Safer Non-Cartesian Gradients for Your Subject and Scanner

Motivation: High switching gradients can introduce peripheral nerve stimulation to subjects and create substantial Lorentz forces on gradient coils. Developing a method for gradient design with both of these constraints can potentially make the scan safer for both subjects and the scanner. Goal(s): To develop a method for multidimensional gradient design with constraints of both PNS limits and mechanical resonance frequencies. Approach: Formulate the gradient design problem as second-order cone programming with PNS limit and frequency constraints. Results: Multidimensional gradient waveforms within PNS limits and frequency constraints were designed. We also applied the proposed method to design safer spirals and Rosettes. Impact: Our simulation results demonstrated that our proposed method can constrain the PNS limits and requested energy in frequencies bands. We also showed the potential of design safer non-Cartesian trajectories for rapid imaging.