MRI Protocol Tips for InkSpace Imaging Coils

MRI technologists know that even the best protocol can fall short if the coil isn’t up to the task. That’s where InkSpace Imaging coils change the game—especially for pediatric and anatomically focused imaging. Our lightweight, flexible design and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) allow for smarter imaging in less time with greater patient comfort.

Let's walk through actionable strategies to optimize protocols and get the most from your InkSpace Imaging coil—whether you’re scanning tiny torsos, complex joints, or active pediatric patients.

Capitalize on High SNR with Finer Resolution

What to do: Take advantage of the coil’s high channel density and close-fitting geometry by increasing spatial resolution without increasing scan time.

How to optimize:

• Reduce slice thickness (e.g., from 4 mm to 2–2.5 mm)

• Decrease in-plane voxel size to ≤ 0.6 mm x 0.6 mm

• Use higher matrix size (e.g., 384 x 384 instead of 256 x 256)

• Maintain or even reduce TR/TE due to superior signal

💡Impact: Sharper anatomical detail for joints, spine, cardiac, and abdomen—even in pediatric scans with small anatomy.

Accelerate with Parallel Imaging without Quality Loss

InkSpace Imaging coils support parallel imaging with confidence due to their dedicated receiver elements and excellent coverage.

What to do:

• Use acceleration factors of 2–3 (GRAPPA or SENSE) for routine studies

• Shorten breath-hold sequences for abdominal imaging

• Combine with compressed sensing (CS) where supported

💡Bonus Tip: Test accelerated protocols in cardiac and fetal imaging—where motion and time constraints are critical.

Reduce Sedation in Pediatric Scans with Shorter Sequences

Snuggle, the InkSpace Pediatric Body Array is designed for comfort and minimal setup, ideal for reducing the need for sedation.

Strategies:

• Replace longer T2 sequences with HASTE or SSFSE single-shot imaging

• Use propeller-based or BLADE sequences for motion correction

• Build sequences with under 3-minute blocks to allow natural pauses or patient repositioning

💡Result: Fast, effective scanning with fewer interruptions, better for kids (and their caregivers).

Minimize Motion with Smart Coil Placement and Padding

InkSpace Imaging coils are flexible and moldable, unlike rigid arrays. Use this flexibility to your advantage:

What to do:

• Wrap the coil snugly to the anatomy—even around curves or awkward body parts

• Use bean bags, cushions, or vacuum pads to support the patient and the coil

• Avoid gaps between coil and body—less air = better SNR

Especially useful for:

• Abdominal and pelvic scans (coils conform to curves)

• Joint studies where motion risk is high (wrist, knee, shoulder)

• NICU or fetal imaging, where conventional setups are too bulky

Build Flexible Protocol Trees based on Coil Efficiency

With fewer positioning adjustments and better SNR, protocols can be modular and faster.

How to implement:

• Create “fast scan” variants of standard protocols for time-constrained patients

• Add Dixon-based sequences for automatic fat/water separation

• Group sequences based on body area: spine, pelvis, extremity, cardiac

• Use InkSpace Imaging coils for multiple exam types—eliminate coil swaps

Customize MRI Protocols based on Coil Type

Snuggle Pediatric Coil 

• Ideal for torso, abdomen, spine, shoulder, legs, arms, legs, and head

• Excellent for fast protocols (T2 HASTE, DWI, Dixon)

• Sedation-reduction tool for active pediatric patients

Silhouette Adult Coil 

• Use for wrist, ankle, knee, elbow, spine and shoulder

• Leverage high resolution settings

• Minimize table movement—coil stays flexible and close

Silhouette for Fetal Scanning 

• Optimized for challenging anatomy and position

• Pairs well with motion-resistant protocols

• Ideal for serial fetal brain or lung assessments

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Plug and Play—Optimize

InkSpace Imaging coils give technologists a competitive edge in image quality, speed, and patient experience. But the real power comes when you match protocol to coil strength.

Don’t just use standard factory presets—tailor your sequences to take full advantage of the coil’s flexibility and signal performance. By doing so, you’ll improve throughput, reduce re-scans, and elevate the standard of care.

Need help optimizing your site’s protocols for InkSpace Imaging coils? 

We can provide the protocols or connect you with other technologists sharing best practices. Contact us today.