Improved SNR in Phase Contrast Velocimetry with 5-Point Balanced Flow Encoding

Kevin Johnson¹, Michael Markl²

This study investigates the use of a novel 5-point velocity encoding scheme for improved noise performance in phase contrast velocimetry with minimal scan time increase. Phantom validations show a 62% increase in velocity to noise ratio as compared to standard 4-point encoding. Additionally is shown in volunteers that low resolution images can be used for the 5th encoding point, allowing the same noise reduction with as little as 0.1% increase in scan time. All this is achieved with minimal increase in the size of the bipolar velocity encoding gradients compared to existing techniques.