Brad Sutton, Technical Director at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology’s Biomedical Imaging Center and Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has been named a Fellow by the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) as of May 6, 2024. This honor recognizes his significant contributions to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly in developing advanced algorithms that reconstruct brain images from raw MRI data. Sutton’s innovative approach transforms complex, indecipherable data into usable images, crucial for visualizing and interpreting brain structures.

By leveraging prior knowledge of brain anatomy and signal variations, Sutton’s algorithms narrow the possible images from MRI data, speeding up reconstruction and enhancing accuracy. While tailored for brain imaging, the principles of his work also advance other areas of MRI research. Since joining the Beckman Institute in 2003, Sutton has committed to innovation. He leads the Biomedical Imaging Center, which features cutting-edge technology like the 7 Tesla MRI scanner—one of the first FDA-approved scanners of its kind, and the only one in Illinois. Its high magnetic field strength enables more detailed imaging, pushing the limits of MRI technology.

Cold Facts was honored to conduct the following interview with Sutton.

Can you explain how cryogenics play a role in the functionality and advancements of the 7 Tesla MRI scanner used at the Beckman Institute?

High field MRI systems rely on superconducting magnets to achieve their high magnetic field strength. Typical clinical scanners are 1.5 and 3 Tesla, while the 7 Tesla magnet contains miles of wound superconductor, creating a large space for imaging and ensuring a uniform magnetic field for high-resolution imaging. The Siemens Terra 7 Tesla MRI scanner requires two cold heads for helium boiloff to keep the magnet cold. This large superconducting magnet accommodates not only scanning a person but also accommodates essential electronics, including large spatial gradient magnetic field coils and an RF coil.

What challenges do you face in developing MRI reconstruction algorithms when working with data obtained at cryogenic temperatures, and how do these challenges differ from those at standard temperatures?

Higher magnetic fields create small disruptions in the uniformity of the magnetic field, complicating the imaging process. While higher spatial resolution images are possible, deviations can distort the image and must be corrected during reconstruction. The main MRI magnet must provide a uniform magnetic field; any deviations lead to incorrect positioning of objects. Standard temperature magnets, while lower in field strength and resolution, are less dependent on a uniform magnetic field.

Another challenge is the push for faster imaging. Higher magnetic field systems allow for improved spatial resolution but are still limited by the same scan time as lower fields. Therefore, we must develop new data acquisition methods and reconstruction approaches to obtain higher resolution images in a similar timeframe.

How does the use of cryogenic materials and cooling techniques enhance the performance and accuracy of MRI technology, particularly in your research at the Biomedical Imaging Center?

Cryogenic magnet windings enable high uniform magnetic fields, facilitating high-resolution imaging and providing detailed information about brain structures. The 7 Tesla scanner allows us to identify tissue disruptions leading to epileptic seizures, map the cortex’s mechanical properties, and obtain high-resolution chemical composition maps of the brain. At 3 Tesla, we conduct functional brain imaging to see network activity, but with 7 Tesla MRI, we achieve very high-resolution images, allowing us to infer the direction of information flow. We also utilize a Bruker 9.4 Tesla system for animal imaging, revealing insights into how environment and learning affect brain structures.

In your experience, what are the most significant benefits of incorporating cryogenically-cooled superconducting magnets in MRI scanners, and how have they impacted your research outcomes?

Increasing magnetic field strength through new superconducting materials not only enhances spatial resolution but also enables new imaging contrasts. This allows us to determine directionality in brain networks and to image chemical profiles. High-resolution imaging of chemical profiles helps us understand underlying processes in the brain during normal function and disease, bridging the gap between chemistry and pathology.

Could you discuss any recent breakthroughs or ongoing projects at the Beckman Institute that involve the integration of cryogenic technology with MRI imaging?

Ultrahigh field MRI has introduced new imaging contrasts. My group, in collaboration with Dr. Aaron Anderson, is investigating noninvasive methods to assess mechanical properties of brain tissue and identify areas of stiffening due to microstructural changes.

How do you foresee the future of cryogenics influencing the field of MRI and biomedical imaging, and what potential innovations are you most excited about?

The future is promising, with cryogenics enabling MRI to achieve even higher magnetic fields in human-sized scanners. Advancements in superconductors will support larger systems, unlocking insights into brain structure and function. We aim to leverage improved signals for higher spatial resolution, create digital tissue replicas to predict individual responses to interventions, and deepen our understanding of brain function as we age.