Hybrid multi-coil technique for improving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Unmet Need: Clinically compatible coil configuration for improving MRI sensitivity

Magnetic field inhomogeneity influences magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image quality by introducing signal dropout and distortion. Hence, magnetic field variation between regions of the brain has made brain imaging particularly difficult. To address this issue, multi-coil techniques have been developed, but current multi-coil techniques are either incompatible with standard clinical MRI machines or limited in correcting magnetic field. Therefore, a method to increase magnetic field homogeneity is still lacking for clinical uses of MRI.

The Technology: Small footprint multi-coil technique compatible with standard MRI machines

This multi-coil technique improves magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal sensitivity by increasing magnetic field homogeneity without degrading MRI signal strength. It combines standard radiofrequency and superior multi-coil magnets into one hybrid coil. Using existing radiofrequency magnets, this technique could be integrated with standard clinical MRI machines and still occupy small hardware footprint.

Applications:

Diagnostic and prognostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of human brain
Diagnostic and prognostic MRI of human organs other than brain
Research tool for neuroscience
MRI of in vivo preclinical models

Advantages:

Compatible with standard clinical MRI machines
Small hardware footprint
Allows high quality brain MRI in clinical setting with standard machines
Beneficial for day-to-day diagnostics
Integrable into standard clinical workflows

Lead Inventor:

Christoph Juchem, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

Related Publications:

Juchem C, Rudrapatna SU, Nixon TW, de Graaf RA. Dynamic multi-coil technique (DYNAMITE) shimming for echo-planar imaging of the human brain at 7 Tesla. Neuroimage. 2015 Jan 15;105:462-72.

Tech Ventures Reference:

IR CU23207
Licensing Contact: Joan Martinez