EP4705790A1

EP4705790A1 - Wearable breast coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging

Info

Publication number: EP4705790A1
Application number: EP24720816.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lee Chung
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2023-05-05
Filing date: 2024-04-18
Publication date: 2026-03-11
Also published as: CN121057954A; WO2024231071A1

Abstract

A device (400) includes: a housing (410) having left (412) and right (414) portions; a connection device (460) to adjustably connect the left and right portions, defining an adjustable opening in the housing, a first main coil (420a) within the left portion of the housing at least partly around a left side of the adjustable opening; a second main coil (420b) within the right portion of the housing at least partly disposed around a right side of the adjustable opening; a vertical separator (432), including a middle coil (430), dividing the adjustable opening into a left cavity (710) for holding a left breast of a patient therein and a right cavity (720) for holding a right breast of the patient therein while breast tissue of the patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging; and a fastening device (470/490a/490b) for attaching the housing to the patient.

Description

WEARABLE BREAST COIL ASSEMBLY FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in particular to a coil system for imaging of breast tissue.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women. As a result, early detection is important, and screening of all women is encouraged. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to provide non-invasive methods to visualize any abnormalities in the patient's breast tissue.

MRI detects the nuclear magnetic resonance signals given off by protons in the presence of a strong magnetic field after excitation by a radio frequency signal. The nuclear magnetic resonance signals are detected using one or more antenna(e), RF coil(s) or “coil(s).” The term “coil” may be used to refer to the antenna itself and its housing or support structure. Thus “coil” may refer to an arrangement which includes one or more coil structures. “Coil element(s)” may be used to refer to the electrical part of the device, the radiofrequency coil or antennae.

Sensitivity of a coil to magnetic resonance signals decreases rapidly with increasing distance between the coil(s) and the volume of interest. It is therefore desirable to place coil(s) in close proximity to the breast. Such coils are often referred to as “local coils.” The size of the local coils is kept relatively small to allow them to be easily fit to the patient on the MRI patient table and to enable imaging of only the imaging volume of interest, since imaging regions that are not required adds noise to the acquired signal unnecessarily. Coils local to the anatomy of interest tend to have a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than larger coils such as a “body coil” which is useful for obtaining large survey scans of the patient.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a support arrangement 100 for supporting a patient while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the subject’s breast tissue is performed. Support arrangement 100 includes a breast support structure 110 and a head rest 120.

Fig. 2 shows an example of a patient 10 lying in a prone position on an MRI patient table 220 in preparation for magnetic resonance imaging of the subject’s breast tissue by an MRI apparatus 210. In FIG. 2, support arrangement 100 is disposed on MRI patient table 220, and patient 10 lies in a prone position on support arrangement 100.

However, there are some issues with the arrangement shown in FIG. 2, which we refer to here as a “prone position examination.”

For one thing, this prone patient position results in many pressure and possible pain points for patient 10. Thus patient 10 may be extremely uncomfortable during the MRI procedure. This can be problematic as it is important that patient 10 remain still throughout the MRI procedure in order to produce consistent imaging quality.

For another thing, the fixed dimensions of breast support structure 110 make it optimal for one particular set of breast dimensions, and suboptimal for everything else. In many cases, breast support structure 110 may be a very poor fit or match for the breasts of the particular patient 10. This may increase the discomfort of patient 10. And there are other issues. For example, it can be difficult for a patient who has shoulder or back pain to lift up their arms for this prone position examination. This prone position examination can also be difficult for a pregnant patient, due to the pressure exerted in their abdomen. And this prone position examination can also be difficult for a patient who has already had breast cancer surgery.

Additionally, the workflow for positioning patient 10 on support arrangement 100 on patient table 220 for an MRI procedure as illustrated in FIG. 2 is complex and time-consuming.

Fig. 3 shows an example of a procedure for placing patient 10 onto MRI patient table 220 in a prone position for an MRI examination of breast tissue of patient 10.

In step 310, patient 10 approaches MRI patient table 220.

In step 320, patient 10 puts their hands on MRI patient table 220. This creates pressure points in the hands and wrists, and might generate pain for patient 10.

