Enhanced gradient capabilities at 7T using a three-axes plug-and-play head gradient insert.

Motivation: Strong gradients will shorten the echo time, increase the signal-to-noise ratio and can probe smaller diffusion length scales. Local gradient inserts can mitigate peripheral nerve stimuliation. Goal(s): To characterize the gradient insert field strength and to show the feasibility of diffusion MRI with the gradient insert. Approach: A 65 kg three-axis gradient coil was added to a 7T system. Gradient distributions were mapped using B0-field maps. 2D Pulsed Gradient Spin-Echo sequences with EPI readout were performed on a phantom. Results: Field mapping showed gradient efficiency of 0.29, 0.31, 0.53mT/m/A for the X,Y,Z-gradient respectively. Pulsed Gradient Spin-Echo sequences with b=5,21s/mm2 showed sensible signal attenuation. Impact: Plug-and-play gradients provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive MRI systems with dedicated high-performance gradients. They improve accessibility for researchers with limited resources to conduct advanced diffusion, structural, and functional MRI experiments.