A Multi Element Rf Coil & Gamma Ray Radiation Shielding Assembly for Mrspect System

Seunghoon Ha¹, Mark Jason Hamamura¹, Werner W. Roeck¹, Orhan Nalcioglu¹

In medical imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can provide specific functional information while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide high-spatial resolution anatomical information as well as complementary functional information. However, some of the major problems facing MRSPECT systems include the degradation of the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and distortion of the MR image. In this study, we present a new RF coil design to retain the tremendous potential of MRSPECT to provide high sensitivity and specificity while minimizing the interference between the MRI and SPECT systems. This new RF coil, described in the study for small animal imaging, could be used with multiple -ray radiation shields to prevent MR image distortion and degradation of the SNR. Experimental results demonstrating the advantages of the new assembly are presented.