High-resolution fMRI

Grader A: partial

The first clinical 7T scanner (Siemens Magnetom Terra) was FDA cleared in October 2017, so higher-field scanners could be bought by hospitals, but installs stay at a few dozen sites and fMRI at 7T is mostly research. No 14T human scanner exists; the Dutch 14T project is still in construction. Real but limited availability.

Test: D37 Horizons: ultra-high-field MRI systems buyable by hospitals for clinical use outside pilots by 2021; full credit needs the poster's resolution step to be on sale.

• FDA Clears MAGNETOM Terra 7T MRI Scanner From Siemens Healthineers (2017-10-12): First 7T MRI cleared for clinical diagnostic imaging of head and knee, with a separate research mode.
• Use of a Commercial 7-T MRI Scanner for Clinical Brain Imaging: Single-Center Experience (AJR) (2023): Clinical 7T brain imaging is reported as a single-centre experience with specific challenges, i.e. still limited.

Grader B: partial

The first clinical 7 T scanner (Siemens Magnetom Terra) was FDA-cleared Oct 2017 and is sold to hospitals, so higher-resolution fMRI is purchasable. But 7 T remains limited to a small number of centres, and no 14 T human scanner exists commercially. Real but limited availability of the stated form.

Test: Ultra-high-field (beyond 3 T) MRI scanners could be bought for routine use by 2021; the poster's 14 T 'common' is the stronger form.

• FDA Clears MAGNETOM Terra 7T MRI Scanner From Siemens Healthineers (2017-10-12): First 7 T MRI cleared for clinical use (head and extremities).
• 1st clinical 7-Tesla MRI scanner in North America (2017-10): 7 T clinical use starting at a few large centres, not common.