Measuring power efficiency of cardiovascular MR across gradient performance and field strength

Motivation: This is a preliminary study comparing the power efficiency of cardiac imaging across 0.55T and 1.5T field strengths. Goal(s): To measure the gradient power, magnet and cooling, and total system power during cardiac cine acquisitions, on a 0.55T MRI system in two configurations (with commercial and prototype gradient performances) and a commercial 1.5T MRI systems. Approach: Power meters were installed to measure power consumption during acquisitions Results: Similar gradient performance systems used similar amount of power. The commercial 0.55T system has lower power gradients and produced decreased peak energy in standard imaging but required more time and energy when acquiring free-breathing cine acquisition. Impact: This is a preliminary study comparing the power efficiency of cardiac imaging across 0.55T and 1.5T field strengths.