Novel double-turn loop probe for intravascular MRI

Key challenges for design of intravascular loop probes are minimization of the cross sectional and length while increasing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Although NPO grade captors under 1mm dimensions are now available, the impedance matching network components still constrain tunability. In this study, a new loop probe is proposed for intravascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 1.5 Tesla. The new design is based on a two-turn loop, separated by a gap, which can be placed over a perfused inflatable balloon structure. The length and impedance of the probe are 1.1 cm and 23.5OHM (bare case), respectively. The SNR of the new probe is greater than the conventional loop probe. To evaluate the performance of the probe, a series of SNR, length, and impedance comparisons with the conventional loop probes are carried out.