A whole body 3T MRI scanner for research

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN

Investigators

Abstract

Summary / Abstract This is an application to obtain a whole body 3 Tesla MRI scanner to support research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In the past year we performed over 5,300 research scans on human subjects on 2 existing 3T scanners, but still many less than were requested by investigators. This applications seeks to (i) add a third scanner that will increase our capacity for research studies, especially needed given the growth of brain imaging of neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration; (ii) provide next-generation scanner performance, especially in the capabilities of ultra-high performance gradients for diffusion imaging; and (iii) provide insurance against the failure of our current scanner, which has been in use for research full-time for 18 years. Our current scanners are heavily used by over 82 active investigators with NIH funding who rely on high quality MRI and MRS data for diverse research applications. Many of these users require advanced neuorimaging studies that include functional and structural MRI of the brain and spine, and increasingly exploit the power of diffusion MRI to assess white matter tracts and microstructure. We aim to enhance our current capabilities by installing a 3 Tesla Siemens Cima.X scanner equipped with advanced Gemini gradients that can achieve 200 mT/m strength, >3 times stronger than any gradient system we currently use and capable of dramatically increasing the types and quality of diffusion studies possible. The new gradients will provide several major specific advantages including [1] higher gradient b values in diffusion MRI, which will allow shorter echo times, shorter diffusion times, higher signal to noise ratio, faster acquisitions and higher spatial and angular resolution in diffusion tractography of white matter; [2] stronger gradients will allow enable decreases in the effective spacing between echoes in echo planar imaging, reducing geometric distortions arising from long readouts, and allowing increased resolution in functional MRI acquisitions. In addition, the new scanner has multiple enhancements over our current, aging scanners (e.g. larger number of receivers and coil elements, powerful AI-aided reconstructions, and shorter exam times) that will ensure our users remain state-of-the-art for the next several years. Our vendor selection also ensures we will be able to participate more fully in multi-site imaging programs that are dominated by Siemens installations. In this application we highlight 16 selected Major Users, who are PIs on 40 funded grants, all of whom are experienced users of the current 3T scanner. We also illustrate 4 Minor Users who are representative of 23 others listed who hold 51 NIH grants that require MRI. The projects of the Users described herein would require approximately 76% of the useable time available. The scanner will be housed and managed within the Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, and will be supported by a relatively large group of expert MRI scientists and staff. A comprehensive plan has been developed for the financial support of the system as well as for its management, and the system is assured of strong institutional support, including $3 million towards the purchase and installation.