In step 330, patient 10 climbs onto MRI patient table 220 with a first (e.g., right) leg, creating an additional pressure point in the knee, which might generate additional pain for patient 10.

In step 340, patient 10 brings the other (e.g., left) leg onto MRI patient table 220, creating yet an additional pressure point in the other knee, which might generate even more pain for patient 10.

In step 350, patient 10 slowly widens their arms and legs, adding stress to the shoulders.

In step 360, patient 10 makes the body go further down onto MRI patient table 220, placing additional pressure on the knees.

In step 370, patient 10 lowers the upper body onto MRI patient table 220, again stressing the shoulders.

In step 380, patient 10 stretches their arms out and up, again stressing the hands and wrists.

Finally, in step 390, patient 10 puts their head down on headrest 120, placing pressure on the face/head and shoulders.

Potentially, patient 10 may need to repeat steps 370-390, perhaps even more than once, to properly position their breasts in breast support structure 110 for good imaging. Furthermore, once the breasts are positioned properly, patient 10 has to remain in the prone position for the duration of the MRI exam, which may typically take 30-45 minutes, or even longer if additional images are needed. It can be quite painful for patient 10 to have to maintain this prone position on support arrangement 100 for such a long time. Desirable characteristics for an MRI breast imaging arrangement and associated procedure include: an ergonomic solution which maximizes patient comfort throughout the process; supporting patient modesty and privacy; increased workflow; and maintaining sanitation at high levels. As described above, existing solutions are lacking in some or all of these areas.

It would thus be desirable to provide an MRI breast imaging arrangement and associated procedure which may provide one or more of these desirable characteristics.

In one aspect of the invention, a device comprises: a housing having a left portion and a right portion; a connection device which is configured to adjustably connect the left portion to the right portion so as to define an adjustable opening in the housing, wherein the adjustable opening is configured to hold the breasts of a patient therein while breast tissue of the patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging; a first main coil within the left portion of the housing so as to be disposed at least partly around a left side of the adjustable opening; a second main coil within the right portion of the housing so as to be at least partly disposed around a right side of the adjustable opening; a vertical separation member which is configured to divide the adjustable opening into a left cavity and a right cavity, wherein the left cavity is configured to hold a first one of the breasts of the patient therein while the breast tissue of the patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging, and wherein the right cavity is configured to hold a second one of the breasts of the patient therein while the breast tissue of the patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging, wherein a horizontal position of the vertical separation member is adjustable, and wherein the vertical separation member comprises a center coil; and one or more fasteners for attaching the housing to the patient.

In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the housing is inflatable, and the device includes an inflation mechanism for controlling an amount of inflation pressure in the housing.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more fasteners comprise: an adjustable chest strap, wherein the adjustable chest strap is configured to wrap horizontally around a chest of the patient; and a pair of adjustable shoulder straps, wherein the adjustable shoulder straps are configured to wrap around

In one or more embodiments, the pair of adjustable shoulder straps are directly connected to the adjustable chest strap.

In one or more embodiments, the device further comprises a removable covering for the housing.

In one or more embodiments, the device further comprises a zipper configured for opening and closing the removable covering around the housing.

In a further aspect of the invention, a method comprises: providing a wearable breast coil assembly to a patient, wherein the wearable breast coil assembly includes: a first main coil configured to be at least partially disposed about at least a portion of a first breast of the patient, a second main coil configured to be at least partially disposed about at least a portion of a second breast of the patient, a middle coil configured to be disposed between the first breast and the second breast, and one or more fasteners configured to attach the wearable breast coil assembly to the patient while breast tissue of the patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging; moving at least a portion of a patient into a bore of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus while the patient lies in a supine position on a patient table and wears the wearable breast coil assembly; and performing magnetic resonance imaging of breast tissue of the patient while the patient lies in the supine position on the patient table and wears the wearable breast coil assembly.

In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises: measuring a size of the patient’s chest; and selecting a size of the wearable breast coil assembly based on the measured size of the patient’s chest.

In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises using a smart mirror to measure the size of the patient’s chest.

In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises providing a patient gown to the patient, wherein the patient wears the patient gown over the wearable breast coil assembly while the at least portion of the patient moves into the bore of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and the patient lies in the supine position on the patient table.

