Improved 7 Tesla transmit field homogeneity with reduced electromagnetic power deposition using coupled Tic Tac Toe antennas.

Recently cleared by the FDA, 7 Tesla (7 T) MRI is a rapidly growing technology that can provide higher resolution and enhanced contrast in human MRI images. However, the increased operational frequency (~ 297 MHz) hinders its full potential since it causes inhomogeneities in the images and increases the power deposition in the tissues. This work describes the optimization of an innovative radiofrequency (RF) head coil coupled design, named Tic Tac Toe, currently used in large scale human MRI scanning at 7 T; to date, this device was used in more than 1,300 neuro 7 T MRI scans. Electromagnetic simulations of the coil were performed using the finite-difference time-domain method. Numerical optimizations were used to combine the calculated electromagnetic fields produced by these antennas, based on the superposition principle, resulting in homogeneous magnetic field distributions at low levels of power deposition in the tissues. The simulations were validated in-vivo using the Tic Tac Toe RF head coil system on a 7 T MRI scanner.

A comprehensive electromagnetic evaluation of an MRI anthropomorphic head phantom.

Electromagnetic simulations are an important tool for the safety assessment of RF coils. They are a useful resource for MRI RF coil designers, especially when complemented with experimental measurements and testing using physical phantoms. Regular-shaped (spherical/cylindrical) homogeneous phantoms are the MRI standard for RF testing but are somewhat inaccurate when compared with anthropomorphic anatomies, especially at high frequencies. In this work, using a recently developed anthropomorphic heterogeneous human head phantom, studies were performed to analyze the scattering parameters (S-parameters) and the electric and magnetic field distributions using (1) the B1+ field mapping method on a 7 T human MRI scanner and (2) numerical full-wave electromagnetic simulations. All studies used the following: a recently developed six-compartment refillable 3D-printed anthropomorphic head phantom (developed from MRI scans obtained in vivo), where the phantom itself is filled in its entirety with either heterogeneous loading, or homogeneous brain or water loading, in vivo imaging, and a commercial homogeneous spherical water phantom. Our results determined that the calculated S-parameters for all the anthropomorphic head phantom models were comparable to the model that is based on the volunteer (within 17% difference of the reflection coefficient value) but differed for the commercial homogeneous spherical water phantom (within 45% difference). The experimentally measured B1+ field maps of the anthropomorphic heterogeneous and homogeneous brain head phantoms were most comparable to the in vivo measured values. The numerical simulations also show that both the anthropomorphic homogeneous water and brain phantom models were less accurate in terms of electric field intensities/distributions when compared with the segmented in-vivo-based head model and the anthropomorphic heterogeneous head phantom model. The presented data highlights the differences between the physical phantoms/phantom models, and the in vivo measurements/segmented in-vivo-based head model. The results demonstrate the usefulness of 3D-printed anthropomorphic phantoms for RF coil evaluation and testing.

Computational and experimental evaluation of the Tic-Tac-Toe RF coil for 7 Tesla MRI.

A variety of 7 Tesla RF coil systems have been proposed to produce spin excitation (B1+ field) and MR image acquisition. Different groups have attempted to mitigate the challenges at high and ultra-high field MRI by proposing novel hardware and software solutions to obtain uniformly high spin excitation at acceptable RF absorption levels. In this study, we extensively compare the designs of two distributed-circuit based RF coils: the Tic-Tac-Toe (TTT) head coil and TEM head coil on multiple anatomically detailed head models and in-vivo. Bench measurements of s-parameters and experimental B1+ field distribution were obtained in volunteers and compared with numerical simulations. RF absorption, quantified by both average and peak SAR, and B1+ field intensity and homogeneity, calculated/measured in terms of maximum over minimum and coefficient of variation (CV) in the region of interest (ROI), are presented for both coils. A study of the RF consistency of both coils across multiple head models for different RF excitation strategies is also presented.

In-vivo and numerical analysis of the eigenmodes produced by a multi-level Tic-Tac-Toe head transmit array for 7 Tesla MRI.

Radio-frequency (RF) field inhomogeneities and higher levels of specific absorption rate (SAR) still present great challenges in ultrahigh-field (UHF) MRI. In this study, an in-depth analysis of the eigenmodes of a 20-channel transmit Tic-Tac-Toe (TTT) RF array for 7T neuro MRI is presented. The eigenmodes were calculated for five different Z levels (along the static magnetic field direction) of the coil. Four eigenmodes were obtained for each Z level (composed of 4 excitation ports), and they were named based on the characteristics of their field distributions: quadrature, opposite-phase, anti-quadrature, and zero-phase. Corresponding finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations were performed and experimental B1+ field maps were acquired using a homogeneous spherical phantom and human head (in-vivo). The quadrature mode is the most efficient and it excites the central brain regions; the opposite-phase mode excites the brain peripheral regions; anti-quadrature mode excites the head periphery; and the zero-phase mode excites cerebellum and temporal lobes. Using this RF array, up to five eigenmodes (from five different Z levels) can be simultaneously excited. The superposition of these modes has the potential to produce homogeneous excitation with full brain coverage and low levels of SAR at 7T MRI.

