Recent Publication: What can we gain from subpopulation universal pulses? A simulation-based study

Tyshchenko I, Lévy S, Jin J, Tahayori B, Blunck Y, Johnston LA. What can we gain from subpopulation universal pulses? A simulation-based study. Magn Reson Med. 2023 Oct 17. Link to Publication

Ultra high field MRI (7T +) can present a number of challenges such as high energy deposition and uneven excitation of the subject. Energy deposition and distribution may limit in order to stay within certain safety margins and uneven excitation reduces image quality. Much of this is dependant on the size and position of the subject being imaged.

Anatomy, such as head size can be highly variable, however MRI systems conventionally utilise a "one size fits all" approach when acquiring images which does not fully realise system performance and image quality.

We  explored splitting  populations into four sub-populations based on anatomical shape and position in order to offer more individualised imaging without additional calibration scanning.  We found that this allowed for  significantly improved excitation homogeneity which is important for image quality.  Furthermore  we were able to  get closer to energy limits without exceeding them which will allow for greater access to system performance.