The 4.7T system is very unique; only one of the two human systems in the world at this field strength. It provides a good balance between taking an advantage of the high-field system while avoiding some of the downsides of the ultra-high field systems.
The system is dedicated to Allan H. Owen and his family for a donation that helped to secure funds not only for this particular system, but also for the whole facility.
The system has been upgraded in 2008 with a new gradient and shim coil sets, and the magnet room has been upgraded in 2019-2020. The system enables various applications:
- high resolution brain imaging
- functional imaging (fMRI)
- brain spectroscopy
- sodium brain imaging
- knee imaging (sodium and proton)
Sequences available
- Imaging
- gradient echo
- spin echo
- fast-spin echo (FSE)
- MPRAGE (3D imaging)
- EPI (echo planar imaging - fMRI)
- 3D projection imaging
- susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI)
- Spectroscopy
- STEAM, PRESS
Typical applications
- stroke
- MS (multiple sclerosis)
- Parkinson's
- major depression and anxiety disorders
Coils available
- volume head transmit & receive (proton)
- 8-channel receive insert (proton)
- 32-channel receive insert (proton)
- knee - proton & sodium
- head transmit & receive (sodium)
Peripheral systems available
- MedRad heart rate and and oxygen saturation monitor
- projector with in-bore screen, response buttons, presentation computer (functional MRI setup)
- headphones with audio input from a PC (patient entertainment)