Radio frequency coils for hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance experiments with a 3T mr clinical scanner: Experience from a cardiovascular lab

Giulio Giovannetti*, Alessandra Flori, Maria Filomena Santarelli, Vincenzo Positano, Nicola Martini, Roberto Francischello, Rolf F. Schulte, Jan Henrik Ardenkjaer-Larsen, Luca Menichetti, Giovanni Donato Aquaro, Andrea Barison, Francesca Frijia

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewpeer-review

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Abstract

Hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance (MR) is a promising technique for the noninvasive assessment of the regional cardiac metabolism since it permits heart physiology studies in pig and mouse models. The main objective of the present study is to resume the work carried out at our electromagnetic laboratory in the field of radio frequency (RF) coil design, building, and testing. In this paper, first, we review the principles of RF coils, coil performance parameters, and estimation methods by using simulations, workbench, and MR imaging experiments. Then, we describe the simulation, design, and testing of different 13C coil configurations and acquisition settings for hyperpolarized studies on pig and mouse heart with a clinical 3T MRI scanner. The coil simulation is performed by developing a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) model in terms of coil resistance, sample-induced resistance, and magnetic field pattern. Coil resistance was calculated from Ohm’s law and sample-induced resistances were estimated with a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm. In contrast, the magnetic field per unit current was calculated by magnetostatic theory and a FDTD algorithm. The information could be of interest to graduate students and researchers working on the design and development of an MR coil to be used in 13C studies.

Original languageEnglish
Article number366
JournalElectronics (Switzerland)
Volume10
Issue number4
Number of pages26
ISSN2079-9292
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Funding: This research was funded by a grant from the Italian Ministry of Health and Tuscany Region Myocardial perfusion imaging with cardiovascular magnetic resonance and hyperpolarized contrast media (GR-2016-02361586).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Keywords

  • Magnetic resonance
  • Radio frequency coils
  • Simulation

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