Equipment

The 5.5 ton 3 Tesla Philips 7700 MRI scanner was hoisted seven stories for delivery to the CBI in July of 2023. Photo: Sandra Kicman

The Center for Biomedical Imaging (CBI) houses state-of-the-art MRI technology for translational studies ranging from T0/T1 preclinical efforts to T1-T4 clinical exploration. The CBI continually improves existing and develops new advanced, non-conventional imaging techniques.

What is a Tesla? A Tesla is a measure of the strength of a magnetic field. Magnets used to lift cars in junkyards are about one Tesla in strength. UB's Bruker MRI machine is rated at 9.4 Teslas.

At the forefront of preclinical imaging, the 9.4 Tesla Bruker BioSpin BioSpec 94/20 USR is a versatile and powerful MRI system designed for both imaging and spectroscopy. This horizontal bore system can effectively scan live animals or tissue samples up to 500 grams, offering exceptional detail with an isotropic resolution as fine as 25 μm.

Key Capabilities:

• High-Resolution Imaging: The system's high magnetic field strength allows for detailed images of small structures, essential for studying fine anatomical details.
• Advanced Coil Technology: Equipped with various specialized coils, including a cryogenically cooled mouse brain coil (Bruker CryoProbe), it enhances the sensitivity and quality of brain and spinal cord imaging.
• Anesthesia and Monitoring System: An isoflurane gas anesthesia system and physiological monitoring capabilities enable safe and precise imaging, crucial for live studies.
• Versatile NMR Capabilities: Capable of scanning a range of NMR nuclei (1H, 23Na, 31P, 19F, 13C), the system is adept at diverse research applications, from studying metabolic changes to observing unique chemical signatures in tissues.
• Comprehensive Imaging Techniques: The system supports a variety of advanced MRI techniques, such as functional MRI (EPI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and localized spectroscopy (STEAM and PRESS). These methods are essential for understanding complex biological processes, from brain activity to tumor development.
• Chemical-Shift and Perfusion Imaging: Ideal for tracking the distribution of contrast agents and visualizing blood flow, these techniques broaden the scope of cardiovascular and cancer research.

This state-of-the-art MRI system empowers researchers to visualize and quantify a wide array of biological phenomena. From studying metabolites and anatomical structures to observing drug effects and heart motion, its capabilities are crucial for advancing our understanding of biology and disease processes.

The Philips 7700 3T MRI, a cutting-edge centerpiece at the Center for Biomedical Imaging (CBI), is a testament to the university's commitment to advancing research. As a 2023 addition, this whole-body 70cm wide-bore scanner embodies a significant investment in the research landscape, offering unparalleled imaging capabilities.

Key Capabilities:

• Advanced Design: The MR7700 is one of the most advanced wide-bore whole body MRIs, boasting a maximum gradient amplitude of 65 mT/m and a maximum slew rate of 220 T/m/s on each axis.
• Superior Image Quality: The scanner achieves exceptional signal homogeneity and image clarity, thanks to its multi-channel parallel transmission capabilities and a magnet uniformity of <0.009ppm over a 20-cm DSV.
• Enhanced Coils for Diverse Applications: Featuring a range of coils, including a standard birdcage coil, two 16-channel coils, and a 32-channel brain phased array coil, the MR7700 caters to various imaging needs, from brain to MSK (musculoskeletal) applications.
• Innovative dStream Architecture: Philips' dStream architecture allows for unlimited use of receiver channels, enhancing the flexibility and potential of imaging studies.
• AI-Enhanced Imaging: The system includes GPU-based reconstruction capabilities for AI-enhanced compressed sensing and simultaneous multi-slice acquisitions, placing it at the forefront of modern imaging technology. This state-of-the-art MRI system empowers researchers to visualize and quantify a wide array of biological phenomena. From studying metabolites and anatomical structures to observing drug effects and heart motion, its capabilities are crucial for advancing our understanding of biology and disease processes.