MRI Research Magnet
More than 50 UVM research studies currently utilize the MRI Center for Biomedical Imaging.In addition to the standard MRI instrumentation, there are additional elements necessary to deliver experimental stimuli, acquire subject responses and functional images, store images, and provide initial image analysis capability. This instrumentation includes both hardware and software.
The primary research instrument is a Philips 16 Channel 3T Achieva X- series full body magnet. It utilizes Dual Quasar gradients that perform at /80mt (40x2)/m peak, 200mt/m/ms slew rate. For brain imaging, an 8 Channel phased-array SENSE Head Coil is utilized. The facility has an onsite full-time MR clinical scientist (MR physicist) and is managed and operated by two dedicated research MR technologists.
The UVM MRI Center for Biomedical Imaging was established and supported in part by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. Initial funding for the UVM MRI Center was received in 2006. The magnet was installed in April 2007 and operation began in July 2007. The federal grant was renewed in 2008 and again in 2010. In February 2009, the UVM MRI Center was selected by Philips for the first installation in North America of the Achieva 3.0T TX (multitransmit) magnet, one of four such magnets in the world at the time. The MRI Center is owned and operated by the University of Vermont for research purposes and is located in Fletcher Allen Health Care's McClure building and is utilized by a broad range of UVM/Fletcher Allen faculty and departments for both basic science and clinical research projects that focus on understanding more about disease and wellness, evaluating new treatments and therapies, and developing new techniques for diagnosis and treatment. More than 50 UVM research studies currently utilize the MRI Center for Biomedical Imaging.In addition to the standard MRI instrumentation, there are additional elements necessary to deliver experimental stimuli, acquire subject responses and functional images, store images, and provide initial image analysis capability. This instrumentation includes both hardware and software.