Instrumentation for magnetic resonance angiography.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) places high demands on instrumentation capabilities. Magnetic gradient strength capabilities, main magnetic field strength and homogeneity, and eddy current compensation all play a role in determining the quality of the flow studies. In addition, radiofrequency coil design and use is governed by the specific vascular territories of interest. Once the instrumentational and pulse sequence considerations have been optimized, the postprocessing and display of the acquired three-dimensional data sets is of key importance. Great strides have been made in addressing instrumentation needs for MRA, but further improvements are anticipated.