Whole-Body MRI

The MRRC currently houses a Philips 3T Ingenia Elition X whole-body 70 cm wide-bore MRI scanner. The system supports multi-nuclear imaging, including proton (1H), fluorine (19F), phosphorus (31P), and carbon (13C), providing a versatile platform for advanced structural, functional, diffusion, spectroscopy, and translational MRI research.

• 70 cm wide bore system: Enhances patient comfort and accessibility.
• High-performance gradients: Enable fast imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution.
• Multi-channel RF system: Supports parallel imaging techniques for accelerated acquisition.
• Rapid Imaging Technology: Facilitates ultra-short acquisition times while maintaining high image quality.
• SENSE Imaging: Parallel imaging technology that accelerates scan speed without compromising diagnostic quality.
• Multi-Band Imaging: Enables simultaneous multi-slice acquisition for significantly faster imaging.
• Compressed SENSE: Combines compressed sensing with parallel imaging to further reduce scan times.
• 4D Tracks Imaging: Supports dynamic high-resolution 3D imaging with sub-second temporal resolution.
• Fiber Track Technology: Provides advanced diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and white matter fiber tract visualization.
• Advanced MR Spectroscopy: Includes MEGA-PRESS and other single-voxel spectroscopy techniques for metabolic and neurochemical studies.
• Multi-Nuclear Research: Supports investigations using multiple nuclei beyond conventional proton MRI.

The facility provides a comprehensive suite of MRI-compatible equipment to support task-based functional MRI (fMRI), physiological monitoring, and advanced experimental research protocols.

• Visual stimulus presentation: Resonance Technology Digital VisuaStim Goggle System with integrated eye tracking for visual task presentation during MRI.
• Eye tracking: SMI iView X MRI-LR eye-tracking system for recording gaze position and visual attention during functional imaging experiments.
• Audio stimulus delivery: Avotec MRI-compatible audio system for speech, music, and auditory task paradigms.
• Response collection: Cedrus MRI-compatible response boxes with 2-button and 5-button configurations for behavioral experiments.
• Experimental control software: Presentation and E-Prime are available for synchronized stimulus presentation, behavioral task programming, and MRI trigger synchronization.
• MRI-compatible infusion systems: MEDRAD infusion pump and power injector support contrast-enhanced imaging and controlled fluid delivery within the MRI environment.
• Patient transport equipment: MRI-compatible wheelchair, transport bed, and IV poles facilitate safe patient handling and clinical research studies.

The system includes a comprehensive set of clinical RF coils for whole-body imaging:

• D-Stream (DS) Coil Technology: Supports Philips digital fiber-optic coils, including a high-performance 32-channel head coil for research imaging.
• Multi-channel array coils: Head, spine, cardiac, and body coils for routine clinical imaging.
• Neuroimaging coils: High-resolution head coils for structural and functional brain imaging.
• Cardiac coils: Optimized for cardiovascular MRI applications.
• Parallel imaging: Supports SENSE-based acceleration for reduced scan time and improved resolution.

Integrated monitoring systems ensure safe and high-quality clinical imaging:

• VitalEye Respiratory Monitoring: In-bore optical respiratory detection enables contact-free physiological monitoring during MRI examinations.
• Physiological monitoring: ECG, respiration, and peripheral gating support motion-sensitive imaging.
• Patient safety systems: Real-time monitoring during MRI examinations.
• Patient positioning system: Ensures reproducible and ergonomic scanning setup.

The MRI facility is supported by advanced acquisition software, standardized imaging workflows, and collaborative research programs that facilitate the development and evaluation of novel MRI methods.

• Philips–Einstein Master Research Agreement: Supports collaborative development and evaluation of novel MRI pulse sequences, image reconstruction methods, and advanced research applications.
• Workflow integration: Standardized clinical and research imaging protocols with efficient examination workflow.
• Sequence development: Research access enables implementation and evaluation of customized MRI acquisition techniques.