A radio frequency (RF) pediatric coil for magnetic resonance/imaging analysis
is
disclosed. The coil includes a first end ring having a generally annular opening,
and at least one of a second end ring and an end cap. An anterior extension is
formed on the first end ring and on the at least one of the second end ring and
the end cap. A plurality of elongated segments are coupled to and positioned circumferentially
around the first end ring and the at least one of the second end ring and the end
cap to form a coil volume. A first elongated segment and a second elongated segment
are spaced about the anterior extension to facilitate access into the coil volume.
The coil can be implemented as a standalone coil, or it can be operatively coupled
to an incubator to increase the resolution of magnetic resonance scans of a neonate
inside the incubator.