Pierre Balthazar Lechene1, Joe Corea1, Anita Flynn1, Michael Lustig1, and Ana Arias1
Close proximity of MRI receive coils to the patient
can allow an increase of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Integrating the coils
into garments that tightly conform to the body can provide such proximity. This
work develops flexible printed MRI coils on a mesh with the potential to be
integrated into garments. The dielectric used in the coil’s capacitors is
optimized to provide SNR within 91% of conventional coils. Encapsulation enhances
the coils mechanical robustness, allowing bending below 1mm of radius of
curvature. It is shown that, by cutting and sewing, the coils can be tailored
to intimately fit a brassiere cup.
