A 64-channel brain array coil was developed and compared to a 32-channel array constructed with the same coil former geometry in order to precisely isolate the benefit of the two-fold increase in array coil elements. The constructed coils were developed for a standard clinical 3T MRI scanner and used a contoured head-shape curved former around the occipital pole and tapered in at the neck to both improve sensitivity and patient comfort. Additionally, the design is a compact, split-former design intended for robust daily use. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and noise amplification (G-factor) for parallel imaging were quantitatively evaluated in human imaging and compared to a size and shape-matched 32-channel array coil. For unaccelerated imaging, the 64-channel array provided similar SNR in the brain center to the 32-channel array and 1.3-fold more SNR in the brain cortex. Reduced noise amplification during highly parallel imaging of the 64-channel array provided the ability to accelerate at approximately one unit higher at a given noise amplification compared to the sized-matched 32-channel array. For example, with a 4-fold acceleration rate, the central brain and cortical SNR of the 64-channel array was 1.2 and 1.4-fold higher, respectively, compared to the 32-channel array. The characteristics of the coil are demonstrated in accelerated brain imaging.

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Today's health care environment is shifting rapidly, driven by demographic change and high economic pressures on the system. Furthermore, modern precision medicine requires highly accurate and specific disease diagnostics in a short amount of time. Future imaging technology must adapt to these challenges. Demographic change necessitates scanner technologies tailored to the needs of an aging and increasingly multimorbid patient population. Accordingly, examination times have to be short enough that diagnostic images can be generated even for patients who can only lie in the scanner for a short time because of pain or with low breath-hold capacity. For economic reasons, the rate of nondiagnostic scans due to artifacts should be reduced as far as possible. As imaging plays an increasingly pivotal role in clinical-therapeutic decision making, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging facilities are confronted with an ever-growing number of patients, emphasizing the need for faster acquisitions while maintaining image quality. Lastly, modern precision medicine requires high and standardized image quality as well as quantifiable data in order to develop image-based biomarkers on which subsequent treatment management can rely. In recent decades, a variety of approaches have addressed the challenges of high throughput, demographic change, and precision medicine in MR imaging. These include field strength, gradient, coil and sequence development, as well as an increasing consideration of artificial intelligence. This article reviews state-of-the art MR technology and discusses future implementation from the perspective of what we know today.

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