title: Peripheral nerve stimulation-optimal gradient waveform design.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Modern magnetic resonance imaging scanners with high-performance gradient systems have high maximum gradient strength (Gmax ) and slew rate (Smax ). Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is often a more limiting factor for gradient waveform design than Gmax and Smax . Traditionally, the slew rate is derated globally to adhere to PNS limitations.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this work, the PNS limitation is already included in the gradient waveform design in the form of a time-varying slew rate, hence shortening the overall gradient duration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Spiral and echo-planar imaging trajectories were designed with a multitude of parameters, and it was demonstrated that trajectory durations from conventional to PNS-optimal design can be shortened by 8 and 3%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Including PNS-limits in the gradient waveform design can shorten the duration of gradient trajectories, thereby reducing associated artifacts.
authors.affiliation: GE Global Research, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Rolf F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Schulte
authors.affiliation: GE Healthcare, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Ralph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Noeske
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D060526:Magnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D011829:Radiation Dosage
keywords: echo-planar imaging; peripheral nerve stimulation convolution model; peripheral-nerve stimulation; spiral imaging; time-optimal gradient-trajectory design