Better magnetic resonance imaging of the brain through subject-specific 3D-printed shims

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that is widely used to study anatomy and physiological processes, in both clinical practice and research. To obtain clear images, it is critically important that the applied magnetic field is as homogeneous as possible. Magnetic field inhomogeneities inherent to the scanning equipment can be corrected efficiently. However, the subject itself induces additional distortions that are highly subject-dependent (e.g., the air-tissue interfaces in the sinuses affect brain imaging). These subject-specific distortions often exceed the capabilities of current field homogenization methods, especially for high fields, large observation volumes and air-tissue interfaces with complicated geometries. This project proposes a strategy to address this issue in a subject-specific manner, through the efficient computer-controlled fabrication of personalized 'masks' that sculpt the magnetic field into the desired shape. By bringing together a strong and necessarily diverse consortium this project is able to stretch from basic principles to demonstrations in a setting with direct, real-world relevance.

Keywords:MRI, Brain imaging, 3D printing

Disciplines:Medical imaging and therapy not elsewhere classified, Neuroimaging