A double-layer 1H/23Na transceiver array for human brain imaging at 7T

Motivation: Commercial double-tuned coils utilize birdcage Tx/Rx for 1H but usually lacks the ability to achieve high-resolution structural imaging. Goal(s): To build a coil which can perform high-quality whole-brain 1H/23Na imaging in clinical settings. Approach: We developed a coil with 8 loops for each nucleus aligned on two concentric layers. Saline phantom and in vivo imaging were conducted. Results: 1mm isotropic 1H images and 3mm isotropic 23Na images were achieved within around 20min. Impact: This coil design provides an integrated solution for 23Na and clinically acceptable 1H structural imaging. Without the necessity to change coils, it could significantly reduce unnecessary scanning procedures and eliminate the need for image registration.