A unique approach to providing a more open, less claustrophobic whole-body MRI is presented. A design for an asymmetric gradient coil moves the region of interest (ROI) towards one end of the gradient coil, shortening the gradient coil length from the isocenter to the patient opening. This results in a stepped configuration where the patient-bore diameter outside of the imaging ROI is substantially wider compared to using a conventional symmetric gradient coil design. The stepped patient bore has previously been used in head-only gradient systems where the greater openness has resulted in increased patient comfort and reduced claustrophobia.
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