Abstract #3835

Investigation of 7 Tesla Spine MRI with a 5-Channel Stripline Array & an 8-Channel Loop Array

Oliver Kraff^1,2, Stephan Orzada^1,2, Philipp Dammann^1,3, Marc Schlamann^1,2, Mark E. Ladd^1,2, Harald H. Quick^1,4, Andreas K. Bitz^1,2

¹Erwin L. Hahn Institute for MRI, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; ²Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Radiology & Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; ³Clinic for Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; ⁴Institute of Medical Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuernberg, Erlangen, Germany

The feasibility of 7 Tesla MRI of the human spine has recently been demonstrated. However, for a clinical assessment, RF coils need further optimization. In this study, two established transmit/receive RF coil concepts were investigated: a 5-channel stripline array and an 8-channel loop array. Additionally, a combination of these two arrays with separated transmit and receive channels was assessed. Coil characterization was performed in vivo, in phantom measurements as well as using numerical simulations. This study may serve as a basis for further optimization of RF coils for MRI of the human spine at 7 Tesla.