Commissioning of the Iseult CEA 11.7 T whole-body MRI: current status, gradient–magnet interaction tests and first imaging experience

OBJECTIVES: The Iseult MRI is an actively shielded whole-body magnet providing a homogeneous and stable magnetic field of 11.7 T. After nearly 20 years of research and development, the magnet successfully reached its target field strength for the first time in 2019. This article reviews its commissioning status, the gradient–magnet interaction test results and first imaging experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vibration, acoustics, power deposition in the He bath, and field monitoring measurements were carried out. Magnet safety system was tested against outer magnetic perturbations, and calibrated to define a safe operation of the gradient coil. First measurements using parallel transmission were also performed on an ex-vivo brain to mitigate the RF field inhomogeneity effect. RESULTS: Acoustics measurements show promising results with sound pressure levels slightly above the enforced limits only at certain frequency intervals. Vibrations of the gradient coil revealed a linear trend with the B(0) field only in the worst case. Field monitoring revealed some resonances at some frequencies that are still under investigation. DISCUSSION: Gradient-magnet interaction tests at up to 11.7 T are concluded. The scanner is now kept permanently at field and the final calibrations are on-going to pave the road towards the first acquisitions on volunteers.