Anthropomorphic MR Phantom of the Human Placenta for Sequence Optimization

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for accurately diagnosing placental abnormalities suspected on ultrasound. Development of new MRI sequences optimized for fetal-placental imaging, however, is dependent on extensive testing. Using human volunteers is challenging due to the long scan times and high cost of participant recruitment. The ideal alternative is to use an anthropomorphic phantom of the human placenta that simulates placental anatomy and tissue properties in the womb. The aim of this project was to create an MR-phantom of an average third-trimester human placenta having: accurate gross anatomical structure and dimensions, and tissue properties corresponding to MRI, and dielectric properties. A MnCl /2garose doped carrageenan-hydrogel material mimicking the placentas relaxation time was developed to fill a 3D-printed phantom mould simulating the anatomical shape of the placenta. This novel placental phantom will offer the ability to rapidly develop, and test new imaging sequences designed for placental imaging.