Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important non-invasive imaging modality that produces detailed images of organs and tissues in a body. Using high fields, 1.5T, 3T, 7T, and above, provides higher signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), temporal resolutions and spatial resolution. MRI RF coils play a significant role in determining image quality. Surface coils are able to attain enhanced SNR, but have issues with limited field of view, leading to the introduction of surface array coils, which provide higher SNR across a larger region of interest. However, electromagnetic coupling between adjacent coil elements has presented a challenge with array coils. While various techniques have been introduced to minimize coupling, they often impose limitations on coil shape, leading to irregular local magnetic field and complexities in design.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed novel stretchable and flexible dielectric substrate mixture for addressing the challenges of decoupling and enhancing RF performance in multichannel RF coil arrays in MRI. This dielectric substrate mixture is strategically integrated between adjacent coil elements within the array to efficiently disrupt electromagnetic coupling between neighboring coils. This enables independent operation of each coil element and also enhances local RF magnetic field strength and reduces specific absorption ratio (SAR) for improved RF safety and image quality. Further, this advancement allows the adaptation of the coils to conform to the contours and shape of the human body if desired, which expands the possibilities for improved coil contact and signal acquisition.
This substrate mixture offers simpler and more effective decoupling which provides superior image quality and increased safety, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.
Potential Applications
- Decoupling multichannel RF coil arrays for advancing MR imaging
Benefits and Advantages
- Efficiently disrupts electromagnetic coupling between neighboring coils
- Enables independent operation of each coil element
- Enhances local RF magnetic field strength and reduces specific absorption ratio
- Improves RF safety by minimizing energy absorption in surrounding tissues
- Enhances image quality and sensitivity
- Flexible, stretchable, and MR-invisible substrate mixture
- Reduces potential sources of artifacts
- Simplified design – eliminates the need for intricate and space-consuming decoupling arrangements
- Offers new possibilities for fabricating enhanced wearable coil arrays for MRI
- Improved uniformity is achieved, enabling a wider view of the sample and enhancing the overall image interpretation for physicians
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