support an infant's head. For example, the helmet <NUM> may be removably coupled to the RF coil assembly <NUM> such that the helmet <NUM> may be interchanged with another helmet having an opening suitably sized for the patient being imaged. In some embodiments, both the RF coil assembly including the one or more RF coils and helmet are sized for an infant. In some embodiments, the RF coil assembly including the helmet is sized for an adult and the infant support includes components which facilitate imaging an infant using the adult RF coil assembly and helmet, as described herein.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the example system of <FIG> having a second RF coil removably coupled to the system, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As shown in <FIG>, the RF coil assembly <NUM> further comprises a second RF coil <NUM>. Second RF coil <NUM> is removably coupled to the RF coil assembly <NUM>, for example to the helmet <NUM> such that the second RF coil <NUM> may be detached from the RF coil assembly <NUM> when desired. In other embodiments, the second RF coil <NUM> may be fixedly coupled to the RF coil assembly <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second RF coil <NUM> may comprise one or more Tx coils, one or more Rx coils and/or one or more Tx/Rx coils removably coupled to the RF coil assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the second RF coil <NUM> is an Rx coil configured to receive MR signals during imaging. The inventors have recognized that the use of a second RF coil that can be removably coupled to the RF coil assembly <NUM> when desired is advantageous as it allows for the RF coil assembly <NUM> to be reconfigured as necessary.

<FIG> is an exploded view of the components of the example RF coil assembly of the example system of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As shown in <FIG>, the RF coil assembly <NUM> includes first RF coil <NUM>, second RF coil <NUM>, and helmet <NUM>.

The RF coil assembly <NUM> may further comprise additional structural components for packaging and protecting components of the RF coil assembly <NUM> such as cover <NUM>, enclosure <NUM>, and outer shell <NUM>. Cover <NUM> may be coupled to helmet <NUM> and may serve as a stoppage point for the helmet <NUM> when the helmet <NUM> is inserted into the RF coil assembly <NUM>, as described further herein. The enclosure <NUM> and outer shell <NUM> may serve to enclose and protect the components of the RF coil assembly <NUM>, including, for example, electronic components such as the first and second RF coils <NUM>, <NUM>. The components of the RF coil assembly <NUM> may be coupled together by one or more fasteners, in some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, press fits <NUM>, screws <NUM>, and washers <NUM> couple components of the RF coil assembly <NUM>.

As described further herein, the RF coil assembly <NUM> may be coupled to one or more other components (e.g., an MRI device, an infant support, etc.) via a coupling mechanism <NUM>. The RF coil assembly <NUM> may be coupled to the coupling mechanism via any suitable fastener (e.g., one or more screws in the illustrated embodiment).

<FIG> are side views of example RF coil assemblies, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> illustrate an alternative embodiment of the RF coil assembly shown in <FIG>. The RF coil assembly <NUM> comprises at least one RF coil supported by a helmet <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, coil <NUM> is housed by the helmet <NUM>. The coil <NUM> may be configured as one or more Tx coils, one or more Rx coils, and/or one or more Tx/Rx coils. Tape <NUM> is provided to keep the coil windings of the coil <NUM> positioned precisely.

<FIG> illustrates front views of example RF coil assemblies in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As shown in <FIG>, the RF coil assembly <NUM> comprises at least one RF coil housed inside a helmet whereas the RF coil assembly <NUM> comprises at least one RF coil disposed on or proximate to an exterior of the helmet <NUM>. The RF coil assembly <NUM> comprises an enclosure <NUM> for supporting the components of the RF coil assembly <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the RF coil assembly <NUM> may be configured for imaging infants (e.g., having a helmet <NUM> dimensioned to receive an infant's head) while the RF coil assembly <NUM> is configured for imaging adults. In particular, the RF coil assembly <NUM> may be dimensioned having an opening for receiving a patient's head therein that is large enough to accommodate an adult patient's head. Such dimensions may be too large to securely receive an infant's head without a significant amount of movement of the infant's head during imaging. As described herein, the inventors have developed an infant support having components which enable adaptation of an adult MRI device (e.g., an adult RF coil assembly) for use with infants, thus increasing the availability of MRI as an imaging modality for infants.

<FIG> illustrate additional views of the system <NUM>. In particular, <FIG> is a side view of the example system of <FIG> and <FIG> is a top view of the example system of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

<FIG> further illustrates a front view of the example system of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> illustrates the opening <NUM> in the helmet <NUM> for receiving the infant's head therein. As described herein, the opening <NUM> may be suitably dimensioned for receiving an infant's head therein.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the example system of <FIG>, with the helmet being removed from the RF coil assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the helmet <NUM> is removably coupled to the RF coil assembly <NUM>. The infant support <NUM> is coupled to the helmet <NUM> such that the helmet <NUM> and infant support <NUM> move together at a same time. In an example method for positioning an infant relative to the RF coil assembly <NUM>, the infant support <NUM> and the helmet <NUM> may be removed from an interior of the first RF coil <NUM> such that the infant can be positioned on the infant support <NUM> with at least a portion of the infant's head being disposed in the helmet <NUM>. The helmet <NUM> and infant support <NUM> may be reinserted (e.g., by sliding the infant support <NUM> and helmet <NUM>) into the interior of the first RF coil <NUM> when it is desired to perform imaging such that at least a portion of the first RF coil surrounds at least a portion of the infant's head.

The RF coil assembly <NUM> may comprise one or more components which provide a stopping point for the helmet <NUM> when it is inserted into the interior of the first RF coil <NUM>. For example, the cover <NUM> of the RF coil assembly <NUM> may abut the helmet <NUM> when the helmet has been inserted into the interior of the first RF coil <NUM> to a maximum depth.

In some embodiments, the system <NUM> may be used in combination with an MRI device to facilitate imaging of the infant. For example, <FIG> a perspective view of the example system <NUM> of <FIG> being coupled to an example MRI device <NUM>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. The MRI device may be any suitable device configured to facilitate magnetic resonance imaging of a patient, such as, for example, a portable low-field MRI system including any of the low-field MRI systems described in <CIT>.

