High Performance, Highly Deployable Head-Only MRI Scanner

描述（由申请人提供）：拟定项目的动机是认识到当前多用途全身MRI扫描仪限制了最佳神经成像。目前的扫描仪基于全身成像的一刀切概念，并且不具有在设计用于仅对大脑成像的扫描仪中可以实现的全部功能。GE全球研究院和马约诊所提议联合开发和验证一种针对神经成像进行优化的全新MR系统。该系统基于革命性的轻质磁体、梯度和RF设计，可对人脑进行高质量的3T MRI。这种新型扫描仪将提供更大的患者舒适度，显着提高图像质量，并在速度和成像能力范围（如梯度强度和转换速率）方面提供更高的性能。此外，尺寸和重量的显著减少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。 该方案将开发： 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、仅限头部的高性能梯度、具有集成fMRI模拟功能的RF线圈以及优化的患者人体工程学。2)一个高性能的原型3T头部成像系统，将在人类志愿者身上进行评估。 3)优化的图像采集协议和图像分析技术，以改善对脑部疾病的评估。 公共卫生相关性：全球研究和马约诊所建议开发一种新概念的MRI脑扫描仪，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近的位置。这一想法的成功实施将使先进的神经影像学更容易获得，以满足一系列神经和精神疾病，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.