IMPROVED MR-IMAGES OF ARTERIAL SPECIMENS BY SUBMERSION IN TRICHLOROTRIFLUOROETHANE

MR Images of ex vivo arterial specimens immersed in 1,1,2-trichloro-1, 2,2-trifluoroethane (R-113) have improved signal-to-noise ratio and co ntrast-to-noise ratio, R-113 has no hydrogen atoms, so it yields no pr oton signal; hence, the contrast between the specimen and its backgrou nd is maximized, SNR is maximized because (i) R-113 is nonconductive s o that coil loading and inductive noise are minimized, and (ii) the vo lume susceptibility of R-113 closely matches that of water and tissue so that T-2 effects are minimized. Short-term submersion of porcine a ortas in R-113 was found to have no significant effect on the artery's hydration level, relaxation time, tensile strength, and structure or quantity of elastin, collagen, or smooth muscle cells.