Impact of RF Coil Topology on Population Studies of RF Heating of Leaded Active Implants During MRI

Motivation: High-pass RF coil models are frequently used in numerical exposure assessments for implant safety, whereas many commercial 3T systems use band-pass coil topologies. Goal(s): To study the sensitivity of RF heating predictions on RF coil topology. Approach: High- and band-pass coil model simulations are performed and the tangential E-fields and deposited power predictions for generic implants compared for ViP model Fats at 3T. Results: Variation from lateral/dorsal displacement of Fats, different coil design or current feeding, or the use of a Huygens' box with a loaded or unloaded coil lie fully within the range of coverage of the high pass coil library. Impact: The sensitivity evaluation of Tier 3 studies to birdcage topology and simulation parameters indicates that at 3T, the birdcage topology does not contribute significant variation to Tier 3 applications compared to factors such as patient anatomy, imaging landmarks, and shimming.