High-Field Imaging at Low SAR: Tx/Rx Prostate Coil Array Using Radiative Elements for Efficient Antenna-Patient Power Transfer

Alexander Raaijmakers¹, Ozlem Ipek¹, Dennis Klomp¹, Hugo Kroeze¹, Bart van de Bank¹, Vincent Boer¹, Paul Harvey², Cecilia Possanzini², Jan Lagendijk¹, Nico van den Berg¹

Abdominal imaging at 7 T is challenging due to reduced RF penetration at 298 MHz. Conventional high-field surface coil arrays with stripline elements deposit high SAR levels and suffer from inhomogeneous B1-field distribution. We present results of a prototype coil array consisting of so-called radiative antennas. These elements emit power to the region of interest more efficiently. Simulations and volunteer measurements show reduced SAR levels and increased image homogeneity.