Why are surface coils often purpose-built?

Surface coils are often purpose-built predominantly to target a specific area of interest in MRI imaging. This design allows the coil to be optimally placed and calibrated for the region being scanned, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in that localized area. Because these coils are closely positioned to the region of interest, they can capture more precise and higher-quality signals from that specific anatomical structure while reducing the influence of signals from other surrounding tissues.

In MRI practices, maximizing the effectiveness of coils for particular regions is essential for producing clear and diagnostic-quality images. By constructing surface coils that are tailored to fit the contours and dimensions of a specific body part, technicians enhance imaging results, allowing for better detection and characterization of abnormalities or diseases in targeted areas.