Flexible 8-Channel Rx Array for 13C MRI
Imaging of 13C isotope requires high sensitivity detector arrays. One way to increase sensitivity is to implement close proximity receiver arrays. To achieve close distance to a patient, the array shape should conform to the shape of the body, which is conveniently achieved by flexible coils. Flexible arrays can adopt to various patient sizes as well as different body parts.
Design
In order to keep the high detection performance, which is particularly
important in imaging of low-abundance nuclei, a low-noise amplification circuitry is cointegrated with the coil. The preamplifier features
integrated high-power pulse protection and active decoupling circuitry. The size of this preamplifier circuit is 16mm x 19mm x 5mm. The matching and decoupling network matches the coil to the optimal noise impedance of the device, Zn,opt, and, at the same time, provides maximum available
impedance,Zo, at the input terminals of the coil realizing preamplifier decoupling.
To minimize noise coupling between the channels, the coils are critically overlapped.
Performance
The array is easy to handle and is compatible with various parts of the human body.
The imaging setup in the scanner is shown on the photograph.
Further details
can be found in this .pdf: ISMRM proceedings.