Project Summary This High End Instrumentation grant proposal seeks to replace the 7T MRI scanner that is currently operational at the Lucas Center for Imaging (LCI) at Stanford University. The aforementioned scanner was one of the first installed in the USA and been operational since 2006. Recently, the serviceability of this system, as well as that of others sharing the same cryostat design, has been severely limited by the termination of this line of products by their former manufacturer (Agilent Technologies, which had bought Magnex Scientific, the original designer and service provider for the magnet). The proposed system will be provided by Siemens Medical Systems, which now manufactures and services its new generation of actively shielded 7T magnets. In addition, this new system is based on an FDA-approved platform, which will lessen the burden on patients participating on our clinically driven research projects.

Project Narrative This proposal will provide funds for replacing the 7T whole-body MRI human scanner at the Lucas Center for Imaging (LCI) at Stanford University. This scanner is an essential tool for several NIH-funded grants that are currently hampered by the limitations of the existing system and its limited serviceability. The proposed replacement will resolve reliability challenges with the existing legacy system, address service life issues, and decrease patient burden.