In particular, MRI device <NUM> may form a part of all of an MRI system. <FIG> is a block diagram of example components of an example MRI system, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. In the illustrative example of <FIG>, MRI system <NUM> comprises workstation <NUM>, controller <NUM>, pulse sequences store <NUM>, power management system <NUM>, and magnetic components <NUM>. It should be appreciated that system <NUM> is illustrative and that an MRI system may have one or more other components of any suitable type in addition to or instead of the components illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, magnetic components <NUM> comprise B<NUM> magnet <NUM>, shims <NUM>, RF transmit and receive coils <NUM>, and gradient coils <NUM>. B<NUM> magnet <NUM> may be used to generate, at least in part, the main magnetic field B<NUM>. B<NUM> magnet <NUM> may be any suitable type of magnet that can generate a main magnetic field, and may include one or more B<NUM> coils, correction coils, pole pieces, etc. In some embodiments, B<NUM> magnet <NUM> may be a permanent magnet. For example, in some embodiments, B<NUM> magnet <NUM> may comprise multiple permanent magnet pieces organized in a bi-planar arrangement of concentric permanent magnet rings. In some embodiments, B<NUM> magnet <NUM> may be an electromagnet. In some embodiments, B<NUM> magnet <NUM> may be a hybrid magnet comprising one or more permanent magnets and one or more electromagnets.

In some embodiments, shims <NUM> may be used to contribute magnetic field(s) to improve the homogeneity of the B<NUM> field generated by magnet <NUM>. In some embodiments, shims <NUM> may be permanent magnet shims. In some embodiments, shims <NUM> may be electromagnetic and may comprise one or more shim coils configured to generate a shimming magnetic field.

In some embodiments, gradient coils <NUM> may be arranged to provide gradient fields and, for example, may be arranged to generate gradients in the magnetic field in three substantially orthogonal directions (X, Y, Z) to localize where MR signals are induced. In some embodiments, one or more magnetics components <NUM> (e.g., shims <NUM> and/or gradient coils <NUM>) may be fabricated using the laminate techniques.

In some embodiments, RF transmit and receive coils <NUM> may comprise one or multiple transmit coils that may be used to generate RF pulses to induce a magnetic field B <NUM>. The transmit/receive coil(s) may be configured to generate any suitable type of RF pulses configured to excite an MR response in a subject and detect the resulting MR signals emitted. RF transmit and receive coils <NUM> may include one or multiple transmit coils and one or multiple receive coils. The configuration of the transmit/receive coils varies with implementation and may include a single coil for both transmitting and receiving, separate coils for transmitting and receiving, multiple coils for transmitting and/or receiving, or any combination to achieve single channel or parallel MRI systems. In some embodiments, RF transmit and receive coils <NUM> include multiple RF coils, which allow the MRI system <NUM> to concurrently receive MR signals on multiple channels. In some embodiments, the MR signals received by multiple RF coils may be processed and combined.

Power management system <NUM> includes electronics to provide operating power to one or more components of the low-field MRI system <NUM>. For example, power management system <NUM> may include one or more power supplies, gradient power amplifiers, transmit coil amplifiers, and/or any other suitable power electronics needed to provide suitable operating power to energize and operate components of the low-field MRI system <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, power management system <NUM> comprises power supply <NUM>, amplifier(s) <NUM>, transmit/receive switch <NUM>, and thermal management components <NUM>. Power supply <NUM> includes electronics to provide operating power to magnetic components <NUM> of the low-field MRI system <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, power supply <NUM> may include electronics to provide operating power to one or more B<NUM> coils (e.g., B<NUM> magnet <NUM> when it is an electromagnet) to produce the main magnetic field for the low-field MRI system, one or more shims <NUM>, and/or one or more gradient coils <NUM>. In some embodiments, power supply <NUM> may be a unipolar, continuous wave (CW) power supply. Transmit/receive switch <NUM> may be used to select whether RF transmit coils or RF receive coils are being operated.

In some embodiments, amplifier(s) <NUM> may include one or more RF receive (Rx) pre-amplifiers that amplify MR signals detected by RF receive coil(s) (e.g., coils <NUM>), RF transmit (Tx) amplifier(s) configured to provide power to RF transmit coil(s) (e.g., coils <NUM>), gradient power amplifier(s) configured to provide power to gradient coil(s) (e.g., gradient coils <NUM>), and/or shim amplifier(s) configured to provide power to shim coil(s) (e.g., shims <NUM> in embodiments where shims <NUM> include one or more shim coils).

In some embodiments, thermal management components <NUM> provide cooling for components of low-field MRI system <NUM> and may be configured to do so by facilitating the transfer of thermal energy generated by one or more components of the low-field MRI system <NUM> away from those components.

As illustrated in <FIG>, low-field MRI system <NUM> includes controller <NUM> (also referred to as a console) having control electronics to send instructions to and receive information from power management system <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may be configured to implement one or more pulse sequences, which are used to determine the instructions sent to power management system <NUM> to operate the magnetic components <NUM> according to a desired sequence. In some embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to implement a pulse sequence by obtaining information about the pulse sequence from pulse sequences repository <NUM>, which stores information for each of one or more pulse sequences. Information stored by pulse sequences repository <NUM> for a particular pulse sequence may be any suitable information that allows controller <NUM> to implement the particular pulse sequence. Information stored in pulse sequences repository <NUM> may be stored on one or more non-transitory storage media.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in some embodiments, controller <NUM> may interact with computing device <NUM> programmed to process received MR data (which, in some embodiments, may be spatial frequency domain MR data). For example, computing device <NUM> may process received MR data to generate one or more MR images using any suitable image reconstruction process(es).

In some embodiments, a user <NUM> may interact with computing device <NUM> to control aspects of the low-field MR system <NUM> (e.g., program the system <NUM> to operate in accordance with a particular pulse sequence, adjust one or more parameters of the system <NUM>, etc.) and/or view images obtained by the low-field MR system <NUM>.

