Multiple channel phased arrays for echo planar imaging.
A new interface combining phased arrays and echo-planar imaging (EPI) technologies was developed for two channel breast MR EPI applications. A detailed design for a dual-channel, EPI-compatible, phased array breast coil is described. EPI digital data multiplexing, signal controlling and sampling schemes are also presented. Results from breast phantoms and patients demonstrate a 55% improvement in signal-to-noise ratio when compared to a conventional two-loop, single channel coil configuration. This method can be easily expanded to a four or more channel, EPI-compatible, phased array system to improve field-of-view coverage and signal-to-noise ratio.
Shen
G X
GX
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. gxshen@eee.hku.hk
Wu
J
J
Boada
F E
FE
D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted