| Parallel imaging acceleration has enabled the field of time-resolved three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (3D CE-MRA) to increase both temporal and spatial resolution. Acceleration Apportionment is a new method for choosing the parallel imaging acceleration parameters which are uniquely suited to each patient and receiver coil array. Previous acceleration optimization methods stopped short of analyzing each individual patient, and assigned scan parameters based on a one-size-fits-all approach. In this dissertation, the Apportionment method, as well as a related method, optimal CAIPIRINHA acceleration, are introduced and demonstrated, with usable acceleration increased from R = 8 to R = 10 with a given receiver array. Receiver coil arrays designed to synergize with these optimization methods are described and demonstrated to increase usable parallel imaging acceleration up to R = 13.5 in acquisitions of the calves and R = 10 in the thighs from previous highs of R = 8. Additionally, these new receiver arrays are deployed in a three-station arrangement to acquire a 3D fluoroscopically tracked and triggered time-resolved run- off CE-MRA. Finally, a method utilizing some of the previous advancements to map small perforating vessels for use in reconstructive surgery is demonstrated. |
