Patent ID: 8022705

Claim:
A microstrip-based RF coil for use in an MRI apparatus constructed to perform human head and extremity imaging, comprising: a shield support member having an outer surface and an interior, the outer surface supporting a conductive segmented shield; an inner core module disposed within the interior of the shield support member and having an inner surface and a longitudinal axis and a bore extending through the inner core module along the longitudinal axis and defining the inner surface; a plurality of conductive strip lines disposed on the inner surface of the inner core module and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; a plurality of components that electrically couple and operatively connect the conductive strip lines to the segmented shield; and an opening formed at one end of the coil and defined by a slot formed in the shield support member and in the inner core module for placement over eyes of a patient, the opening causing the coil to have an asymmetrical design.