Frontiers in Physics (Jul 2021)

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

  • Bart de Vos,
  • Javad Parsa,
  • Javad Parsa,
  • Zaynab Abdulrazaq,
  • Wouter M. Teeuwisse,
  • Camille D. E. Van Speybroeck,
  • Danny H. de Gans,
  • Rob F. Remis,
  • Tom O’Reilly,
  • Andrew G. Webb,
  • Andrew G. Webb

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphy.2021.701157
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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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.

Keywords