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A birdcage resonator for intracavitary MR imaging
T E Merchant1, D Ballon, J A Koutcher
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
|January 1, 1993
Summary
A novel birdcage resonator intracavitary probe offers superior pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detail compared to conventional coils. This advanced probe design shows promise for evaluating rectal, prostate, and gynecologic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Background:
- Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosing various pathologies.
- Conventional MRI techniques can be limited by spatial resolution and sensitivity in pelvic imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an "inside-out" birdcage resonator intracavitary probe for enhanced pelvic MRI.
- To assess the probe's potential superiority over existing intracavitary coils and body coils.
Main Methods:
- An eight-leg, birdcage resonator in a low-pass, receive-only configuration was designed and encased in Teflon.
- The probe was mounted on a solid rod and tested in a male canine for pelvic anatomy imaging.
- Axial, coronal, and sagittal MRI scans were acquired using 8 and 16 cm fields of view.
Main Results:
- The intracavitary probe provided detailed images of pelvic anatomy.
- The probe demonstrated potential superiority over single-loop intracavitary coils due to its sensitivity profile.
- Images obtained showed advantages compared to conventional body-coil MRI.
Conclusions:
- The developed birdcage resonator intracavitary probe shows significant potential for improving pelvic MRI.
- The probe is designed for clinical use in humans and is undergoing efficacy testing for rectal, prostate, and gynecologic pathology evaluation.