Boosting Central Head SNR at 10.5T: 32-channel Hybrid RF Coil Comprised of 25 Rx-only Loops and 7 TxRx NODES Dipoles

Higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is the primary maxim for increasing the magnetic field strength of MRI scanners. However, RF coils comprised of loops do not capture the highest achievable SNR that is theoretically available at ultrahigh field (defined as ≥7T) MRI. In this study, we investigate the hypothesis of increasing central head SNR at 10.5T by combining loop and dipole receiver elements. For this purpose, we manufactured a 32-channel hybrid RF coil comprised of 25 receive-only loops and 7 transceiver NODES dipoles. This 32ch hybrid coil achieved ~80% higher central SNR compared to a 32ch loop array.