What are pre-saturation RF pulses used for?

Pre-saturation RF pulses are specifically designed to selectively saturate the signals from certain tissues or areas of anatomy before the actual imaging sequence begins. This technique effectively reduces the contribution of these areas to the final image, which in turn minimizes the potential for artifacts that may arise from these regions. By preventing signal interference from unwanted tissues, pre-saturation pulses enhance overall image quality, allowing for clearer visualization of the structures of interest.

While enhancing image resolution, reducing scan time, and improving signal-to-noise ratio are all important factors in MRI imaging, pre-saturation RF pulses primarily focus on managing and eliminating artifacts related to specific anatomical areas. This targeted approach to signal manipulation is crucial for refining the diagnostic quality of MRI images in clinical practice.