Correction: Design and fabrication of a realistic anthropomorphic heterogeneous head phantom for MR purposes.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183168.].

A new RF transmit coil for foot and ankle imaging at 7T MRI.

A four-channel Tic-Tac-Toe (TTT) transmit RF coil was designed and constructed for foot and ankle imaging at 7T MRI. Numerical simulations using an in-house developed FDTD package and experimental analyses using a homogenous phantom show an excellent agreement in terms of B1+ field distribution and s-parameters. Simulations performed on an anatomically detailed human lower leg model demonstrated an B1+ field distribution with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 23.9%/15.6%/28.8% and average B1+ of 0.33µT/0.56µT/0.43µT for 1W input power (i.e., 0.25W per channel) in the ankle/calcaneus/mid foot respectively. In-vivo B1+ mapping shows an average B1+ of 0.29µT over the entire foot/ankle. This newly developed RF coil also presents acceptable levels of average SAR (0.07W/kg for 10g per 1W of input power) and peak SAR (0.34W/kg for 10g per 1W of input power) over the whole lower leg. Preliminary in-vivo images in the foot/ankle were acquired using the T2-DESS MRI sequence without the use of a dedicated receive-only array.

Design and fabrication of a realistic anthropomorphic heterogeneous head phantom for MR purposes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to design an anthropomorphic heterogeneous head phantom that can be used for MRI and other electromagnetic applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An eight compartment, physical anthropomorphic head phantom was developed from a 3T MRI dataset of a healthy male. The designed phantom was successfully built and preliminarily evaluated through an application that involves electromagnetic-tissue interactions: MRI (due to it being an available resource). The developed phantom was filled with media possessing electromagnetic constitutive parameters that correspond to biological tissues at ~297 MHz. A preliminary comparison between an in-vivo human volunteer (based on whom the anthropomorphic head phantom was created) and various phantoms types, one being the anthropomorphic heterogeneous head phantom, were performed using a 7 Tesla human MRI scanner. RESULTS: Echo planar imaging was performed and minimal ghosting and fluctuations were observed using the proposed anthropomorphic phantom. The magnetic field distributions (during MRI experiments at 7 Tesla) and the scattering parameter (measured using a network analyzer) were most comparable between the anthropomorphic heterogeneous head phantom and an in-vivo human volunteer. CONCLUSION: The developed anthropomorphic heterogeneous head phantom can be used as a resource to various researchers in applications that involve electromagnetic-biological tissue interactions such as MRI.

Ultra-high field upper extremity peripheral nerve and non-contrast enhanced vascular imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of Ultra-high field [UHF] 7 Tesla [T] MRI as compared to 3T MRI in non-contrast enhanced [nCE] imaging of structural anatomy in the elbow, forearm, and hand [upper extremity]. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A wide range of sequences including T1 weighted [T1] volumetric interpolate breath-hold exam [VIBE], T2 weighted [T2] double-echo steady state [DESS], susceptibility weighted imaging [SWI], time-of-flight [TOF], diffusion tensor imaging [DTI], and diffusion spectrum imaging [DSI] were optimized and incorporated with a radiofrequency [RF] coil system composed of a transverse electromagnetic [TEM] transmit coil combined with an 8-channel receive-only array for 7T upper extremity [UE] imaging. In addition, Siemens optimized protocol/sequences were used on a 3T scanner and the resulting images from T1 VIBE and T2 DESS were compared to that obtained at 7T qualitatively and quantitatively [SWI was only qualitatively compared]. DSI studio was utilized to identify nerves based on analysis of diffusion weighted derived fractional anisotropy images. Images of forearm vasculature were extracted using a paint grow manual segmentation method based on MIPAV [Medical Image Processing, Analysis, and Visualization]. RESULTS: High resolution and high quality signal-to-noise ratio [SNR] and contrast-to-noise ratio [CNR]-images of the hand, forearm, and elbow were acquired with nearly homogeneous 7T excitation. Measured [performed on the T1 VIBE and T2 DESS sequences] SNR and CNR values were almost doubled at 7T vs. 3T. Cartilage, synovial fluid and tendon structures could be seen with higher clarity in the 7T T1 and T2 weighted images. SWI allowed high resolution and better quality imaging of large and medium sized arteries and veins, capillary networks and arteriovenous anastomoses at 7T when compared to 3T. 7T diffusion weighted sequence [not performed at 3T] demonstrates that the forearm nerves are clearly delineated by fiber tractography. The proper digital palmar arteries and superficial palmar arch could also be clearly visualized using TOF nCE 7T MRI. CONCLUSION: Ultra-high resolution neurovascular imaging in upper extremities is possible at 7T without use of renal toxic intravenous contrast. 7T MRI can provide superior peripheral nerve [based on fiber anisotropy and diffusion coefficient parameters derived from diffusion tensor/spectrum imaging] and vascular [nCE MRA and vessel segmentation] imaging.