In some embodiments, for example where the B<NUM> magnet of the MRI device comprises first and second B<NUM> magnets organized in a bi-planar arrangement, the MRI device <NUM> comprises a c-shaped ferromagnetic yoke configured to capture and channel magnetic flux to increase the magnetic flux density within an imaging region (field of view) of the MRI device.

B<NUM> magnets of the MRI devices described herein may be configured to produce a B<NUM> magnetic field in the very low field strength regime (e.g., less than or equal to approximately. 1T, 50mT, 20mT, etc. or any field strength equal to or within the ranges listed herein). For example, a portable MRI device may be configured to operate at a magnetic field strength of approximately 64mT, though any low-field strength may be used.

In some embodiments, the system <NUM> may be coupled to the MRI device <NUM>. For example, the system <NUM> may be mechanically coupled to the MRI device <NUM> (e.g., using a coupling mechanism), as described herein. In some embodiments, the system <NUM> may be electrically coupled to the MRI device <NUM>. For example, as described herein, the MRI device may comprise one or more power components configured to power a component of the system <NUM> (e.g., one or more components of the RF coil assembly <NUM>, etc.). In some embodiments, the system <NUM> may be mechanically and electrically coupled to the MRI device <NUM>.

Having thus described aspects of the system <NUM>, further details of the infant support will now be provided. The infant support may be configured to support an infant during MR imaging. For example, the infant support may be dimensioned and/or shaped to support the body of an infant. In some embodiments, the infant support may include components for facilitating positioning and alignment of the infant relative to the RF coil assembly and/or the MRI device, for example, by coupling to components of the RF coil assembly and/or the MRI device. In some embodiments, the infant support may include components for increasing comfort and restricting and/or minimizing movement of the infant during imaging. In some embodiments, the infant support includes components that facilitate MR imaging of an infant with the use of an MRI device configured for adults.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an example infant support, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As shown in <FIG>, the infant support <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> and a tray <NUM> supported by the base <NUM>. A bridge <NUM> of the infant support couples the base <NUM> to the tray and provides a gap <NUM> between the base <NUM> and the tray <NUM>. As described herein, an infant may be positioned on the infant support <NUM> (e.g., on the tray <NUM>), and the infant support <NUM> may facilitate positioning the infant relative to an RF coil assembly and/or an MRI device for imaging. For example, in some embodiments, the infant support facilitates positioning an infant relative to a helmet of the RF coil assembly. In some embodiments, the infant support <NUM> is configured to securely couple to a coupling mechanism to precisely position the infant relative to the RF coil assembly and/or the MRI device and prevent inadvertent movement of the infant support <NUM> during image acquisition.

An infant may be positioned on a surface <NUM> of the tray <NUM> in preparation for MR imaging. In particular, the infant may be placed on the surface <NUM> along a longitudinal axis <NUM> extending along a length of the tray <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the surface <NUM> is shaped so as to conform to the infant's body, for example, having a distal end 113B for supporting the infant's head, and a proximal end 113A for supporting the infant's body and feet. The distal end 113B of the surface <NUM> supporting the infant's head is tapered to better support the infant's head and minimize movement of the infant. In some embodiments, the infant may be placed on the surface <NUM> of the tray <NUM> prior to imaging when it is desired to perform image acquisition. In other embodiments, the tray <NUM> and infant support <NUM> may be configured as a portion of an infant's crib so that the infant need not be removed from the tray <NUM> for imaging.

As shown in <FIG>, the tray <NUM> comprises sides <NUM> extending upwards from the surface <NUM> of the tray <NUM> for securely maintaining the infant on the tray <NUM> without risk of the infant falling out of the tray <NUM>. The tray <NUM> further comprises tabs <NUM> coupled to the surface <NUM> at the distal end 113B, For example, the tabs <NUM> may support the infant's head to minimize movement of the infant's head during positioning and imaging. The tabs <NUM> may further contact interior sides of a helmet of the RF coil assembly when the infant support <NUM> is positioned for imaging. Contact between the tabs <NUM> and the helmet of the RF coil assembly may reduce movement of the infant support <NUM> relative to the RF coil assembly during imaging. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the tray <NUM> comprises three tabs <NUM>, any suitable number of tabs <NUM> may be used to support the infant's head.

The sides <NUM> may prevent lateral movement of the infant during positioning and imaging. Although in the illustrated embodiment the sides <NUM> are shown extending the length of the tray <NUM>, in some embodiments, sides <NUM> may not fully extend to the distal end 113B of the surface <NUM> of the tray <NUM>.

The sides <NUM> and tabs <NUM> may be manufactured having any suitable height, for example, approximately two inches, approximately three inches, approximately four inches, approximately five inches, any height between approximately two inches and approximately five inches, etc., to prevent the infant from falling out of the tray <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tabs <NUM> and sides <NUM> are manufactured having the same height, while in other embodiments, the tabs <NUM> and sides <NUM> have different heights.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sides <NUM> comprise slots <NUM>. Slots <NUM> may receive a restraint (e.g., a strap) for wrapping around the top of the infant's body, to secure the infant to the tray and limit movement of the infant during positioning and imaging. For example, a restraint may pass through a first slot 116a on a left side of the tray <NUM>, pass across the infant's body, and be received in a second slot 116b on a right side of the tray <NUM>, opposite the first slot 116a. Any suitable number of slots <NUM> and restraints may be implemented with the infant support <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, four slots <NUM> are shown in each side <NUM> of the tray <NUM> for receiving four restraints. In some embodiments, not all of the slots <NUM> receive restraints. For example, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to use less restraints depending on a size of the infant. In some embodiments, additional restraints may be implemented in addition or alternative to the restraints received by the slots <NUM>. In some embodiments, the restraints are adjustable, for example, to account for patients of different sizes.

