High Performance, Highly Deployable Head-Only MRI Scanner

描述（由申请人提供）：拟议项目的动机是认识到当前的多用途全身 MRI 扫描仪限制了最佳神经成像。当前的扫描仪基于全身成像的一刀切概念，不具备仅对大脑进行成像的扫描仪可以实现的全部功能。 GE 全球研究中心和梅奥诊所提议联合开发和验证针对神经影像优化的全新 MR 系统。该系统基于革命性的轻质磁铁、梯度和射频设计，可实现人脑的高质量 3T MRI。这款新型扫描仪将提供更大的患者舒适度、显着改善的图像质量以及在速度和成像功能范围（例如梯度强度和转换速率）方面更高的性能。此外，尺寸和重量的显着减小将允许将扫描仪放置在目前全身 MRI 扫描仪无法到达的位置。 该计划将开发：1）实现无冷冻剂磁体和梯度技术，包括先进的低温和磁体设计、头部高性能梯度、具有集成功能磁共振成像功能的射频线圈以及优化的患者人体工程学。 2) 高性能 3T 头部成像系统原型，将在人类志愿者身上进行评估。 3) 优化图像采集协议和图像分析技术，以改进对大脑疾病的评估。 公共健康相关性：全球研究和梅奥诊所提议开发一种新概念 MRI 脑部扫描仪，既轻便又高性能。该扫描仪的重量减轻了 10 倍，并且可以放置在患者容易接触到的位置。这一想法的成功实施将使先进的神经影像学更加实用，以满足一系列神经和精神疾病的需求，例如抑郁症、自闭症、创伤性脑损伤和中风。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The motivation for the proposed program is the realization that the current multi-use whole-body MRI scanners limit optimal neuroimaging. Current scanners are based on the one-size-fits-all concept of whole-body imaging and do not have the full range of functionalities that could be achieved in a scanner designed to image only the brain. GE Global Research and the Mayo Clinic propose to jointly develop and validate a radically new MR system optimized for neuroimaging. This system is based on a revolutionary lightweight magnet, gradient and RF design to permit high quality 3T MRI of the human brain. This new scanner will provide much greater patient comfort, markedly improved image quality, and much higher performance in terms of speed and range of imaging capabilities such as gradient strength and slew rate. In addition, the significant reduction in size and weight will allow the placement of the scanner in locations that are currently inaccessible to whole-body MRI scanners. This program will develop: 1) Enabling cryogen-free magnet and gradient technologies include advanced cryogenic and magnet design, head-only high-performance gradients, an RF coil with integrated fMRI simulation capabilities, and optimized patient ergonomics. 2) A high-performance prototype 3T head-only imaging system, that will be evaluated on human volunteers. 3) Optimized image acquisition protocols and image analysis technology to permit improved assessment of brain disorders. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Global Research and the Mayo Clinic propose to develop a new concept MRI brain scanner that is both lightweight and high performance. This scanner represents a 10 times reduction in weight and can be placed in locations that are easily accessible to patients. Successful implementation of this idea will allow greater availability of advanced neuroimaging to meet a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as depression, autism, traumatic brain injury, and stroke.