A novel coil array for combined TMS/fMRI experiments at 3 T

作者:de Lara Lucia I Navarro; Windischberger Christian; Kuehne Andre; Woletz Michael; Sieg Juergen; Bestmann Sven; Weiskopf Nikolaus; Strasser Bernhard; Moser Ewald; Laistler Elmar*
来源:Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 2015, 74(5): 1492-1501.
DOI:10.1002/mrm.25535

摘要

PurposeTo overcome current limitations in combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies by employing a dedicated coil array design for 3 Tesla. MethodsThe state-of-the-art setup for concurrent TMS/fMRI is to use a large birdcage head coil, with the TMS between the subject's head and the MR coil. This setup has drawbacks in sensitivity, positioning, and available imaging techniques. In this study, an ultraslim 7-channel receive-only coil array for 3 T, which can be placed between the subject's head and the TMS, is presented. Interactions between the devices are investigated and the performance of the new setup is evaluated in comparison to the state-of-the-art setup. ResultsMR sensitivity obtained at the depth of the TMS stimulation is increased by a factor of five. Parallel imaging with an acceleration factor of two is feasible with low g-factors. Possible interactions between TMS and the novel hardware were investigated and were found negligible. ConclusionThe novel coil array is safe, strongly improves signal-to-noise ratio in concurrent TMS/fMRI experiments, enables parallel imaging, and allows for flexible positioning of the TMS on the head while ensuring efficient TMS stimulation due to its ultraslim design. Magn Reson Med 74:1492-1501, 2015.

  • 出版日期2015-11