On September 11, 2008 a magnetic resonance tomograph of the modern 7 tesla field strength generation was delivered to the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the Max Delbruck Center (MDC) for Molecular Medicine in Berlin-Buch, Germany. It will be the only such magnetic resonance tomograph of its kind involving a metrology institute. The magnet cost approximately seven million Euros and weighs 35 tons.

Thus far 7 tesla Magnetic resonance tomographs have not yet been in use for hospitals and clinics, only in research settings. For the first time, cardiovascular research will now be carried out as a major use of the tomograph. In contrast to the 1.5 and 3 tesla devices, largely the norm, the 7 tesla has a higher magnetic field and will provide sharper images and better insights into the smallest structures of the human body. The goal for the machine is to detect the risk or commencement of an illness at a very early stage in heart, brain, and in cancer research.

Heart research through magnetic resonance tomography is considered very difficult. This leaves a demanding task for the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) scientists commencing January 2009, when the device has been fully installed. The PTB, a national metrology institute, will be handling the physics and technical issues in the joint project, and will be responsible for ensuring the unique potential of the powerful tomograph useful for applications in clinics. The PTB will hopefully develop the ideal conditions to advance its work on patient safety in high-field tomographs and on the development of new concepts in MRT imaging. The other partners in the project, besides the Max Delbruck Center and the PTB, are Siemens, the constructors of the 7 tesla device, and the Charite hospital. The new ultra-high-field MRT equipment of the ECRC has been completed with a 9.4 tesla small animal MRT of the Bruker company.
Adapted from materials by Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). For more information, go to:
http://www.mdc-berlin.de/en/ecrc/High-Field_MR/index.html

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