Improved MR images of arterial specimens by submersion in trichlorotrifluoroethane

MR images of ex vivo arterial specimens immersed in 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (R-113) have improved signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio. R-113 has no hydrogen atoms, so it yields no proton signal; hence, the contrast between the specimen and its background is maximized. SNR is maximized because (i) R-113 is nonconductive so that coil loading and inductive noise are minimized, and (ii) the volume susceptibility of R-113 closely matches that of water and tissue so that T2* effects are minimized. Short-term submersion of porcine aortas in R-113 was found to have no significant effect on the artery's hydration level, relaxation time, tensile strength, and structure or quantity of elastin, collagen, or smooth muscle cells.