SAR and temperature distributions in a database of realistic human models for 7 T cardiac imaging

PURPOSE: To investigate inter‐subject variability of B (1) (+), SAR and temperature rise in a database of human models using a local transmit array for 7 T cardiac imaging. METHODS: Dixon images were acquired of 14 subjects and segmented in dielectric models with an eight‐channel local transmit array positioned around the torso for cardiac imaging. EM simulations were done to calculate SAR distributions. Based on the SAR distributions, temperature simulations were performed for exposure times of 6 min and 30 min. Peak local SAR and temperature rise levels were calculated for different RF shim settings. A statistical analysis of the resulting peak local SAR and temperature rise levels was performed to arrive at safe power limits. RESULTS: For RF shim vectors with random phase and uniformly distributed power, a safe average power limit of 35.7 W was determined (first level controlled mode). When RF amplitude and phase shimming was performed on the heart, a safe average power limit of 35.0 W was found. According to Pennes' model, our numerical study suggests a very low probability of exceeding the absolute local temperature limit of 40 °C for a total exposure time of 6 min and a peak local SAR of 20 W/kg. For a 30 min exposure time at 20 W/kg, it was shown that the absolute temperature limit can be exceeded in the case where perfusion does not change with temperature. CONCLUSION: Safe power constraints were found for 7 T cardiac imaging with an eight‐channel local transmit array, while considering the inter‐subject variability of B (1) (+), SAR and temperature rise.