In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises disinfecting the wearable breast coil after performing magnetic resonance imaging of breast tissue of the patient while the patient lies in the supine position on the patient table and wears the wearable breast coil assembly.

In a further aspect of the invention, a wearable breast coil assembly comprises: a structure defining an opening therein, wherein the structure is configured to at least partially hold a patient’s breasts within the opening while breast tissue of the patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging; at least one main coil associated with the structure, wherein the at least one main coil is configured to be at least partially disposed about at least a portion of a first breast of the patient; a middle coil configured to be disposed between the first breast and a second breast of the patient; and one or more fasteners configured to attach the structure and the at least one main coil to the patient while breast tissue of the patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging.

In one or more embodiments, the at least one main coil comprises: a first main coil configured to be at least partially disposed about at least the portion of the first breast of the patient; and a second main coil configured to be at least partially disposed about at least the portion of the second breast of the patient.

In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the structure is inflatable, and wherein the wearable breast coil assembly includes an inflation mechanism for controlling an amount of inflation pressure in the structure. Here, inflating the structure can be applied to fill the empty space within the structure and to better hold the breasts in place to avoid flattening due to gravity.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more fasteners comprise: an adjustable chest strap, wherein the adjustable chest strap is configured to wrap horizontally around a chest of the patient; and a pair of adjustable shoulder straps, wherein the adjustable shoulder straps are configured to wrap around shoulders of the patient.

In one or more embodiments, the wearable breast coil assembly further comprises a removable covering for the structure.

In one or more embodiments, the wearable breast coil assembly further comprises a zipper configured for opening and closing the covering around the structure.

In one or more embodiments, the structure comprises: a first portion; a second portion; and a connection device which is configured to connect the first portion to the second portion so as to define the opening in the structure.

In one or more embodiments, the connection device is adjustable so as to adjust a size of the opening in the structure.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows an example of a support structure for supporting a patient while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the subject’s breast tissue is performed.

Fig. 2 shows an example of a patient lying in a prone position on an MRI patient table in preparation for magnetic resonance imaging of the subject’s breast tissue.

Fig. 3 shows an example of a procedure for placing a patient onto an MRI patient table in a prone position.

Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C show various views of an embodiment of a wearable breast coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a wearable breast coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging, worn by a patient.

Fig. 6 illustrates how an embodiment of a wearable breast coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging may be adjusted to accommodate different chest sizes.

Figs. 7A and 7B illustrate how different elements of an embodiment of a wearable breast coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging may be adjusted to accommodate different chest sizes.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view illustrating various components of one embodiment of a wearable breast coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging.

Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a patient gown that may be worn over an embodiment of a wearable breast coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging. Figs. 10A and 10B illustrate, respectively, a patient wearing an embodiment of a wearable breast coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging, and the patient wearing a patient gown over the embodiment of a wearable breast coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging.

Fig. 11 shows some operations in one embodiment of a method of performing magnetic resonance imaging of breast tissue of a patient.

Fig. 12 shows an example of a procedure for placing a patient onto an MRI patient table in a supine position

Fig. 13 shows various layers of a patient fitted with a wearable breast coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging and a patient gown lying in a supine position on an MRI patient table.

Fig. 14 shows a lateral view of a patient wearing an embodiment of a wearable breast coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging, and a patient gown, lying in a supine position on a patient table in preparation for an MRI examination of the patient’s breast tissue.

Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of a patient wearing an embodiment of a wearable breast coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging, and a patient gown, lying in a supine position on a patient table in preparation for an MRI examination of the patient’s breast tissue.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The terms “subject” and “patient” are used interchangeably herein, and both terms should be understood to refer to a person who undergoes a magnetic resonance imaging procedure, and particularly magnetic resonance imaging of their breast tissue, whether for medical diagnosis, or for research purposes. Also, the term “prone position” as used herein should be understood to refer to a position where a person is lying with the front art of their body facing downward (i.e., lying on their front), and the term “supine position” as used herein should be understood to refer to a position where a person is lying with the front art of their body facing upward (i.e., lying on their back).

Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C show various views of an embodiment of a wearable breast coil assembly 400 for magnetic resonance imaging. Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of wearable breast coil assembly 400 for magnetic resonance imaging, worn by a patient 10.

