Work

A shielded 32‐channel body transceiver array with integrated electronics for 7 T

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Develop a 32-channel transceiver array for 7 T body imaging that incorporates an RF shield, improves SNR, lowers g-factors, and is robust to external loading. METHODS: The addition of a local RF shield was first investigated for single resonant blocks consisting of either one loop and a dipole (LD) or three loops and a dipole (3LD). A 32-channel array consisting of eight shielded 3LD blocks (32LD-SH) was constructed and validated for in-vivo use. The SNR, parallel imaging, and transmit performance were compared to a previously published 16-channel LD array (16LD). The effect of top loading was investigated by placing arms on top of the coils and measuring S-parameter changes. In vivo imaging of multiple anatomies was performed. RESULTS: efficiency and 30% higher central SNR compared to the 16LD array and supported threefold acceleration in the foot-head direction. Arm placement had no effect on the 32LD-SH array but reduced the 16LD match to 5.4 dB. CONCLUSION: A 32-channel transceiver array was developed for 7 T body imaging that is insensitive to top loading and has higher SNR and lower g-factors compared to an existing 16-channel transceiver array. Despite lower transmit performance, parallel transmit optimization permitted the 32LD-SH to achieve flip angles necessary for high-quality gradient and spin echo acquisitions of target organs in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

Source: Magnetic Resonance in Medicine

DOI: 10.1002/mrm.30498

Authors: Tobey D. Haluptzok, Russell L. Lagore, Simon Schmidt, Gregory J. Metzger

Institution: University of Minnesota

Language: English

Topic: Advanced MRI Techniques and Applications

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,680