Experimental and numerical analysis of B1(+) field and SAR with a new transmit array design for 7T breast MRI

Developing a radiofrequency (RF) coil system that produces a uniform B1(+) field (circularly polarized component of the transverse magnetic field responsible for excitation) and low specific absorption rate (SAR) is critical for high performance ultrahigh field human imaging. In this study, we provide the design of a new eight channel radiofrequency (RF) transmit (Tx) array for breast MRI at 7T. A numerical analysis utilizing an in-house finite difference time domain (FDTD) package was carried out in (1) four breast models, (2) homogeneous spherical model and (3) full body model to calculate the B1(+) intensity (μT) and homogeneity represented by coefficient of variation (CoV=standard deviation/mean) in the proposed RF array design. The numerical results were compared with that measured in breast phantom (Bphantom) and homogeneous spherical phantom at 7T MRI and showed very good agreement. Average and peak SARs were also calculated in the four breast models and the temperature rises due to the operation of the RF array were also measured in the Bphantom. The proposed RF array; which can operate in a single or multi transmit modes, demonstrates homogeneous RF field excitation with acceptable local/average SAR levels for breast MRI at 7T.