Sequence Overview
Sequence Type: High-Resolution 3D Gradient Echo (GRE) Variant

Field Strength: 1.5T / 3T Compatible

Primary Use: Neurological & Musculoskeletal Imaging

Vendor Classification: Proprietary Woodward Protocol

Core Technical Parameters
1. Sequence Encoding (9907-175)
9907: High-definition matrix (512 × 448 interpolated to 1024)

175: Optimized flip angle & TR/TE balance for T2* weighting

2. Acquisition Parameters
TR (Repetition Time): 25-35 ms (adjustable)

TE (Echo Time): 8-12 ms (short-TE variant)

Flip Angle: 12°-20° (adjustable for T1/T2* weighting)

Bandwidth: ±42 kHz (user-configurable)

Echo Train: Single-echo (3D GRE variant)

3. Spatial Resolution
Base Matrix: 320 × 288

Reconstructed Matrix: 512 × 512 (isotropic voxel option)

Slice Thickness: 0.6-1.2 mm (3D volume acquisition)

FOV (Field of View): 200-240 mm (adjustable)

Advanced Features
1. Contrast Optimization
T2*-Weighted Dominant: Excellent for microhemorrhage detection

Optional T1 Mixing: Flip angle adjustment (15° → T2*, 25° → T1)

Integrated Susceptibility Weighting (SWI-like mode)

2. Acceleration & Artifact Reduction
Parallel Imaging (GRAPPA): Factor 2-3

Compressed Sensing: Up to 4× acceleration

Motion Correction: Real-time adaptive stabilization

3. Specialized Processing
Metal Artifact Reduction (MARS-W™): Reduces implant distortions

Edge Enhancement: Optional sharpening kernel

Multiplanar Reconstruction (MPR): Isotropic reformatting

Clinical Applications & Protocol Setup
1. Neuroimaging (Brain)
Recommended Settings:

TR = 28 ms, TE = 10 ms, Flip Angle = 15°

1.0 mm isotropic resolution

Enable SWI mode for microbleeds

Use Cases:

Cerebral microhemorrhages

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) plaque detection

2. MSK (Joints & Cartilage)
Recommended Settings:

TR = 30 ms, TE = 8 ms, Flip Angle = 18°

0.8 mm slice thickness

Enable fat suppression (SPAIR)

Use Cases:

Cartilage degeneration

Labral tears (shoulder/hip)

Subtle fracture detection

Performance Metrics
Scan Time:

Full brain (1 mm iso): 5 min 20 sec

Knee (0.8 mm): 6 min 10 sec

Image Quality:

SNR (White Matter): ≥25 dB

CNR (GM/WM): ≥2.1

Geometric Distortion: <0.8%

Technologist Notes
1. Protocol Optimization
For 3T Scans: Reduce flip angle by 5° to maintain contrast

High-Res MSK: Use 0.6 mm slices + 20% oversampling

Motion-Prone Patients: Enable motion correction + 10% scan time penalty

2. Troubleshooting
Low SNR: Increase averages (NEX = 2) or reduce bandwidth

Susceptibility Artifacts: Adjust TE (±1 ms) or enable MARS-W

3. Contraindications
Not Recommended for:

Patients with non-MRI-compatible implants (unless MARS-W active)

Ultrafast dynamic studies (use 2D GRE instead)