Object ID: 00000018WIA3047C770GYZ
Topic ID: id_40023122 Version: 1.4
Date: Mar 3, 2022 1:54:13 PM

SmartPrep: set up the series

About this task

Use these steps to set up a SmartPrep series to acquire contrast-enhanced images with a bolus tracking technique.

Step-by-step instructions

From the Workflow Manager, select the 3D, oblique, Fast TOF GRE or Fast TOF SPGR (better background suppression) protocol with the SmartPrep Imaging Option.
Click Setup and make scan parameter adjustments, as needed.
Select the Multi Phase Imaging Option to acquire both the arterial and venous phases of the contrast bolus.
- Bolus detection (SmartPrep monitoring) is performed for the first phase only.
- The first phase scan starts when the initial delay has elapsed, counting from the end of the monitoring period (bolus detected or timeout).
- For phases 2 and up, the scan starts as soon as:
  - the scanner is prepped, and
  - the time elapsed since the end of the previous phase (or since you pressed the Scan button, for the first phase) is equal to or greater than the delay prescribed after the previous phase.
Select Contrast and enter the amount and type.
- The trigger threshold depends on the contrast volume entered: one threshold for a volume of 20 cc or less and a threshold 5% higher for a volume greater than 20 cc.
- The series cannot be saved unless the contrast information is completed.
Click the Vascular TOF tab and make parameter adjustments, as needed.
- From the Multi-Phase tab turn Variable Delays option button On to view the Vascular tab.
- Consider setting Projection Images = 0 (saves reconstruction time and projection images can be created in MRA as post processed images) and Collapse = On.
- Deselecting projection images (i.e., selecting 0 projections) will substantially increase the reconstruction speed. This can be useful with ZIP 512.
Click the Advanced tab and select User CV values, if needed.
- Image Acquisition Delay = 5 to 8
  - Disrupted flow due to pathology may require an increase in Image Acquisition Delay time.
- k-space = Centric
- Maximum Monitor period = 45 to 120 (use a longer time for patients with poor cardiac output)
  - If contrast is not injected quickly enough to create a bolus effect, the peak may not be detected during the Maximum Monitor period.
- PURE compensation
- Turbo Mode = 1
Prescribe the tracker and 3D volume.
- Most patients can hold their breath for 20 to 25 seconds. Scan times longer than that are at great risk for breathing motion artifacts due to patient breathing.
- In Graphic Rx, the width of the deposited volume represents the number of slices prescribed, including the discarded slices.
- If desired, select SPECIAL in the Chemical SAT menu.
  - SPECIAL is only available if no k-space User CV is selected or if Centric or Reverse Centric is the selected k-space mode.
  - SPECIAL is not available if the IR-Prepared Imaging Option is selected.
Scan the SmartPrep series.