Transceive surface coil array for MRI of the human prostate at 4T

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Radiofrequency Engineering

Background:

• Prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) at 4 Tesla (4T) require advanced coil technology for optimal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
• Conventional radiofrequency (RF) driving schemes may limit signal penetration and homogeneity in deep tissue regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel torso transceive surface coil array for prostate MRI/MRS at 4T.
• To evaluate its performance in whole-volume torso imaging and signal penetration in the prostate.

Main Methods:

• Development of a conformal transceive surface coil array with specialized transmitter amplifiers and receiver preamplifiers.
• Implementation of a modified RF driving scheme focusing the electromagnetic field.
• Comparison of the proposed coil design against a conventional circularly polarized driving scheme.

Main Results:

• The novel coil array enables whole-volume torso imaging at 4T while preserving high SNR.
• The modified driving scheme achieved a twofold increase in prostate SNR compared to conventional methods.
• Sustained signal penetration in the deep prostate region was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The presented transceive surface coil array is effective for high-resolution prostate MRI/MRS at 4T.
• This technology offers improved SNR and signal penetration, crucial for accurate prostate diagnostics.
• The findings support the advancement of surface coil technology for high-field MRI applications.