The expense involved in installing and providing cryogen service to current superconducting MRI systems has limited their widespread distribution, especially in less populous regions of the country, as well as in underdeveloped countries. The MRI scanners found in these areas are most often of the low field (0.2-0.35T) type using Permanent Magnet (PM) technology. These systems have a lower image quality and are not cost-effective when compared with superconducting systems. The objective of this program is to develop enabling technologies for a low-cost, easily siteable superconducting MRI system with a magnetic field strength and image quality comparable to existing solenoidal superconducting systems of 1.0 - 1.5 T magnetic field strength. The system will be easily siteable in underdeveloped areas since it will not require liquid cryogens and will be designed to survive power outages with minimal operator intervention. The program will: 1) Develop key magnet technologies for cryogen-free operation and power-outage survivability. 2) Develop key technologies for PITS wire including a joining method. 3) Prove the developed technologies by building an orthopedic imaging system. 4) Evaluate the performance of the orthopedic imaging system in terms of image quality and system reliability.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EB004108-02
Application #
6945840
Study Section
Diagnostic Imaging Study Section (DMG)
Program Officer
Haller, John W
Project Start
2004-09-30
Project End
2008-08-31
Budget Start
2005-09-01
Budget End
2006-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$814,244
Indirect Cost
Name
General Electric Global Research Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
086188401
City
Niskayuna
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
12309