MRIHARDWAREdoc.docVIP

MRI HARDWARE The main components of an MRI system are the superconducting magnet, the gradient system, the RF system and the computer system. The magnet produces a strong, static field and the radiofrequency transmit and receive coils excite and detect the MR signal. The magnetic field gradients localise the MR signal and the computer system facilitates scanner control, image display and archiving. This chapter will describe each of these components in turn. Figure 2-1 below shows the general layout of an MRI system. Figure 2- 1: Typical Architecture of an MRI System Magnet Types The magnet is the main component of any MR system and there are four different types of magnets capable of MRI: air-cored resistive magnets, iron-cored electromagnets, permanent magnets and superconducting magnets. Superconducting magnets are by far the most common type used in the NHS and the three main manufacturers are Siemens, GE and Philips. I had the opportunity to use two magnets at Ninewells, one of which was a Siemens Symphony 1.5T and the other a Siemens Impact 1.0T magnet. Table 2-1 below outlines some characteristics of a typical superconducting magnet. The static magnetic field B0 is non-uniform and its homogeneity is increased for clinical use through shimming. The homogeneity in parts per million for a typical 1.5T magnet is approximately 5 ppm 1. Superconducting Magnets Magnet Type Characteristics Manufacturers Example Superconducting Flux lines horizontal. Low power requirements. Expensive to purchase. Large fringe fields. High field strength. Siemens SYMPHONY Philips INTERA GE Signa Excite Table 2- 1: Characteristics of a Typical Superconducting Magnet The way a superconducting magnet works is as follows. As resistance decreases, current dissipation also decreases. Resistance depends on the material from which the loops of wire are made, the length of wire in the loop, the cross-sectional area of the wire itself and the temperature of th