An embedded 4-channel receive-only array for fMRI of the somatosensory pathway in conscious awake marmosets at 7T.

Thursday, October 11, 2012 — Poster Session III
10:00 a.m. – Noon	Natcher Conference Center, Building 45	NINDS	IMAG-23

Authors

• D. Papoti
• C.C. Yen
• J. Mackel
• H. Merkle
• A.C. Silva

Abstract

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) of conscious, awake non-human primates is of great interest to neuroscience and brain cognitive research. For this type of experiments, the design of adequate restraint devices and optimized receive radio-frequency (RF) coils are essential steps to ensure effective, yet comfortable head restraint and optimal sensitivity. The present work describes the development of an embedded 4-channel receive-only surface coil array with improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), specifically designed for fMRI experiments in conscious, awake marmosets (Callithryx jacchus) in response to somatosensory stimulation. Improved sensitivity was obtained by building the coil array using a thin and flexible substrate that was placed inside the restraint helmet, minimizing the distance between the array elements and the brain surface over the parietal cortex. Decoupling between coil elements was achieved by partially overlapping and connecting the elements to home built low input impedance preamplifiers. MR images obtained in vivo show excellent coverage of the cortical surface with high sensitivity near the somatosensory cortex. The integration of RF coil elements within the restraint helmet allowed fMRI data in response to somatosensory stimulation to be collected with high sensitivity and reproducibility using conscious, awake marmosets.

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