In some embodiments, the tray <NUM> includes one or more sensors (not shown). For example, the tray <NUM> may comprise at least one sensor for detecting movement of the infant and/or movement of the tray <NUM>. In particular, one or more motion sensors may be used to detect motion of an infant supported by the tray <NUM> to determine whether the infant has become incorrectly positioned relative to the RF coil assembly and/or MRI device without having to visually check the infant's position. Further, in some embodiments, the tray <NUM> comprises imaging electronics for imaging at least a portion of the patient supported by the tray <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the tray <NUM> is coupled to the base <NUM> by a bridge <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more fasteners (e.g., one or more screws) couple the tray <NUM> to the bridge <NUM>, and one or more fasteners (e.g., one or more screws) couple the bridge <NUM> to the base <NUM>. Threaded inserts may be used to facilitate coupling components of the infant support <NUM> via screws, and to cover sharp edges of the screws. Although in the illustrated embodiment one or more screws are used to couple components of the infant support <NUM> together, any suitable manner of coupling may be used, for example, welding, soldering, adhesives, etc. In some embodiments, part or all of the infant support <NUM> is shaped from a single piece of material.

The bridge <NUM> provides a gap <NUM> providing a vertical offset between the base <NUM> and the tray <NUM>, such that the tray <NUM> is positioned at approximately the same height as a helmet of the RF coil assembly, and the base <NUM> is positioned at approximately the same height as a coupling mechanism coupled to the RF coil assembly. Thus, an infant placed on the tray <NUM> can be positioned within an opening of the RF coil assembly for imaging while the base <NUM> is coupled to the coupling mechanism.

As described herein, the infant support <NUM> may facilitate positioning an infant relative to a RF coil assembly while minimizing movement of the infant and infant support <NUM>. In some embodiments, positioning of the infant support is facilitated by the base <NUM> and its components. For example, the base <NUM> comprises a pair of elongated arms <NUM> on each side of the base <NUM>. The arms <NUM> extend outwards from the base <NUM> in a direction along the longitudinal axis. For example, the arms <NUM> extend outwards towards the RF coil assembly in the direction of insertion of the infant into the RF coil assembly. Each arm <NUM> comprises a snap <NUM> at a distal end <NUM> of the arm <NUM> for receiving by a coupling mechanism coupled to the RF coil assembly. The snaps <NUM> may facilitate secure positioning of the infant support <NUM> relative to the RF coil assembly, as further described herein. In addition, the snaps <NUM> may be configured such that the infant support <NUM> can be removed from the RF coil assembly by pulling on the infant support <NUM> in a direction opposite the insertion direction. The pulling force required to remove the infant support <NUM> from the RF coil assembly may be relatively small to enable removal of the infant support <NUM> from the RF coil assembly when desired, while still being large enough to prevent inadvertent movement of the infant support <NUM> during imaging, as described herein.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a base of the example infant support of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As shown in <FIG> and further illustrated herein, the arms <NUM> slope upward in a direction along the longitudinal axis (e.g., along the direction of insertion of the infant into the RF coil assembly) such that the snaps <NUM> are elevated with respect to the base <NUM>. The sloped incline of the arms <NUM> facilitate insertion of the base <NUM> into a coupling mechanism coupled to the RF coil assembly, as described herein.

<FIG> further illustrates the base <NUM> of the infant support <NUM> having a notch <NUM>. The notch <NUM> is shaped to receive a protrusion of a coupling mechanism coupled to the RF coil assembly complementary to the notch, as described herein. Although in the illustrated embodiment the infant support <NUM> comprises a notch to receive a complementary protrusion of a coupling mechanism, in some embodiments, the infant support <NUM> comprises a protrusion to be received by a complementary notch of a coupling mechanism coupled to the RF coil assembly.

<FIG> is a side view of the example infant support of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As shown in <FIG>, the infant support <NUM> further comprises a pair of feet <NUM> coupled to and extending downwards from the base <NUM> of the infant support <NUM>. The feet <NUM> may level the infant support <NUM> relative to the RF coil assembly. For example, as described herein, positioning the infant support <NUM> relative to the RF coil assembly may be facilitated with use of an inclined ramp to slide the infant support <NUM> into position. The feet <NUM> are arranged to level the infant support <NUM> relative to the RF coil assembly such that the infant support <NUM> is not positioned at an incline during insertion or imaging, which could otherwise increase the risk of the infant changing position or falling out of the tray <NUM> during imaging. The feet <NUM> may also have a relatively high coefficient of friction to reduce back sliding of the infant support <NUM> along the inclined ramp. Although in the illustrated embodiment the infant support comprises a pair of feet, the infant support may have any suitable number of feet disposed at any suitable position.

<FIG> further shows infant support <NUM> having a pair of pins <NUM> coupled to and extending downward from the base <NUM> of the infant support <NUM>. The pins <NUM> may prevent the infant support <NUM> from being inserted too far into the RF coil assembly. For example, the pins <NUM> may abut a base of the MRI device when the infant support is fully inserted into the RF coil assembly.

In some embodiments, the pins <NUM> may also prevent the infant support <NUM> from being removed from the RF coil assembly inadvertently. For example, in some embodiments, the pins <NUM> may be received by a recess between a base of the MRI device and another component (e.g., the inclined ramp or support bridge, as described herein), such that the infant support <NUM> cannot be removed from the RF coil assembly inadvertently. In particular, the pins <NUM> may be manufactured having a height taller than the height of the feet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the feet <NUM> have a height of approximately <NUM> inch and the pins <NUM> have a height of approximately <NUM>¼ inches. In this way, in order to remove the infant support <NUM> from the RF coil assembly, the base <NUM> may be elevated slightly (e.g., at least ¼ inch in the described example) to remove the pins <NUM> from the recess between the MRI device base and other component. The feet <NUM> and pins <NUM> may have any suitable height such that an offset is provided between the feet <NUM> and the pins <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the feet <NUM> and the pins <NUM> have approximately the same height.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the example infant support of <FIG> having some portions of the infant support shown transparently, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As shown in <FIG>, the infant support <NUM> comprises a surface <NUM> for supporting the body of the infant. The surface <NUM> is shaped for receiving the infant, for example, having a tapered shape such that a proximal end 113A of the surface <NUM> for supporting the lower body of the infant has a width greater than a width of a distal end 113B of the surface <NUM> for supporting the infant's head. Further, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end 113A of the surface <NUM> is supported by the bridge <NUM>, while the distal end 113B of the surface <NUM> is cantilevered. When an infant is placed on the tray <NUM>, the cantilevered configuration of the tray <NUM> may not provide sufficient support for the infant's head as the weight of the infant may put the distal end of 113B of the surface <NUM> at risk of breaking. As such, a brace <NUM> is coupled to the distal end 113B of the surface <NUM> of the tray <NUM> to provide additional support for the tray <NUM>. The brace <NUM> may be coupled below and/or above the surface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate additional views of the example infant support <NUM>. <FIG> is another perspective view of the example infant support of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> is a partial bottom view of the example infant support of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

