Abstract #3847

Development of a Receive-Only Inductively-Coupled RF Coil System to Enhance 1H NMR Localized Spectroscopy to Monitor an Implantable Bioartificial Construct at 11.1T

Nelly A. Volland¹, Thomas H. Mareci^2,3, Nicholas E. Simpson⁴

¹Radiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; ²Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; ³McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; ⁴Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States

Introduction: Uniform excitation and highly sensitive signal detection is necessary for optimal MRS of bioartificial constructs, particularly when determining function. Methods: Receive-only implantable coils were constructed, coated, and integrated with the macroconstruct. This assembly was inductively-coupled to an external coil and tested in vitro in combination with a transmit-only volume coil at 11.1T. Results: Studies showed small overall gains in SNR with this system under loaded conditions over a transmit-receive system, and greater signal uniformity. Conclusion: A receive-only implantable coil system was successfully built and tested. This system will allow for superior quantitative monitoring of implanted bioartificial organs.