Implementation of SE and GE SIR-EPI at 7 T Using Fast Switching Gradients and Parallel Imaging

David Feinberg^1,2, Sudhir Ramanna¹, Vibhas Deshpande³, Kamil Ugurbil⁴, Essa Yacoub⁴

FaFaster acquisitions are desirable for both anatomical and functional scans which can be limited by gradient capabilities and/or SAR, depending on the field strength and/or sequence used. The implementation of Simultaneous Image Refocusing (SIR) EPI, which refocuses multiple slices during a single gradient switch, can be limited at high fields due to the necessary increase in the readout time. However, with the use of parallel imaging and fast switching gradients, we demonstrate here the ability to achieve high quality GE and SE SIR EPI images at 7T.