Wearable breast coil assembly 400 includes a structure 410, a first main coil 420a, a second main coil 420b, a middle coil 430, a removable covering 440, a sealing mechanism 450, an adjustable connection device 460, an adjustable chest strap 470, an inflation control device 480, and first and second adjustable shoulder straps 490a and 490b.

Structure 410 includes a first (e.g., left) portion 412 and a second (e.g., right) portion 414. Structure 410 may be configured so to be described as a case or housing. In various embodiments, structure 410 may be somewhat flexible. In various embodiments, structure 410 may comprise a flexible polymer or a foam. First (e.g., left) portion 412 may define an enclosed space in which is disposed first main coil 412a. Second (e.g., right) portion 414 may define an enclosed space in which is disposed second main coil 412b. In some embodiments, the enclosed spaces in first (e.g., left) portion 412 and second (e.g., right) portion 414 may each further include an inflatable air pad for adjusting an air pressure applied by wearable breast coil assembly 400 to the breasts of patient 10 in response to inflation control device 480 (e.g., a depressible button).

Adjustable connection device 460 is configured to adjustably connect first portion 412 of housing 410 to second portion 414 so as to define an adjustable opening 405 in structure 410. Adjustable opening 405 is configured to hold the breasts of patient 10 therein while breast tissue of patient 10 is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging. In some embodiments, connection device may comprise Velcro.

In various embodiments, first and second main coils 420a and 420b each may comprise one or more coil structures or coil rings.

In various embodiments, when wearable breast coil assembly 400 is properly worn by patient 10, first and second main coils 420a and 420b are each at least partially disposed near, about and/or around at least a portion of a breast of patient 10. When patient 10 wears wearable breast coil assembly 400 during an MRI procedure, first and second main coils 420a and 420b interact with RF fields of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus to produce signals which may be processed as known in the art to produce magnetic resonance images of the breast tissue.

In various embodiments, middle coil 430 may be disposed within a vertical separation member 432. As best seen in FIG. 7B described below, vertical separation member 432, which includes middle coil 430, may be configured to divide adjustable opening 405 into a first (e.g.) left cavity 710 and a second (e.g., right) cavity 720. Left cavity 710 is configured to hold a first (e.g., left) one of the breasts of patient 10 therein while the breast tissue of patient 10 is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging, and right cavity 720 is configured to hold a second (e.g., right) one of the breasts of patient 10 therein while the breast tissue of patient 10 is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging.

As best seen in FIG. 7B described below, the horizontal position of vertical separation member 432 which includes middle coil 430 is adjustable by means of its positioning within slots or grooves 730 in structure 410.

Removable covering 440 may be configured to cover and enclose structure 410. In various embodiments, removable covering 440 may comprises a polyurethan textile material or fabric. Removable covering 440 may be configured to be opened and closed by means of closing mechanism 450. In various embodiments, closing mechanism 450 may comprise a zipper. Beneficially, closing mechanism (e.g., a zipper) may be made of a polypropylene, for example, rather than metal. Other than first and second main coils 420a and 420b, and middle coil 430, it is desired to avoid including any other metal components or elements in wearable breast coil assembly 400 as such metal should not be inserted into the bore of a magnetic resonance apparatus while magnetic resonance imaging is being performed.

Adjustable chest strap 470 and first and second adjustable second shoulder straps 490a and 490b function as fasteners for attaching wearable breast coil assembly 400, and in particular structure 410, to patient 10. Adjustable chest strap 470 is configured to wrap horizontally around a chest of patient 10, and adjustable shoulder straps 490a and 490b are configured to wrap around shoulders of patient 10.

Fig. 6 illustrates how wearable breast coil assembly 400 for magnetic resonance imaging may be adjusted to accommodate different chest sizes by adjusting adjustable connection device 460. In some embodiments, wearable breast coil assembly 400 may be adjustable for up to three or more different chest sizes. In an operational setting for performing MRI procedures, wearable breast coil assemblies 400 of several different sizes may be available to accommodate a wide variety of different chest sizes, as will be discussed in further detail below with respect to FIG. 11.

