The Equitable Coil: A Size-Adaptable 104-Channel Receive RF Coil for Human Head Imaging at 3T Using a Flexible Plate Approach

Motivation: Receive RF coils for brain imaging are often designed to fit the largest head of a population, meaning that they will generate higher SNR by being in closer proximity to elements. Goal(s): This motivates the need for coils that can adapted to different head shapes with the ultimate goal of making imaging more equitable. Approach: Elements were mounted on flexible, movable plates, having appropriate amount of adjustability to adapted to different heads while maintaining mechanical stability. Results: The ability to move elements closer means that improved SNR is possible by increasing element density. Initial results shown that this design produces higher cortical SNR. Impact: We present the concept of equitable imaging with a size-adaptable, flexible 104-channel receive-only RF coil which improves cortical SNR across head shapes. Elements are placed in sub-arrays on semi-flexible plates allowing them to be placed close to any head.