Ultra-high-field RF coil development for evaluating upper extremity imaging applications.

The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a custom-designed 7  T MRI coil and explore its use for upper extremity applications. An RF system composed of a transverse electromagnetic transmit coil and an eight-channel receive-only array was developed for 7  T upper extremity applications. The RF system was characterized and evaluated using scattering parameters and B1+ mapping. Finite difference time domain simulations were performed to evaluate the B1+ field distribution and specific absorption rate for the forearm region of the upper extremity. High-resolution 7  T images were acquired and compared with those at 3 T. The simulation and experimental results show very good B1+ field homogeneity across the forearm. High-resolution images of musculotendinous, osseocartilaginous, and neurovascular structures in the upper extremity are presented with T1 volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination, T2 double-echo steady state, T2 * susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI), diffusion tensor imaging, and time-of-flight sequences. Comparison between 3  T and 7  T is shown. Intricate contextual anatomy can be delineated in synovial, fibrocartilaginous, interosseous, and intraosseous trabecular structures of the forearm, as well as palmar and digital vascular anatomy (including microvascular detail in SWI). Ultra-high-field 7  T imaging holds great potential in improving the sensitivity and specificity of upper extremity imaging, especially in wrist and hand pathology secondary to bone, ligament, nerve, vascular, and other soft or hard tissue etiology.

Dual optimization method of radiofrequency and quasistatic field simulations for reduction of eddy currents generated on 7T radiofrequency coil shielding.

PURPOSE: To optimize the design of radiofrequency (RF) shielding of transmit coils at 7T and reduce eddy currents generated on the RF shielding when imaging with rapid gradient waveforms. METHODS: One set of a four-element, 2 × 2 Tic-Tac-Toe head coil structure was selected and constructed to study eddy currents on the RF coil shielding. The generated eddy currents were quantitatively studied in the time and frequency domains. The RF characteristics were studied using the finite difference time domain method. Five different kinds of RF shielding were tested on a 7T MRI scanner with phantoms and in vivo human subjects. RESULTS: The eddy current simulation method was verified by the measurement results. Eddy currents induced by solid/intact and simple-structured slotted RF shielding significantly distorted the gradient fields. Echo-planar images, B1+ maps, and S matrix measurements verified that the proposed slot pattern suppressed the eddy currents while maintaining the RF characteristics of the transmit coil. CONCLUSION: The presented dual-optimization method could be used to design RF shielding and reduce the gradient field-induced eddy currents while maintaining the RF characteristics of the transmit coil.

Effects of receive-only inserts on specific absorption rate, B1 (+) field, and Tx coil performance.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different cylindrical and close-conforming receive-only array designs on spin excitation and specific absorption rate (SAR) of a 7 T transmit-only head coil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed finite difference time domain (FDTD) models of different receive-only array geometries. Cylindrical and close-fitting helmet arrays with varying copper trace widths, a TEM Tx coil model, and two head models were used in numerical simulations. Tx coil coupling was experimentally measured and validated with FDTD modeling. RESULTS: Changing copper trace width of loops in array models caused subtle changes in radiofrequency (RF) absorption (<5%). Changes in SAR distribution were observed in the head models with Rx-only inserts. Peak SAR increased (-1 to +15%) in different tissues for a mean B1 (+) in the brain of 2 µT. Total absorption in the head models for 1 W forward power increased (5%-21%) in the heads with Rx-only inserts. Changes in RF absorption with different Rx inserts indicate a change in RF radiation of the Tx coil even when changes in B1 (+) and coupling between ports of Tx coil were minimal. CONCLUSION: Changes in local/global SAR and subtle changes in B1 (+) field distributions were observed in the presence of Rx-only inserts. Thus, incorporation of the receive-only array effects are needed when evaluating SAR and designing RF transmit pulse waveform parameters for shimming and/or Tx-SENSE for 7 T MRI.