This paper reports on a planar microcoil for an MR (Magnetic Resonance) catheter. Since, a planar coil has local high sensitive area, high resolution images can be obtained by using the MR catheter with traditional MRI system. In this study, two types of coils of 5 mm and 20 mm in diameter were designed and fabricated. The proto-type MR catheters were made by attaching the microcoils to the tip of acrylic pipes. MR images of an okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) were acquired. We were able to observe the okra and distinguished its seeds one by one with the high resolution.

References :
Hidetoshi Takahashi, Tetsuji Dohi, Kiyoshi Matsumoto, and Isao Shimoyama, “A Micro Planar Coil for Local High Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging,” 20th IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS '07), pp. 549-552, Kobe, Japan, Jan. 21-25, 2007. Proceedings