MRI relies on a dense array of radiofrequency (RF) coils to obtain functional and anatomical information inside the body. Tightly fitting coil arrays boost the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and imaging speed. Unfortunately, most commercial RF coils are rigid and of fixed size as they are intentionally designed to fit the general patient population and hence provide limited spatial imaging resolution. Coil flexibility and stretchability are modern innovative trends in RF coil design aiming to improve ergonomics, versatility, and patient comfort. In our group, we are using liquid metal technology to create highly stretchable receive coil arrays. Liquid metal technology relies on the intrinsic flexibility and stretchability of liquid metals, such as Gallium-Indium alloys. Gallium alloys have a number of unique properties such as low melting temperature (below room temperature), low vapor pressure (does not easily evaporate), low toxicity (it is even FDA approved for some medical procedures), and the formation of oxide skin (stabilizes metal shape and prevents its leakage). With the help of this technology, it is possible to create adaptive coil arrays that will fit various patients’ anatomies without compromising the SNR. Moreover, dynamic imaging of joints bending could be performed which is not possible with commercial rigid RF coils.
Video presentation of this work published at ISMRM2021 can be viewed here:
Video presentations of this work published at ISMRM2022 can be viewed here:
