Imaging of small laboratory animals in clinical MRI scanners is feasible but challenging. Compared with dedicated preclinical systems, clinical scanners have relatively low main field (1.5 – 3.0 T) and gradient strength (40 – 60 mT/m). This work explores the use of wireless inductively coupled coils combined with adapted pulse sequences to overcome these two drawbacks, with a special emphasis on the optimization of the coil passive detuning circuit for this application. The images of rat brain stroke obtained show a substantial increase in SNR compared to clinical coils, and the absence of wires makes the animal preparation workflow straightforward.
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