Figs. 7A and 7B illustrate how different elements of an embodiment of a wearable breast coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging may be adjusted to accommodate different chest sizes. FIG. 7B in particular illustrates how the horizontal position of vertical separation member 432 which includes middle coil 430 can be adjusted so as to adjust the relative sizes of first (e.g.) left cavity 710 and second (e.g., right) cavity 720 and maintain middle coil 430 between the two breasts of patient 10.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of wearable breast coil assembly 400, illustrating various components thereof, as described above, including in particular inflatable air pads 810 and foam 820 for structure 410. Fig. 8 also illustrates how wearable breast coil assembly 400 can be repaired if necessary be easily replacing any broken component(s).

As mentioned above, maintaining patient modesty and privacy during an MRI procedure is important. Toward this end, Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a patient gown 900 that may be worn over wearable breast coil assembly 400 for magnetic resonance imaging. Figs. 10A and 10B illustrate, respectively, patient 10 wearing wearable breast coil assembly 400 for magnetic resonance imaging, and patient 10 wearing patient gown 900 over wearable breast coil assembly 400 for magnetic resonance imaging. In current practice, patient 10 takes off their top patient gown while preparing for examination, which can increase exam anxiety and decrease body temperature. In contrast, with wearable breast coil assembly 400, patient 10 can wear patient gown 900 during the exam. As shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, patient gown 900 includes a separate cover part around the breast area as a technologist needs to check breast position prior to the start of the MRI exam.

Fig. 11 shows some operations in one embodiment of a method 100 of performing magnetic resonance imaging of breast tissue of patient 10, illustrating the holistic experience of a magnetic resonance imaging exam while wearing wearable breast coil assembly 400.

In an operation 1105, patient 10 enters a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preparation room to prepare for an MRI procedure.

In an operation 1110, patient 10 receives guidance and instruction in the MRI preparation room from a virtual nurse. The virtual nurse may communicate to or with patient 10 via a user interface, which may include on or more of a microphone, a speaker, a display device, a camera, etc. At some point in this operation, patient 10 removes their garments within the privacy of the MRI preparation room. In some embodiments, the garments and other personal effects of patient 10 may be stored in a locker or other container in the MRI preparation room.

In an operation 1115, patient 10 is assisted in finding the proper size of wearable breast coil assembly 400 and patient gown 900 for the patient. This assistance may be provided by a technologist, or as shown here in FIG. 11 by a “smart mirror” in the MRI preparation room, which can help to automate a process of measuring dimensions for patient 10, including in particular breast size, chest size, etc. Here, a smart mirror is understood to refer to a two-way mirror with an electronic display behind the glass. The electronic display may operate in conjunction with a processor, and in some embodiments can show patient 10 different kinds of information. As a result of the measurement(s) performed with the smart mirror, a processor associated with the smart mirror may identify and select one of a plurality of wearable breast coil assemblies 400 of several different sizes, which may be available to accommodate a wide variety of different breast sizes, which best matches patient 10.

In an operation 1120, the selected wearable breast coil assembly 400 may be provided to patient 10. This may be done in a variety of ways. For example, in one embodiment each of the wearable breast coil assemblies 400 of different sizes may be available in the MRI preparation room and each may be identified by a different label. In that case, the smart mirror may indicate to patient 10 the label for the selected wearable breast coil assembly 400 for patient 10. In another embodiment, the MRI preparation room may include a dispensary mechanism, analogous to a vending machine, and the selected wearable breast coil assembly 400 for patient 10 may be dispensed to patient 10. In some embodiments, the selected wearable breast coil assembly 400 may be provide to patient 10 in a case.

In an operation 1125, the virtual nurse guides patient 10 in properly putting the selected wearable breast coil assembly 400 onto patient 10.

In an operation 1130, patient 10 completes preparations for the MRI procedure. This may include putting patient gown 900 on over selected wearable breast coil assembly 400.

In an operation 1135, patient 10 lies down on MRI patient table 220 in a supine position in preparation for an MRI procedure.