Components of the infant support <NUM> may be manufactured using any suitable material. For example, in some embodiments, components of the infant support <NUM> (e.g., the base <NUM>, the tray <NUM>, the bridge <NUM>, etc.) comprise plastic, e.g., DELRIN, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylic, etc. In some embodiments, one or more components of the infant support <NUM> is additionally or alternatively made of one or more other materials, and aspects of the technology described herein are not limited in this respect.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an example infant support coupled to an example RF coil assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As described herein, the infant support <NUM> facilitates positioning of an infant relative to an RF coil assembly, such as RF coil assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and/or an MRI device. As shown in <FIG>, the RF coil assembly <NUM> comprises a helmet <NUM> and a helmet support <NUM>. As described herein, the RF coil assembly <NUM> may have one or more transmit and/or receive coils. In the illustrated embodiment, the helmet supports the one or more transmit and/or receive coils (e.g., by housing the one or more transmit and/or receive coils, for example). In other embodiments, the one or more transmit and/or receive coils may be disposed on or proximate to the helmet <NUM>. The one or more transmit and/or receive coils may facilitate MR imaging of a patient's head, for example, in combination with an MRI device. A helmet support <NUM> is provided for supporting the helmet <NUM> relative to the MRI device base <NUM>.

According to an aspect of the technology described herein, a coupling mechanism <NUM> is provided for coupling the RF coil assembly <NUM> to an MRI device base <NUM> and for positioning the infant support <NUM> relative to the RF coil assembly <NUM>. In particular, the coupling mechanism <NUM> is coupled to the MRI device base <NUM>. The coupling mechanism <NUM> may be coupled to the MRI device base <NUM> by any suitable coupling means (e.g., screws, adhesive, soldering, welding, etc.). As described herein, the MRI device base <NUM> may comprise a helmet base (not shown) for coupling to the coupling mechanism <NUM>. The helmet <NUM> is coupled to the coupling mechanism <NUM> by virtue of the helmet support <NUM>, which may also be coupled to the coupling mechanism <NUM> by any suitable coupling means. In the illustrated embodiment, the helmet support <NUM> is coupled to the coupling mechanism <NUM> and the helmet <NUM> using screws. The coupling mechanism <NUM> may receive the infant support <NUM> (e.g., by receiving arms <NUM> and snaps <NUM>, as described herein) so as to position the infant support <NUM> relative to the RF coil assembly <NUM> and prevent movement of the infant support <NUM> during imaging.

<FIG> illustrate additional aspects of the infant support <NUM> and RF coil assembly <NUM>, including insertion of the base <NUM> of the infant support <NUM> into the coupling mechanism <NUM>. For example, <FIG> is a top view of the example infant support and RF coil assembly of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> is a side view of the example infant support and RF coil assembly of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> is a perspective view of an example infant support and RF coil assembly shown during a positioning step for coupling the example infant support to the example RF coil assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> is a cutaway view of an example infant support coupled to an example RF coil assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> is a partial top view of an example infant support and RF coil assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

<FIG> illustrate additional views of an infant support. For example, <FIG> is a partial top view of the example infant support of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> is a partial front view of an example infant support coupled to an example RF coil assembly, the example infant support having padding, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> is a perspective view of the example infant support of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

As shown in <FIG>, the infant support <NUM> further comprises padding <NUM> at least partially covering the tray <NUM>. Padding <NUM> may increase the comfort of an infant positioned on the tray <NUM> of the infant support <NUM> to minimize potential movement of the infant due to discomfort. Padding <NUM> may comprise any suitable material, for example, a foam material, a water resistant material, and/or a biocompatible material. In some embodiments, padding <NUM> may be configured such that all or portions of the padding <NUM> are removable from the tray <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to reduce or increase the thickness of the padding <NUM> depending on the size of the infant. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to dispose of the padding <NUM> and replace the padding <NUM> with a new padding, for example, after one or more uses of the padding <NUM> for MR imaging.

According to an aspect of the technology described herein, the inventors have developed a coupling mechanism <NUM> and infant support <NUM> which enables precise positioning of the infant relative to a RF coil assembly and/or an MRI device. The coupling mechanism <NUM> and infant support <NUM> may further enable adaptation of an MRI device which may otherwise not be suited for infant imaging, for use with infants. In particular, the inventors have recognized that due to the size and cost of maintaining and operating MRI systems, a facility may not have specialized MRI devices designed for imaging infants. Instead, the facility may only have MRI devices suitable for use with adult patients and/or older children, but given the smaller size of infants, would not be suited for imaging infants, for example due to difficulties in positioning an infant in the adult MRI device, as described herein.

