MRI Instrumentation

This comprehensive course provides healthcare professionals and imaging specialists with a thorough understanding of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system components, physics principles, and operational considerations. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of MRI technology, from basic magnetic field principles to advanced system components, preparing them for both clinical practice and technical roles in diagnostic imaging environments.

The course covers the essential components and operations of MRI systems, including magnet types, shielding techniques, and gradient systems. Included are essential topics such as magnetic field behavior, RF coil configurations, shimming procedures, and patient management systems. Students will master concepts ranging from basic magnetic principles to advanced technical specifications like slew rates and bandwidth, while also gaining practical knowledge about computer interfaces and patient comfort considerations.

• 1. Identify and compare the primary components of an MRI scanner, including the key differences between scanner configurations, and understand the specific roles and operations of magnet, gradient, and RF coils.

  
  

• 2. Compare various magnet types, assess their field strength requirements, and discuss techniques such as ramping and shielding (passive and active) to ensure optimal field homogeneity and patient safety, including the impact of the Lorentz force.

• 3. Describe the characteristics and specifications of gradient coils (e.g., slew rate, rise time, duty cycle) and analyze different RF coil configurations, including surface and volume coils, focusing on their impact on image quality, signal-to-noise ratio, and field of view.

• 4. Describe the MRI computer system, user interface, and pulse generator module, as well as patient comfort and transport systems, emphasizing ergonomic and safety considerations to enhance the patient experience in MRI environments.

• Current and aspiring MRI technologists

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  Cross-training imaging technologists

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  Radiology students and residents

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  Nursing students specializing in diagnostic imaging

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  Medical physics students

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  Biomedical engineering students

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  Allied health professionals seeking continuing education