Publication: MRI visualization of small structures using improved surface coils
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1998-02
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Tutors
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Elsevier
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Abstract
In this paper we present the spatial resolution enhancement and noise reduction level achieved with an optimized
inductively coupled surface coil specificall designed for our experiments. The technique of designing and
implementing customized coils for magnetic resonance imaging of very small structures is described. We have
designed a low cost prototype of an inductively coupled circular surface coil, tuned for 1H magnetic resonance
imaging at 200 MHz. The coil is mounted on a customized teflo support. The inductive coupling used in this coil
improves the signal-to-noise ratio by reducing various loss mechanisms (specially the dielectric losses). Test
images have been acquired to determine the evolution of induced articular lesions in a rabbit animal model, as
well as brain tumors in rats. The images show high spatial resolution, excellent B1 fiel homogeneity and no ‘‘hot
spots’’. Comparing these images with those acquired with conventional coils, one find better spatial resolution
and signal-to-noise ratio, as well as larger fiel of view with less intense illumination artifact. The methodology
can be used in any application that requires high quality imaging of small structures.
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Keywords
Surface coil, High resolution MRI, Inductively coupled coils, Low noise images
Bibliographic citation
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, vol. 16, n. 2, feb. 1998. Pp. 157-166