To overcome the issues described herein with respect to conventional MR facilities, the inventors have developed a coupling mechanism, for example, coupling mechanism <NUM>, such that an adult MRI device, such as an MRI device comprising RF coil assembly <NUM>, can be adapted for use with an infant. Further aspects of the coupling mechanism <NUM> are thus described herein. For example, <FIG> is a perspective view of an example coupling mechanism for coupling an infant support to an RF coil assembly, and for coupling an RF coil assembly to a base, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

As shown in <FIG>, coupling mechanism <NUM> comprises a body <NUM>, and outer arms <NUM> and inner arms <NUM> coupled to body <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling mechanism <NUM> includes features that facilitate coupling of an infant support (e.g., infant support <NUM>) to the coupling mechanism <NUM>, features that facilitate coupling of an RF coil assembly (e.g., RF coil assembly <NUM>) to the coupling mechanism, and features that facilitate coupling of an MRI device base (e.g., MRI device base <NUM>) to the coupling mechanism <NUM>. For example, inner arms <NUM> are coupled to body <NUM> and are shaped to couple the coupling mechanism <NUM> to an MRI device base. In particular, inner arms <NUM> comprise inner arm contacts <NUM> which extend from inner arms <NUM> and which may be received in a groove of a helmet base <NUM> of the MRI device. In addition, one or more holes <NUM>, <NUM> are provided in the coupling mechanism <NUM> for receiving one or more fasteners (i.e., a screw, wedge, etc.). The one or more holes <NUM>, <NUM> and fasteners may facilitate coupling of a helmet support (e.g., helmet support <NUM>) and/or an MRI device base (e.g., MRI device base <NUM>) to the coupling mechanism <NUM>.

As described herein, coupling mechanism <NUM> may facilitate positioning an infant support relative to an MRI device, e.g., an MRI device comprising a RF coil assembly. For example, outer arms <NUM> may receive arms <NUM> of the infant support <NUM>. In particular, outer arms <NUM> comprise guides <NUM> on sides of body <NUM> (e.g., being coupled to outer arms <NUM>). Arms <NUM> of base <NUM> may slide along guides <NUM> when positioning infant support <NUM> relative the RF coil assembly <NUM>. Curved edges <NUM> at proximal ends of the guides <NUM> may facilitate insertion of arms <NUM> along guides <NUM>. For example, snaps <NUM> may contact and slide along guides <NUM> with little resistance at the proximal end of guides <NUM> having edges <NUM>, while resistance to the insertion of arms <NUM> may increase as the arms <NUM> are further inserted. When arms <NUM> reach distal ends <NUM> of guides <NUM> opposite edges <NUM>, snaps <NUM> abut distal ends <NUM> such that removal of snaps <NUM> from the coupling mechanism <NUM> is opposed. Thus, in some embodiments, the distal ends <NUM> may receive snaps <NUM>. In some embodiments, the snaps <NUM> are snap fit into distal ends <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rails <NUM> may be configured such that arms <NUM> slide along and above rails <NUM> when inserted into the coupling mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the example coupling mechanism of <FIG> having wings for facilitating coupling to an infant support, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. In particular, as shown in <FIG>, coupling mechanism <NUM> comprises a wing <NUM> on each side of the coupling mechanism, coupled to outer arms <NUM> and disposed at least partially above guides <NUM>. The wings <NUM> slope upward substantially along a length of the wings. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, wings <NUM> have sloped ends <NUM> which slope upwards in a direction opposite the direction of insertion of the infant support <NUM> into the RF coil assembly <NUM>.

The wings <NUM> and guides <NUM> together form first and second receiving portions <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>, for example) for receiving arms <NUM> of the infant support <NUM>. The first and second receiving portions <NUM> may be configured such that the arms <NUM> of base <NUM> are received under wings <NUM> and along (e.g., adjacent to, above, in some embodiments) guides <NUM>. When infant support <NUM> is fully inserted into the coupling mechanism <NUM>, snaps <NUM> are positioned under wings <NUM> and abut distal ends <NUM> of guides <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, for example. As described herein, arms <NUM> slope upwards in the direction extending outward from the base <NUM>. Wings <NUM> may press down on snaps <NUM> as the base <NUM> is moved towards coupling mechanism <NUM> to further secure the base <NUM> to the coupling mechanism <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, coupling mechanism <NUM> further comprises an alignment feature <NUM> for facilitating alignment of the infant support <NUM> relative to the RF coil assembly <NUM>. For example, alignment feature <NUM> of the coupling mechanism <NUM> comprises a protrusion to be received by notch <NUM> of the base <NUM> when the infant support <NUM> is inserted into the RF coil assembly <NUM> to ensure insertion of the infant support is properly performed (e.g., to ensure that the lateral and longitudinal position of the infant support <NUM> relative to the coupling mechanism <NUM> and RF coil assembly <NUM> is correct). In other embodiments, the coupling mechanism <NUM> may comprise a notch arranged to be received by a protrusion of the infant support <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate additional views of the example coupling mechanism <NUM>. For example, <FIG> is a perspective view of an example coupling mechanism configured for coupling an infant support to an RF coil assembly, and for coupling an RF coil assembly to a base, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> is a perspective view of another example coupling mechanism configured for coupling an infant support to an RF coil assembly, and for coupling an RF coil assembly to a base, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. Coupling mechanism <NUM> may be formed in any suitable way using any suitable material, for example, a plastic (e.g., Nylon <NUM>, HDPE, etc.). <FIG> illustrates an example of a coupling mechanism <NUM> manufactured by injection molding. <FIG> illustrates an example of a coupling mechanism manufactured by pressure forming.

