High-Performance High-Field Parallel MRI.

New York University School Of Medicine, New York NY

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In this continuing project, our team aims to develop and deploy novel remote encircling many-element transmitter and detector array structures for high-performance high-field magnetic resonance imaging. Whereas conventional wisdom argues for close-fitting body-contoured coils, the new structures we plan to build will eliminate the many practical and fundamental disadvantages of close-fitting many-element arrays, while preserving all degrees of freedom, and enhancing imaging performance through the inclusion of novel RF field elements of unique benefit at high magnetic field strength. After constructing several prototypes for 3 Tesla and 7 Tesla operation, we will demonstrate potential benefits of this new contact-free image acquisition technology, whether alone or in combination with targeted local coils, for visualization of disease processes such as pancreatic cancer and hip osteoarthritis, which have proven to be a challenge for traditional MRI approaches. This continuing work follows the successful first funding period of an R01 project which introduced a wide range of technological and methodological innovations to the field of rapid MRI.