Magnetic resonance imaging using ultrahigh magnetic fields (7 Tesla or higher) is designed to increase the signal-to-noise ratio during high-quality image acquisition during routine monitoring or clinical diagnostics. However, the image processing step involves numerous challenges, such as hardware that is inadequate to ensure a uniform magnetic field during collection. Currently, images obtained with ultrahigh MR fields require additional manipulation via “whole body shimming” using physical housing structures or the application of a complementary magnetic field for stabilization.
Description
Sel-ZQC is a novel technique that bypasses the need for hardware development, generating high-quality MR images in uneven magnetic field environments. A customized Sel-ZQC pulse sequence has been designed to obtain high-resolution MR images of metabolites in vitro when scanned using 7 Tesla and 9.4 Tesla MRI scanners. The pulse sequence, which produces a detectible high-resolution single-quantum magnetization, is designed to overcome any MR distortions during the production of high signal-to-noise images. Sel-ZQC uses its pulse sequence and processing technique as replacement for hardware developments to enhance MR image quality using ultrahigh magnetic field scanners. Feasibility studies were conducted using a two-compartment “phantom” containing a pure vegetable oil-filled inner tube (10mm) and lactate in a saline solution-filled outer tube (20mm).
Applications
• Study of metabolism in vivo in extracranial organs that contain high fat content
• Breast cancer screening at ultrahigh magnetic field
• Other monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment regimens using 7 T and above MRI scanners
Advantages
• Bypasses need for hardware development to stabilize magnetic fields during ultrahigh MR imaging.
• High signal-to-noise distinctions during in vitro testing.
• Distinct lipid identification
Invention Readiness
In vitro modeling and experimental data
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US9733326B2
