Dry Magnet System Provides High-Resolution MRI

An innovative 9.4T cryogen-free magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is seven times lighter than traditional MRI devices designed for preclinical applications.

The MR Solutions (Guildford, United Kingdom) MRS 9400 9.4T cryogen free preclinical MRI system is based on superconducting wire which eliminates the need for a bulky helium cooling system and external vent. The reduction in weight and volume means that the system can be placed comfortably inside an 8m2 room, with no added floor reinforcement necessary. In addition, the height of the system is just 138 cm, so ceiling height does not need to be modified. And since the superconducting magnets have almost no fringe field, the system can be placed near other imaging equipment.

Features include superior soft tissue contrast and molecular imaging capabilities that provide greater visualization and quantification for translational studies; high spatial resolution for improved viewing and measurement; superior field homogeneity, minimal noise, and no temperature drift; and a variable field strength of .01T to 9.4T. The system is available in 17cm and 26cm bore size, thus enabling studies with a variety of animal models, such mice, rats, and marmosets.

“The size of our animal facility would not have allowed installation of a larger preclinical MRI system,” said Olivier Keunen, MD, of Norlux Neuro-Oncology Laboratory (Luxembourg). “Because of uncertainties about institute buildings, the system had to be installed in a temporary location. Provision and plans are made for a move of the system to its final location when ready. The cryogen-free cooling and the avoidance of quenching pipes are expected to facilitate the transition.”

Preclinical MRI modalities involve monitoring of in vivo biological variables noninvasively, and serial tracking of the progression of a disease or intervention in the same living animal in order to improve a study’s biological and translational relevance. Applications include functional and morphologic imaging; tumor and disease assessment; investigation of new contrast agents; monitoring of gene expression; analysis of protein interactions; and determining pharmacokinetics.

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MR Solutions
Norlux Neuro-Oncology Laboratory