Toronto’s first 7T MRI system, housed at Sunnybrook, is part of the Toronto Neuro-Immunology/Neuro-Imaging Consortium involving the following TAHSN partners: Baycrest, SickKids, University Health Network (UHN), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Unity Health Toronto, and the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine.
We’re grateful for support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Government for making this possible.
The 7T MRI facility, one of only three in Canada, marks a major milestone for brain research, unlocking ultra-high-resolution imaging that will transform how scientists study the brain and other organs.
How will the 7T MRI system help invent the future of health care?
The 7T MRI system will:
- Produce extremely detailed images in high resolution, enabling scientists to see previously invisible features of the brain
- Allow researchers to see the chemical make-up of the brain
- Drive precision therapies—from MR-guided focused ultrasound to deep brain stimulation to more effective cancer radiation treatments
FAQs
A 7 Tesla MRI system is an advanced magnetic resonance machine that produces images with more clarity and precision than the more commonly-available 1.5 and 3 Tesla. Its significantly stronger magnetic field increases signal and contrast between tissue types in the brain, allowing researchers and clinicians to visualize microscopic structures, detect subtle abnormalities, and gain deeper insights into brain anatomy and function.
There are different strengths of MRI systems, which are measured in Tesla (T) — the unit of measurement representing the strength of the magnetic field, which is usually set at either 1.5T or 3T for MRI systems in hospitals.
The 7T magnetic field permits higher-resolution imaging. This results in a more detailed and less grainy image, enabling scientists and clinicians to see previously-invisible features of the brain.
Yes, the 7T MRI is safe for healthy individuals and patients, provided they meet the correct safety precautions and criteria. Because the magnetic field is stronger than standard hospital MRI systems, safety screening is particularly important.
Before being imaged for research, all volunteer participants undergo a thorough screening process to confirm eligibility. This includes:
- Implants and devices: Certain implants (e.g., pacemakers, aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, or neurostimulators) may not be compatible with 7T MRI. Only individuals with devices that have been tested and deemed safe at 7 can be imaged.
- Metallic objects in the body: People with metallic fragments (from past injuries or surgeries, such as shrapnel, welding fragments, or older surgical hardware) may not be eligible due to the strong magnetic forces.
- Pregnancy: As with most MRI research studies, pregnant participants are typically excluded as a precaution, since safety at 7T during pregnancy has not been fully studied.
- Body size and positioning: Due to the design of the magnet bore, there are limits on participant body size and ability to comfortably remain still for the duration of imaging.
- Renal function and contrast agents (if used): If contrast agents are required, kidney function must be assessed to ensure safe use.
- General health and tolerability: Participants must be able to lie still for up to an hour (with break periods), follow instructions, and tolerate the confined space and acoustic noise.
Trained technologists oversee every scan, and participants are monitored throughout. These precautions ensure that 7T MRI is safe for eligible individuals.
Currently only research participants will be imaged on the 7T MRI system.
There are currently three 7 Tesla MRI facilities located in Canada, with Toronto’s first 7T system being housed at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in partnership with Baycrest, SickKids, University Health Network (UHN), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Unity Health Toronto, and the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine.
