Refinement and Assessment of New MRI Technologies for Thoracic/ Cardiovascular Exams

Refinement and Assessment of New MRI Technologies for Thoracic/ Cardiovascular Exams

The purpose of the study is to improve chest MRI exams, eventually resulting in improvements in patient care.

We will recruit patients to participate in the assessment of new MRI technologies designed to improve chest MRI exams that will result in improvements in patient care.

Several different MRI technologies will be evaluated. Specific evaluation of distinct technologies (eg. new head coil design, and new imaging sequence for the spine) may be evaluated simultaneously, or over non-overlapping periods in time.

Inclusion Criteria:

• If you are a male or a non-pregnant female patient, age 18 years or older, of any ethnic background presenting to MRI for a clinically-ordered chest MRI exam, you are eligible to participate in this study.
• If you are a female of child bearing potential you will be questioned for the possibility of pregnancy. Pregnancy screening, if necessary, is performed routinely by ordering physicians prior to MRI scanning to confirm the patient is not pregnant.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have electrically, magnetically or mechanically activated implants such as heart pacemaker, magnetic surgical clips, prostheses or implanted neurological stimulator.
• Pregnant patients or patients who are nursing
• Patients who are claustrophobic.