Design, Characterisation and Performance of an Improved Portable and Sustainable Low-Field MRI System

Journal article (2021)

Authors

B. de Vos Leiden University Medical Center
Javad Parsa Leiden University Medical Center, Percuros B.V.
Zaynab Abdulrazaq Leiden University Medical Center
Wouter Teeuwisse Leiden University Medical Center
Camille D.E. Van Speybroeck Leiden University Medical Center
D.H. de Gans EMSD EEMCS Project engineers
R.F. Remis Signal Processing Systems - EEMCS
Tom O’Reilly Leiden University Medical Center
A. Webb Leiden University Medical Center, Signal Processing Systems - EEMCS
Research Group
Signal Processing Systems (EEMCS) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2021 B. de Vos, Javad Parsa, Zaynab Abdulrazaq, Wouter M. Teeuwisse, Camille D.E. Van Speybroeck, D.H. de Gans, R.F. Remis, Tom O’Reilly, A. Webb
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.3389/fphy.2021.701157
Quality control Low field MRI Gradient amplifier Gradient coil design Halbach magnet MR hardware RF amplifier RF coil array
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

Faculty

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Department

Microelectronics

Research Group

Signal Processing Systems

Abstract

Low-field permanent magnet-based MRI systems are finding increasing use in portable, sustainable and point-of-care applications. In order to maximize performance while minimizing cost many components of such a system should ideally be designed specifically for low frequency operation. In this paper we describe recent developments in constructing and characterising a low-field portable MRI system for in vivo imaging at 50 mT. These developments include the design of i) high-linearity gradient coils using a modified volume-based target field approach, ii) phased-array receive coils, and iii) a battery-operated three-axis gradient amplifier for improved portability and sustainability. In addition, we report performance characterisation of the RF amplifier, the gradient amplifier, eddy currents from the gradient coils, and describe a quality control protocol for the overall system.