MRI Technologies From 1.51T to 7T
Technologies such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provide an enhanced understanding of the internal workings of a human being without penetrating the skin, while technology has made significant improvements in a relatively short period of time. Where we previously saw the Clinical World standard at 1.51 T, there are now much larger range of field strengths ranging from 7 T and greater. Advances in MRI technologies are representative of both the evolutionary progress of current technology and the shifting priorities of medical professionals within the field of research and care.
The Evolution Of MRI Strength In Clinical Settings
Historically, 1.5T scanners produced the majority of clinical images, and provided solid support for many clinical diagnoses; however, the 3T scanner was an advancement that produced a tremendous increase in SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) and consequently enhanced diagnostic capabilities and image clarity for both research and clinical applications. As a result, 3T systems are becoming increasingly prevalent in both research and clinical settings. Many academic medical centres are utilizing 3T MRI systems, and they represent the current standard of practice for advanced imaging technology.
Entering To The Ultra-High Field Era 7T MRI Systems
In the Early 2000s, Prototype 7-Tesla MRI systems were created however Regulatory Approvals Granted for use Have Just Recently been received for entry into Clinical Setting With Their Superior Advantage of Providing Higher Sensitivity (SNR) and Greater Resolution, thus enabling clinicians and researchers to now see Many Anatomic Entities Invisible to Conventional MRI Systems due To Their Low Sensitivity and Low Resolution (E.G., Tiny Lesions, Small Nerves, Tiny Brain Structures, etc.).
The revolutionary 7T MRI developments are beneficial in a multitude of clinical areas, specifically regarding neurology, oncology, and musculoskeletal imaging. First, for the brain, 7T MRI provides a superior view of brain abnormalities due to the increased resolution allowed by 7T MRI.
Second, with respect to joints, the increased resolution provided by 7T MRI allows for a superior view of joint diseases, including cartilage and menisci lesions, as well as small bone lesions. Third, 7T MRI technology has provided researchers with improved access to neuroscientific study.
including the use of 7T MRI to evaluate for invisible lesions associated with Alzheimer’s disease; early diagnosis of epilepsy; and a better understanding of the subtler and typically asymptomatic lesions associated with multiple sclerosis.
7T MRI Challenges And Novel Applications
All opportunities, including 7T MRI, also present challenges. Higher magnet field strength usually results in increased movement-related artifacts in images created because of the greater sensitivity of all movements made by the patient, or metallic implants, or equipment-related errors. The 7T MRI hardware is complex. It requires specialized skillsets to use and conduct feasibility testing.
Moving Towards 10T Future Uses Of MRI
There is ongoing development to see what new applications MRI will have with systems above 7T. History has shown that many traditions remain the same; for example the steps taken during the development of systems from 1.5T to 3T and from 3T to 7T are quite similar and as we move forward into even stronger magnetic fields we will benefit from advantages relative to resolution and sensitivity while at the same time face significant difficulties related to increased field inhomogeneity, patient comfort/safety and many other challenges to translating advanced technologies to patient care.
High-V MRI Provides Several Benefits To Imaging Specifically Related To Implant Imaging
Improving How We Image Metal Implants: Historically, the conventional MRI system has a lot of limitations when it comes to imaging metal implants due to the artifacts caused by the metal. Due to the intrinsic physical properties of High-V MRI, it experiences significantly less distortion of metal and allows better imaging of implants.
Increasing The Diagnostic Quality Of Diffusion Imaging: Susceptibility artifacts are well understood in MR imaging. For example, when scanning areas like the sinus and orbit where air/tissue interfaces are present, the magnetic field strength of the High-V MRI can allow for physical advantages and lower susceptibility artifacts and reduce distortion in the diffusion imaging leading to greatly improved diagnostic quality.
Possibility Of Developing Further Improvements In Pulmonary MRI: Pulmonary imaging has always posed a unique challenge for MR imaging systems because of the fast signal decay at the air/tissue interfaces. Additionally, as magnetic field strength increases the challenges will only increase.
Conclusion
the advancement of the technology will continue to enable clinicians to obtain clearer and clearer images at higher resolutions and with more information through the use of new technologies such as 32-channel and ultra-high field systems With the addition of these new technologies, specifically 10T, MRI imaging will develop into a safe, very precise and a powerful diagnostic tool for the early identification of subtle lesions in patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What Are The Latest Advancements Of MRI?
Advances in MRI technology are centered around the improvement of speed and image clarity using AI, allowing faster examination times (less than 1 hour vs. hours of time as in traditional methods) and improved images for diagnosing patients.
Q. What Is The Frequency Of A 7T MRI?
The operating frequency of the 7T MRI Scanner for Hydrogen Nuclei (Proton) Imaging is about 298MHz.
Q. What Are The Benefits Of A 7T MRI?
The main advantages of using 7T MRI’s superior image quality, improved spatial resolution and increased contrast over lower field strength scanners (1.5T and 3T) improve the detection and characterization of very small abnormal areas (the brain and knee).
Q. What Is The Weight Limit For A 7T MRI?
Most manufacturers and models of MRI machines that are rated at 7T have a maximum capacity of between 200 kg (about 440 lb) and 250 kg (about 550 lb).
Q. What Is The Most Advanced MRI Technology?
Highest Resolution MR Imaging will soon be available with a new 11.7 Tesla (11.7T) MRI machine called “Iseult”, developed in France, that provides the clearest imaging results of the human brain obtained thus far.
