Comparative Study of Symmetric and Asymmetric Cylindrical MRI Gradient Y-Coils in terms of Induced Eddy Currents

We have recently introduced the concept of whole-body asymmetric MRI systems. In this theoretical study, we investigate the PNS characteristics of whole-body asymmetric gradient systems as compared to conventional symmetric systems. Recent experimental evidence supports the hypothesis of transverse gradients being the largest contributor of PNS due to induced electric currents. Asymmetric head gradient coils have demonstrated benefits in the past. The numerical results are based on an anatomically-accurate 2mm-human voxel-phantom NORMAN. The results of this study can facilitate the optimization of whole-body asymmetric gradients in terms of patient comfort/safety (less PNS), while prospering the use of asymmetric MRI systems for in-vivo medical interventions