Moving MRI (mMRI): imaging a moving body with synchronized magnet movement

Motivation: MRI is largely limited to scenarios involving small-scale bodily movements to minimize artifacts and field-induced physiological effects. Goal(s): We are developing a moving MRI system where the magnet and subject’s head remain stationary with respect to each other during large-scale motion. Approach: Utilizing a compact, dry 1.5T magnet, we built an apparatus that tilted the entire magnet assembly, including the cold head, gradient/shim/RF coils, and the subject, up and down during scanning. Results: We demonstrated the ability to scan phantoms and live animals while the magnet is in motion and to correct for imaging artifacts caused by tilting the magnet. Impact: Our proof-of-concept prototype moving MRI system supports the future viability of developing a human-scale moving MRI system, which has the potential to advance studies in vestibular research, traumatic brain injury, and brain-behavior interactions, among other areas.