Real-time local and global SAR estimation for patient safety and improved scanning performance

US8941380B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• KONINIKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V. · NL

Inventors

• Ingmar Graesslin · Wenningstedt-Braderup (Sylt), DE
• Sven Biederer · Wulfen, DE
• Ulrich Katscher · Norderstedt, DE
• Ferdinand Schweser · Hamburg, DE
• Peter Boernert · Hamburg, DE
• Paul Royston Harvey · Eindhoven, NL
• Wilhelmus R. M. Mens · Vught, NL

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 13, 2009
• Grant date: Jan 27, 2015
• Expiry date: Jun 24, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R33/5659
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

In a method and apparatus to enable increased RF duty cycle in high field MR scans, a specific energy absorption rate (SAR) calculation processor calculates the local and global SAR or even a spatial SAR map. By incorporating additional information as, e.g. patient position, the SAR calculation accuracy can be increased as well as by using more patient specific pre-calculated information (e.g. based on different bio meshes), the so called Q-matrices. A sequence controller maybe provided to create a global SAR optimal RF pulse. After the optimal RF pulse is applied, the SAR and its spatial distribution are determined. SAR hotspots are also determined. Q-matrices within an appropriate radius around the hotspots are averaged and added to a global Q-matrix in a weighted fashion. After the global Q-matrix is updated, a new optimal RF pulse is created.