Reproducibility of Electromagnetic Field Simulations of Local Radiofrequency Transmit Elements Tailored for 7 T MRI
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The literature reports on radiofrequency (RF) transmit (Tx) elements tailored for ultrahigh-field (UHF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed confounded reproducibility due to variations in simulation tools, modeling assumptions, and meshing techniques. This study proposes a standardized methodology to improve reproducibility and consistency across research sites (testers) and simulation tools (testing conditions). The methodology includes detailed simulation workflow and performance metrics for RF Tx elements. The impact of the used mesh setting is assessed. Following the methodology, a reproducibility study was conducted using CST Microwave Studio Suite, HFSS, and Sim4Life. The methodology and simulations were ultimately validated through 7 T MRI phantom experiments. The reproducibility study showed consistent performance with less than 6% standard deviation for B1+ fields and 12% for peak SAR averaged over 10 g tissue (pSAR10g). The SAR efficiency metric (|B1+|/√pSAR10g) was particularly robust (<5%). The simulated and experimental |B1+| maps showed good qualitative agreement. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a standardized methodology for achieving reproducible RF Tx element electromagnetic field simulations. By following the FAIR principles including making the framework publicly available, we promote transparency and collaboration within the MRI community, supporting the advancement of technological innovation and improving patient safety in UHF-MRI.
Source: Sensors
DOI: 10.3390/s25061867
Institutions: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Max Delbrück Center, Technische Universität Berlin, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Centre d'Imagerie BioMedicale, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, German Cancer Research Center, Philipps University of Marburg, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg
Language: English
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Awards: G171534146, G1777528737, G2165917810, G2230680277, G234543385, G3012645947, G3208906070, G3422184201, G3807467152, G3977136286, G4212794609, G4235148524, G4963070092, G5038330952, G5124356996, G5366328482, G543436356, G5852403423, G640979258, G6568264054, G6738297242, G6750493948, G681628743, G7078717891, Forschungscampus STIMULATE 2. Förderphase - Teilvorhaben: iMRI-Solutions, iCT-Solutions, lmmunoprofiling, Computational Medicine, G7566910773, G7649415329, G7790407150, G8675085488, G8803915979, G8826218907, G951755943, G97335203
OpenAlex ID: W4408509360