<FIG> is a side view of the example coupling mechanism of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As shown in <FIG>, wings <NUM> of the coupling mechanism <NUM> have sloped ends <NUM> to facilitate coupling the base <NUM> of infant support <NUM> to the coupling mechanism <NUM>, as described herein.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the example coupling mechanism of <FIG> being coupled to a helmet support of an example RF coil assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. Helmet support <NUM> may be provided for supporting helmet <NUM> of RF coil assembly <NUM>, for example, by maintaining helmet <NUM> at a particular position and orientation. As described herein, helmet support <NUM> may be coupled to the coupling mechanism <NUM> via any suitable mechanism, for example, in some embodiments, using one or more fasteners received in holes <NUM>. <FIG> further illustrates holes <NUM> of the helmet support which may receive a fastener to couple helmet <NUM> to helmet support <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate additional views of an infant support being coupled to a coupling mechanism. For example, <FIG> is a perspective view of an example base of an infant support being coupled to an example coupling mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> is a perspective view of the example base of <FIG> shown coupled to the example coupling mechanism of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> is a perspective view of an example infant support coupled to an MRI device base by an example coupling mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

As shown in <FIG>, a support bridge <NUM> may be provided to support the infant support <NUM> during positioning and imaging. For example, in some embodiments, support bridge <NUM> may be coupled to a MRI device. In some embodiments, the support bridge <NUM> may comprise a fold-out bridge that can be moved from a vertical position for stowing during transport of a portable low-field MRI system or when the MRI system is not in use to a horizontal position to facilitate positioning of a patient for point-of-care MRI. Further aspects of the support bridge <NUM> are described in <CIT>.

<FIG> is a side view of the example base of the infant support of <FIG> shown coupled to the example coupling mechanism of <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

<FIG> is a partial rear view of an example infant support being coupled to an example RF coil assembly via a coupling mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view of an example infant support being coupled to an example RF coil assembly via a coupling mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> illustrates an example of the support bridge <NUM> being coupled to the MRI device base <NUM> and positioned under infant support <NUM> during insertion of the infant support <NUM> into the RF coil assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view of an example coupling mechanism and RF coil assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an example coupling mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. For example, in <FIG>, a fastener <NUM> is shown received in an indent <NUM> of helmet base <NUM> which may facilitate positioning of the helmet base <NUM> relative to the coupling mechanism <NUM> and MRI device base <NUM>. In particular, fastener <NUM> ensures that helmet base <NUM> does not inadvertently rotate, which may cause helmet <NUM> to rotate, during image acquisition.

<FIG> are bottom views of the example coupling mechanism of <FIG> being coupled to an example base of an RF coil assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As shown in <FIG>, helmet base <NUM> comprises a groove <NUM>, and inner arm contacts <NUM> are received by groove <NUM> to secure helmet base <NUM> to coupling mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate additional views of an infant support being coupled to an RF coil assembly. <FIG> is a side view of an example infant support being coupled to an example RF coil assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. <FIG> is a cutaway view of an example infant support being coupled to an example RF coil assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

<FIG> are perspective views of example inclined pads for an RF coil assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. Pad <NUM> may facilitate movement of the infant support <NUM> towards the RF coil assembly and/or MRI device. For example, the pad <NUM> may provide an inclined ramp along which the infant support <NUM> can be moved along and onto the support bridge <NUM>, as described herein. Pad <NUM> may have any suitable thickness, for example <NUM> inch, <NUM>½ inches, etc. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, pad <NUM> comprises a ramp-in feature <NUM> to facilitate insertion of the infant support <NUM> onto the support bridge <NUM>, as described herein.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an example head restraint for an infant support, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As described herein, one or more restraints may be coupled to the infant support <NUM> to limit movement of an infant positioned in the tray <NUM>. For example, a head bumper <NUM> may be implemented to limit movement of an infant's head during imaging, as shown, for example, in <FIG>.

<FIG> are example perspective views of an infant being positioned into an example RF coil assembly via an example infant support, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. As shown in <FIG>, an infant <NUM> may be placed on tray <NUM> of infant support <NUM> and positioned relative to an RF coil assembly <NUM>. In particular, the infant support <NUM> is configured such that the infant's head is received within an opening <NUM> of the helmet <NUM> so that imaging of the infant's head can be performed. As shown in <FIG>, a wrap <NUM> is positioned around the infant <NUM> to further limit movement of the infant <NUM> and provide additional comfort for the infant. For example, in some embodiments, the wrap <NUM> comprises a weighted blanket. Any suitable wrap <NUM> may be used, and, in some embodiments, the particular type of wrap <NUM> implemented may depend on a characteristic of the infant <NUM>, for example, the infant's size and/or how restless the infant appears to be. In some embodiments, more than one wrap may be implemented.

According to some aspect of the technology described herein, there is provided an example method for positioning an infant relative to an MRI device. For example, <FIG> illustrates an example method <NUM> for positioning an infant in a field of view of an MRI device, in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. The method <NUM> may be performed by a medical professional, for example.

Method <NUM> begins at act <NUM> where the infant is placed on a tray of the infant support along a longitudinal axis of the infant support. For example, the infant may be placed on a surface of the infant support and between sides of the infant support. The infant's head may be positioned such that the infant's head is supported by a distal end of the surface and the infant's body and legs are supported by a proximal end of the surface.

In some embodiments, an appropriate padding (e.g., padding <NUM>) may be placed on the tray before placing the infant on the tray. In some embodiments, the infant may be placed in a wrap (e.g., wrap <NUM> shown in <FIG>) before being placed on the tray. In some embodiments, one or more restraints (e.g., straps) may be extended over one or more portions of the infant's body to prevent movement of the infant.

At act <NUM>, the infant support is moved towards the RF coil assembly. For example, the infant support is moved in a direction along the longitudinal axis so that the arms of the infant support are inserted into a coupling mechanism coupled to the RF coil assembly and at least a portion of the infant's head is disposed within an opening of the RF coil assembly.

In some embodiments, the infant support may be moved towards the RF coil assembly at least until either a notch of the infant support receives a protrusion of the coupling mechanism or a protrusion of the infant support is received by a notch of the coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the infant support may be moved towards the RF coil assembly at least until snaps disposed at distal ends of the arms of the infant support are received by respective distal ends of guides of the coupling mechanism.

At act <NUM>, the infant is imaged using the MRI device. For example, the one or more transmit and/or receive coils of the RF coil assembly may be used alone or in combination with an MRI device to acquire at least one magnetic resonance image of the infant (e.g., at least one magnetic resonance image of at least a portion of the infant's head).

