I-Corps: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner Using Frequency-modulated Rabi Encoded Echoes (FREE) to Image Human Body

The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project is the development of a silent, portable, and affordable Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. MRI is a noninvasive medical imaging test that produces detailed images of most internal structures in the human body, including the organs, bone, muscles, and blood vessels. Clinicians receive crucial medical information regarding stroke, tumors, and many other medical conditions from MRI and often regard MRI as the gold standard for imaging.

Current MRI instrument, infrastructure, and maintenence costs limit accessibility for approximately 70% of the world's population. The proposed technology seeks to provide a low-cost, portable, and affordable MRI system. An affordable system brings the clinical value of MRI to communities in need and empowers clinicians with crucial life-saving information. The proposed technology may expand the reach and impact of clinical MRI.

This I-Corps project is based on the development of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system using Frequency-modulated Rabi Encoded Echoes (FREE). Currently, MRI systems contains a main magnet (~40% of the cost), B0 gradient coils (~30% of the cost), and B1 radiofrequency coils (10% of the cost). In this MRI system, B0 gradient coils permit encoding and imaging of the body, while B1 radiofrequency coils permit signal creation.

FREE is a published B1 encoding approach that allows the removal of B0 gradient coils from a system, cutting the cost of a system by ~30%. In addition, FREE allows the use of imperfect magnets. Imperfect magnets lower the cost for MRI creating additional cost-savings.

Also, the proposed technology removes the noisy B0 gradient coils, creating a silent MRI system, reducing the number of hardware components and consequently reducing infrastructure costs. The feasibility of this approach was demonstrated in brain image performed on a conventional system by shutting off B0 gradient coils and encoding with purely B1 radiofrequency coils in one direction.

Ongoing research focuses on the complete redesign of a B0 gradientless MRI system to image the body.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.