In an operation 1140, an MRI technician checks that patient 10 has properly put on and is properly wearing wearable breast coil assembly 400, that the breasts are properly positioned, that the nipples are properly aligned, etc. After verifying that the wearable breast coil assembly 400 is properly applied and that the patient is properly aligned on MRI patient table 220, then at least a portion of patient 10 on patient table 220, including at least breast tissue of patient 10, is moved into the bore of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus while patient 10 lies in a supine position on MRI patient table 220 and wears wearable breast coil assembly 400. Then, the MRI apparatus performs a magnetic resonance imaging of breast tissue of patient 10 while the patient lies in the supine position on MRI patient table 220 and wears wearable breast coil assembly 400.

In an operation 1145, subsequent to the magnetic resonance imaging of breast tissue of patient 10, patient 10 may return to the MRI preparation room, remove patient gown 900 and wearable breast coil assembly 400, and put back on their clothes which they may retrieve from the locker or container in which they were placed prior to the MRI procedure. In some embodiments, for improved patient flow and efficiency, patent 10 may instead proceed to a separate post-examination room, assuming that some arrangement has been provided for transporting the garments and other possessions of patient 10 from the MRI preparation room to the post-examination room. In this operation, patient 10 may place wearable breast coil assembly 400 in a case or holder.

In an operation 1150, wearable breast coil assembly 400 is automatically disinfected by exposure to ultraviolet light, for example while it is disposed within the case or holder.

Fig. 12 shows an example of a procedure 1200 for placing patient 10 onto an MRI patient table in a supine position.

In an operation 1210, patient 10 approaches MRI patient table 220.

In an operation 1220, patient 10 sits on patient table 220.

In an operation 1230, patient 10 lifts a first (e.g., left) leg onto patient table 220.

In an operation 1240, patient 10 lifts a second (e.g., right) leg onto patient table 220.

In an operation 1250, patient 10 lies their upper body down in a supine position (face up) on patient table 220.

In an operation 1260, patient 10 stretches their legs out on patient table 220.

Compared to a prior procedure 300 for placing patient 10 onto an MRI patient table in a prone position as illustrated in FIG. 3, procedure 1200 is simplified and in general may be expected in general to be more comfortable, less stressful, and less painful. Procedure 1200 for placing patient 10 onto an MRI patient table in a supine position, rather than a less comfortable prone position, is enabled by wearable breast coil assembly 400.

Fig. 13 shows various layers of patient 10, fitted with wearable breast coil assembly 400 for magnetic resonance imaging, and patient gown 900, lying in a supine position on MRI patient table 220. Here we see, for left to right, and empty MRI patient table 220, patient 10 laying in a supine position on MRI patient table 220, patient 10 laying in a supine position on MRI patient table 220 with wearable breast coil assembly 400, patient 10 laying in a supine position on MRI patient table 220 with wearable breast coil assembly 400 and an open patient gown 900, and patient 10 laying in a supine position on MRI patient table 220 with wearable breast coil assembly 400 and a closed patient gown 900.

Fig. 14 shows a lateral view of patient 10 wearing wearable breast coil assembly 400 for magnetic resonance imaging, and patient gown 900, lying in a supine position on patient table 220 in preparation for being loaded into bore 212 of MRI apparatus 210 for an MRI examination of the breast tissue of patient 10.

Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of patient 10 wearing wearable breast coil assembly 400 for magnetic resonance imaging, and patient gown 900, lying in a supine position on patient table 220 in preparation for being loaded into bore 212 of MRI apparatus 210 for an MRI examination of the breast tissue of patient 10. Disclosed herein is a wearable breast coil assembly for magnetic resonance imaging, and a patient gown for covering the wearable breast coil assembly. Also disclosed herein is a process of performing magnetic resonance imaging of the patient’s breast tissue while the patient wears the wearable breast coil assembly, including operations in preparation for the imaging operation and subsequent to the imaging operation.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Also, a single unit or device may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Furthermore, any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device (400), comprising: a housing (410) having a left portion (412) and a right portion (414); a connection device (460) which is configured to adjustably connect the left portion to the right portion so as to define an adjustable opening (405) in the housing, wherein the adjustable opening is configured to hold the breasts of a patient therein while breast tissue of the patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging; a first main coil (420a) within the left portion of the housing so as to be disposed at least partly around a left side of the adjustable opening; a second main coil (420b) within the right portion of the housing so as to be at least partly disposed around a right side of the adjustable opening; a vertical separation member (432) which is configured to divide the adjustable opening into a left cavity (710) and a right cavity (720), wherein the left cavity is configured to hold a first one of the breasts of the patient therein while the breast tissue of the patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging, and wherein the right cavity is configured to hold a second one of the breasts of the patient therein while the breast tissue of the patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging, wherein a horizontal position of the vertical separation member is adjustable, and wherein the vertical separation member comprises a center coil (430); and one or more fasteners (470/490a/490b) for attaching the housing to the patient.

