Simulation Verification of SNR and Parallel Imaging Improvements by ICE-Decoupled Loop Array in MRI

Abstract

Transmit/receive L/C loop arrays with the induced current elimination (ICE) or magnetic wall decoupling method has shown high signal-to-noise (SNR) and excellent parallel imaging ability for MR imaging at ultrahigh fields, e.g., 7 T. In this study, we aim to numerically analyze the performance of an eight-channel ICE-decoupled loop array at 7 T. Three dimensional (3-D) electromagnetic (EM) and radiofrequency (RF) circuit co-simulation approach was employed. The values of all capacitors were obtained by optimizing the S-parameters of all coil elements. The EM simulation accurately modeled the coil structure, the phantom and the excitation. All coil elements were well matched to 50 ohm and the isolation between any two coil elements was better −15 dB. The simulated S parameters were exactly similar with the experimental results, indicating the simulation results were reliable. Compared with the conventional capacitively decoupled array, the ICE-decoupled array had higher sensitivity at the peripheral areas of the image subjects due to the shielding effect of the decoupling loops. The increased receive sensitivity resulted in an improvement of signal intensity and SNR for the ICE-decoupled array.

Sensitivity enhancement of traveling wave MRI using free local resonators: an experimental demonstration

“…Unlike the element layout shown in Figure 6 where the two elements were placed orthogonally and thus intrinsically decoupled, when more resonant elements are involved, electromagnetic coupling among elements may become an issue. This coupling issue can be possibly addressed by using the magnetic wall or ICE decoupling technology reported in literatures (24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35). i.e.…”

Over-overlapped loop arrays: A numerical study

“…Similar to the SNR, both peripheral and central g-factors were calculated for various acceleration factors (R = 2, 3 and 4). The reliability and accuracy of the above simulation approach for SNR calculation have been validated in previous works [20][21][22].…”

Investigating Local Receive Arrays in tcMRgFUS System and Their Influence by Passive Antennas: A Simulation Study

“…A vendor-provided human model (Ansys HFSS, Canonsburg, PA, USA) comprising more than 33 organs and 330 tissues was employed. The electromagnetic (EM) and RF co-simulation method (along with Ansys Designer) was used to accelerate the simulation process and to ensure accuracy [ 23 ], [ 24 ], [ 25 ].…”