Related Experiment Videos
Size-adaptable "Trellis" structure for tailored MRI coil arrays.
Bei Zhang1,2, Ryan Brown1,2,3, Martijn Cloos1,2,3,4
1Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York.
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
|December 22, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a novel, adjustable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coil array with a trellis design. This adaptable coil array maximizes sensitivity across various body sizes, improving signal-to-noise ratio for better imaging.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiofrequency Engineering
Background:
- Standard MRI receive coil arrays have fixed diameters, limiting optimal sensitivity for diverse patient anatomies.
- Conforming coils to patient anatomy is crucial for maximizing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in MRI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, geometrically adjustable receive coil array for MRI.
- To tailor coil diameter to individual subjects for maximized sensitivity and improved SNR.
Main Methods:
- A size-adaptable receive array utilizing a trellis structure, inspired by gardening and fencing designs.
- The cylindrical trellis features diagonally interleaved slats, allowing controlled expansion/contraction.
- Demonstrated two concepts at 3 Tesla (3T): an 8-channel array on a trellis and a 24-channel array where coils form the trellis.
Main Results:
- The adjustable trellis array successfully accommodated a range of subject sizes.
- Demonstrated robust signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), loading, and coupling across different sizes.
- The trellis coil maintained consistent element overlap and coupling during size adjustments.
Conclusions:
- The trellis coil concept allows for adaptable surface coil arrays that conform closely to anatomy.
- Negligible effects on tuning, matching, and decoupling were observed during size adjustments.
- This adaptability leads to significant gains in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for improved MRI.