CTSC:BIDMCresources:MRIresearch

Back to BIDMC MRI Imaging Resources

One major focus of the research efforts in the Department of Radiology at BIDMC is the facilitation of translational research in which advances in the basic science sections are translated into improvements in patient care.

Types of studies appropriate for use the MRI Research Scanners

The scanners are intended to support research, which may include technical development of MRI methods, studies evaluating MRI as a diagnostic or physiologic marker, studies using MRI as a marker or measure in other kinds of research, and clinical trials using MRI as an indicator of response. While the scanners are designed for human studies, studies of non-biological or biological specimens and animal models may also be suitable.

Scanners

This research division has a GE 3T and a GE 1.5T whole body scanners completely dedicated to research. Both are FDA approved and operate with current state-of-the-art hardware and software including higher order shimming. In addition we have access to proprietary software including pulse programming environments and reconstruction programs. Both scanners are equipped with Medrad power injectors for contrast administration and physiologic patient monitors. Patient monitoring within both magnets includes non-invasive measures of heart rate, blood pressure, pulse-oximetry, and end tidal CO2 levels and 40 channel EEG recording.

• GE 3T whole body

The 3T system has product high-speed imaging/echo planar imaging capabilities. Support for fMRI acquisition and stimulus presentation, diffusion tensor imaging, and high quality anatomic imaging is available. The system has specialized receiver coils for sensitive imaging of particular anatomy including prostate, carotids, knees, and spine. Additional customized coils can be manufactured in our RF lab. The system also has full broadband capability for multinuclear MRI and MRS, including (F-19, C-13, P-31, and Na-23).

• GE 1.5T whole body

The 1.5 T scanner operates with current state-of-the-art hardware and software including higher order shimming. In addition we have access to proprietary software and developmental data acquisition and reconstruction programs. This scanner is equipped with a 32 channel receiver system and 32 element coils. A focus of this system is highly accelerated imaging of the body for reduced motion and realization of functional contrast.

Additional Services

Our facility can also provide or facilitate Clinical Reading, Image Management, Image Post-processing, MRI Compatible Equipment, Computerized image transfer of multi-center trial data and Site certification

Cardiac MR

The BIDMC Cardiac MR Center is a joint effort of the Departments of Medicine (Cardiovascular Division) and Radiology. Established in the Spring of 1995, it was one of the very first MR Centers specifically focused on cardiovascular MR. The primary goals of the Cardiac MR Center are the development and clinical application of MR imaging to the cardiovascular system. The Center has specific interest in coronary MR angiography and MR assessment of ventricular function and valvular heart disease. The Center is also committed to the education and training of interested researchers and clinicians. Funding for the Cardiac MR Center is provided by grants from the NIH/NHLBI, American Heart Association, industry, private foundations, and Individual contributions. BIDMC's Cardiac MR Center is a world leader in the development and clinical use of cardiac MR for coronary artery imaging, and for assessing cardiomyopathies and viability, pericardial disease and congenital heart disease. The center features a state-of-the-art 1.5T dedicated Philips Cardiac MR system. For additional information, please contact Warren J Manning, MD, Director, Cardiac MRI at wmanning@bidmc.harvard.edu

Center for Basic MR Research

The BIDMC Center for Basic MR Research provides facilities for NMR spectroscopy and MRI studies of cell culture, perfused organ, excised tissue, and in vivo small animal protocols. Equipment in the facility includes 2 MR spectroscopy/imaging systems:

• 8.5 Tesla, 9 cm bore vertical magnet; Bruker DRX system

The 8.5 Tesla vertical bore magnet is equipped with a self-shielded gradient set of 40 mm diameter ID and 75 G/cm maximum gradient strength. A "micromouse" probe is available with a 30 mm ID proton rf coil which can be used for whole body mouse imaging. Cardiac and respiratory gating and monitoring are available with this probe, as are inhalation anesthetics.
A second probe is available with interchangeable rf coils, including:
- bird cage coils with internal diameters of 10 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm
- solenoid coils with diameters of 3 mm, 5 mm
- dual tuned coils of P31/H1 in 25 mm diameter
- surface coil of 1 cm diameter

• 4.7 Tesla, 40 cm bore actively shielded Bruker Biospec Magnet System

The actively shielded 40 cm bore system has the following two gradient sets available:
- 26 cm ID (slew rates: 250 µsec, Maximum gradient: 9 G/cm)
- 12 cm ID (slew rates: 120 µsec, Maximum gradient: 30 G/cm)
In addition, there are a number of rf coils available for use, including:
- bird cage coils 35 mm, 70 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm (ID)
- surface coils, with active decoupling for receive-only operation 15 mm, 30 mm (ID)