Highly Sensitive Padded Coil Design using AIR™ Technology for 3T Spine and Body Imaging

Motivation: Conventional posterior array (PA) coils that comprise large, low-density elements housed in plastic formers with external patient pads result in SNR degradation gaps between elements and the underlying anatomy. Goal(s): A novel, highly sensitive and conformal PA design to increase SNR and acceleration and workflow and facilitate a comfortably supported patient experience for spine and body imaging. Approach: A prototype 30-channel conformal PA was constructed using AIR™ and foam technologies to allow the body to 'comfortably sink' into the foam. Results: This novel PA demonstrated higher SNR and accommodated higher acceleration factors compared to a conventional PA. Impact: This conformal, padded posterior array design accommodates higher acceleration and SNR for in-vivo 3T spine and body imaging.