7T Human Spine Arrays with Adjustable Inductive Decoupling

Introduction Ultrahigh field parallel imaging at 7T has been proven to be a promising imaging modality for humans because it can provide high spatial and temporal resolution simultaneously [1-4]. However, one of technical challenges in implementing ultrahigh field parallel imaging is to design the required transceiver arrays, especially the large size arrays, for signal excitation and reception [4]. Due to their high operating frequency and multiple-resonator structure, ultrahigh field transceiver arrays for human imaging encounter difficulties in decoupling the resonant elements, attaining sufficient B1 penetration, and even in achieving the required high operating frequency. In this work, we explore the feasibility of designing transceiver arrays for human spine parallel MR imaging at 7T using loop-type microstrip elements with proposed adjustable inductive decoupling. Preliminary 7T spine images acquired from healthy volunteers using the proposed transceiver arrays are presented.