2. The device (400) of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the housing is inflatable, and wherein the device includes an inflation mechanism (480) for controlling an amount of inflation pressure in the housing.

3. The device (400) of claim 1, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise: an adjustable chest strap (470), wherein the adjustable chest strap is configured to wrap horizontally around a chest of the patient; and a pair of adjustable shoulder straps (490a/490b), wherein the adjustable shoulder straps are configured to wrap around shoulders of the patient.

4. The device (400) of claim 3, wherein the pair of adjustable shoulder straps are directly connected to the adjustable chest strap.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a removable covering for the housing.

6. The device (400) of claim 5, further comprising a zipper (450) configured for opening and closing the removable covering around the housing.

7. A method (1100), comprising: providing (1120) a wearable breast coil assembly (400) to a patient, wherein the wearable breast coil assembly includes: a first main coil (420a) configured to be at least partially disposed about at least a portion of a first breast of the patient, a second main coil (420b) configured to be at least partially disposed about at least a portion of a second breast of the patient, a middle coil (430) configured to be disposed between the first breast and the second breast, and one or more fasteners (470/490a/490b) configured to attach the wearable breast coil assembly to the patient while breast tissue of the patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging; moving (1140) at least a portion of a patient into a bore (212) of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (210) while the patient lies in a supine position on a patient table (220) and wears the wearable breast coil assembly; and performing (1140) magnetic resonance imaging of breast tissue of the patient while the patient lies in the supine position on the patient table and wears the wearable breast coil assembly.

8. The method (1100) of claim 7, further comprising: measuring (1115) a size of the patient’s chest; and selecting (1120) a size of the wearable breast coil assembly based on the measured size of the patient’s chest.

9. The method (1100) of claim 8, further comprising using a smart mirror (1115) to measure the size of the patient’s chest.

10. The method (1100) of claim 7, further comprising providing (1130) a patient gown (900) to the patient, wherein the patient wears the patient gown over the wearable breast coil assembly while the at least portion of the patient moves into the bore of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and the patient lies in the supine position on the patient table.

11. The method (1100) of claim 7, further comprising disinfecting (1150) the wearable breast coil after performing magnetic resonance imaging of breast tissue of the patient while the patient lies in the supine position on the patient table and wears the wearable breast coil assembly.

12. A wearable breast coil assembly (400), comprising: a structure (410) defining an opening (405) therein, wherein the structure is configured to at least partially hold a patient’s breasts within the opening while breast tissue of the patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging; at least one main coil (420a, 420b) associated with the structure, wherein the at least one main coil is configured to be at least partially disposed about at least a portion of a first breast of the patient; a middle coil (430) configured to be disposed between the first breast and a second breast of the patient; and one or more fasteners (470/490a/490b) configured to attach the structure and the at least one main coil to the patient while breast tissue of the patient is subjected to magnetic resonance imaging.

13. The wearable breast coil assembly (400) of claim 12, wherein the at least one main coil comprises: a first main coil (420a) configured to be at least partially disposed about at least the portion of the first breast of the patient; and a second main coil (420b) configured to be at least partially disposed about at least the portion of the second breast of the patient.

14. The wearable breast coil assembly (400) of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the structure is inflatable, and wherein the wearable breast coil assembly includes an inflation mechanism (480) for controlling an amount of inflation pressure in the structure.

15. The wearable breast coil assembly (400) of claim 12, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise: an adjustable chest strap (470), wherein the adjustable chest strap is configured to wrap horizontally around a chest of the patient; and a pair of adjustable shoulder straps (490a/490b), wherein the adjustable shoulder straps are configured to wrap around shoulders of the patient.