There are a variety of MRI scanners and advanced imaging instruments at the new facility to address the multiple needs of the Center’s investigators.
This Skyra has a number of features that enhance image quality, acquisition speed, and workflow productivity. These improvements allow for a greater range of novel research applications. With a 70 cm wide bore design, the Skrya can comfortably accommodate claustrophobic patients or patients with limited mobility.
Sensory perception studies are the basis for many research studies that use fMRI. The BWMRC is equipped with a fully integrated array of fMRI hardware for auditory and visual stimulus presentation, response collection, and experiment synchronization.
The incorporation of a xenon polarizer enhances the capabilities, productivity, and collaborations of the unique BWH pulmonary functional imaging program. The polarizer makes hyperpolarized xenon, a non-toxic gas that, when inhaled by the patient, can be measured under MRI imaging. This allows assessment of lung function in addition to lung structure. These measurements provide information that is relevant to studying diseases such as emphysema, interstitial lung disease (pulmonary fibrosis) and pulmonary vascular disease.
Development of the xenon polarizer was the result of collaborations among academic researchers and represents a state-of-the-art device in the field of pulmonary imaging. Our xenon polarizer is an open-source design, based largely upon existing designs and technologies, but scaled up for human imaging applications. It is also specifically designed to be more portable than other xenon polarizers currently available. Sam Patz, PhD, provided the funding for the development and construction of the polarizer, which is to be used in conjunction with the Siemens Skyra 3T MRI magnet.
Introduction of metal objects that are ferromagnetic – meaning the objects react strongly to magnetic fields – is one of the primary safety concerns of MRI. The Ferroguard Beacon Ferromagnetic Detection System is a state-of-the-art patented screening system designed to prevent patient injury and equipment damage that can occur when ferromagnetic objects are brought into the magnetic field of an MRI unit. Unlike handheld ferromagnetic screening devices, which occasionally fail due to user error, Ferroguard scans a subject from head to toe as the subject steps through the portal. With built in redundancies and a sensitivity that can be set to detect very small ferrous objects, the Ferroguard represents the best available way for protecting patients and staff from inadvertent introduction of ferrous objects into the magnetic environment.
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