Upgrade and Refurbishment of a 7T MRI Scanner for Research

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Abstract This is an application to upgrade a 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) system at Vanderbilt University that has been used for human subjects and large animal research for the past 13+ years. The upgrade (a replacement console, including computers, spectrometer and RF modules) is required (a) because after 13 years the spectrometer and electronics are no longer state-of-the-art and their performance limits ongoing research projects, and (b) the manufacturer (Philips) has developed new and improved hardware with more advanced digital technology that matches their main 3T products, and they will not be able to provide upgrades, maintenance or adequate support for the current system in the future. The upgrade will ensure the continuing productivity of this important resource, and at the same time provide enhanced capabilities. In the past 3 years alone the device has been used by over 20 different investigators across 47 projects. We have contributed over 75 publications to the literature in different areas. The high field system is used for research in 5 primary areas: [1] novel technical developments of imaging and spectroscopic methods for use at ultra-high fields; [2] studies of brain structure, organization and function in human subjects, for basic neuroscience and clinical applications in neurology, psychiatry and neurosurgery; [3] studies of the function, structure and disorders of the spine; [4] studies of brain structure and function in large non-human primates, including novel methods of neuromodulation; [5] imaging of sodium and multinuclear MRS studies of biochemistry and metabolism in vivo, with applications in metabolic disorders. The 7T MRI scanner at Vanderbilt is our flagship research platform. It was purchased for $7 million in 2006 when it was one of the first 10 such systems in the world. It is housed in 400 tons of steel that cost an additional $1 million. Since installation it has received several upgrades, including the addition of an 8 channel multi-transmitter system, and has worked well with relatively little down time. The projects of the 16 Major Users (33 different grants) would require approximately 74% use of the instrument (1480 hours/yr), the 5 Minor Users (7 grants) would require about 6% of the time, and the remaining time would be available for exploratory research and new directions. Each of the projects will benefit from the advantages of imaging at 7T, including high signal to noise ratio (SNR), high spatial resolution, high spectral dispersion for CEST and MRS, and high sensitivity for detecting changes caused by specific contrast mechanisms such as BOLD. The scanner is housed within the Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, has appropriate support spaces, and is used and supported by an established group of MRI experts and staff. A comprehensive plan has been developed for the financial and technical support of the scanner as well as for its management and use, and the system is assured of strong institutional support and oversight.