Having thus described several aspects and embodiments of the technology set forth in the disclosure, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only. In addition, any combination of two or more features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods described herein, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Although aspects of the technology have been described herein with respect to positioning an infant within an RF coil assembly, it should be appreciated that aspects of the technology may be implemented for positioning a patient relative to any suitable type of MRI device, and aspects of the technology described herein are not limited to RF coil assemblies or MRI devices configured for imaging an infant's head. In addition, aspects of the technology may be implemented in connection with positioning any patient relative to an MRI device, and aspects of the technology described herein are not limited to infant supports alone.

As described herein, the MRI scanner market is overwhelmingly dominated by high-field systems, and particularly for medical or clinical MRI applications. The general trend in medical imaging has been to produce MRI scanners with increasingly greater field strengths, with the vast majority of clinical MRI scanners operating at <NUM>. 5T or 3T, with higher field strengths of 7T and 9T used in research settings. As used herein, "high-field" refers generally to MRI systems presently in use in a clinical setting and, more particularly, to MRI systems operating with a main magnetic field (i.e., a B<NUM> field) at or above <NUM>. 5T, though clinical systems operating between. 5T and <NUM>. 5T are often also characterized as "high-field. " Field strengths between approximately. 5T have been characterized as "mid-field" and, as field strengths in the high-field regime have continued to increase, field strengths in the range between. 5T and 1T have also been characterized as mid-field. By contrast, "low-field" refers generally to MRI systems operating with a B<NUM> field of less than or equal to approximately <NUM>. 2T, though systems having a B<NUM> field of between. 2T and approximately. 3T have sometimes been characterized as low-field as a consequence of increased field strengths at the high end of the high-field regime. Within the low-field regime, low-field MRI systems operating with a B<NUM> field of less than. 1T are referred to herein as "very low-field" and low-field MRI systems operating with a B<NUM> field of less than 10mT are referred to herein as "ultra-low field.

In some embodiments, an RF coil assembly may be used alone or in combination with an MRI device to perform MR imaging. In some embodiments, the infant support may be coupled to an MRI device (e.g., an MRI device comprising an RF coil assembly or an MRI device alone, as described herein), or an RF coil assembly alone to facilitate MR imaging of an infant, including, for example, MR imaging of at least a portion of the infant's head in some embodiments.

The above-described embodiments can be implemented in any of numerous ways. One or more aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure involving the performance of processes or methods may utilize program instructions executable by a device (e.g., a computer, a processor, or other device) to perform, or control performance of, the processes or methods. In this respect, various inventive concepts may be embodied as a computer readable storage medium (or multiple computer readable storage media) (e.g., a computer memory, one or more floppy discs, compact discs, optical discs, magnetic tapes, flash memories, circuit configurations in Field Programmable Gate Arrays or other semiconductor devices, or other tangible computer storage medium) encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform methods that implement one or more of the various embodiments described above. The computer readable medium or media can be transportable, such that the program or programs stored thereon can be loaded onto one or more different computers or other processors to implement various ones of the aspects described above. In some embodiments, computer readable media may be non-transitory media.

The terms "program" or "software" are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code or set of computer-executable instructions that can be employed to program a computer or other processor to implement various aspects as described above. Additionally, it should be appreciated that according to one aspect, one or more computer programs that when executed perform methods of the present disclosure need not reside on a single computer or processor, but may be distributed in a modular fashion among a number of different computers or processors to implement various aspects of the present disclosure.

The above-described embodiments of the present technology can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, the embodiments may be implemented using hardware, software or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single computer or distributed among multiple computers. It should be appreciated that any component or collection of components that perform the functions described above can be generically considered as a controller that controls the above-described function. A controller can be implemented in numerous ways, such as with dedicated hardware, or with general purpose hardware (e.g., one or more processor) that is programmed using microcode or software to perform the functions recited above, and may be implemented in a combination of ways when the controller corresponds to multiple components of a system.

Further, it should be appreciated that a computer may be embodied in any of a number of forms, such as a rack-mounted computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer, as non-limiting examples. Additionally, a computer may be embedded in a device not generally regarded as a computer but with suitable processing capabilities, including a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a smartphone or any other suitable portable or fixed electronic device.

As another example, a computer may receive input information through speech recognition or in other audible formats.

Such computers may be interconnected by one or more networks in any suitable form, including a local area network or a wide area network, such as an enterprise network, and intelligent network (IN) or the Internet. Such networks may be based on any suitable technology and may operate according to any suitable protocol and may include wireless networks, wired networks or fiber optic networks.

Also, as described, some aspects may be embodied as one or more methods, for example, as shown in <FIG>. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

The terms "substantially", "approximately", and "about" may be used to mean within ±<NUM>% of a target value in some embodiments, within ±<NUM>% of a target value in some embodiments, within ±<NUM>% of a target value in some embodiments, within ±<NUM>% of a target value in some embodiments. The terms "approximately" and "about" may include the target value.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) to facilitate imaging an infant using a magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, device (<NUM>), the system comprising:
a radio frequency, RF, coil assembly (<NUM>) configured to be coupled to the MRI device by a coupling mechanism (<NUM>) of the MRI device,
the RF coil assembly comprising:
a first RF coil (<NUM>) configured to transmit RF signals during MRI and/or be responsive to MR signals generated during MRI; and
a helmet (<NUM>, <NUM>) for supporting at least a portion of the infant's head; and
an infant support (<NUM>) to support at least a portion of the infant's body and configured to be coupled to the RF coil assembly,
wherein the infant support comprises:
a tray (<NUM>) for positioning the infant thereon along a longitudinal axis extending along a length of the tray; and
a base (<NUM>) coupled to the tray, characterized in that the base comprises arms (<NUM>) extending outward from the base in a direction along the longitudinal axis and configured to be received by the coupling mechanism (<NUM>) of the MRI device such that, when the arms of the base are received by the coupling mechanism, the infant support is positioned to prevent inadvertent movement of the infant support with respect to the RF coil assembly during imaging.