Abstract: A magnetic resonance sequence includes a repetitively applied radiofrequency pulse capable of causing a specific absorption rate (SAR) hot spot. The composition of the repetitive pulse is varied to generate versions of the repetitive pulse such that the SAR hot spot changes locations with subsequent applications of the repetitive pulse. To generate versions of the pulse, a pilot scan is performed to generate a patient model. A simulation of the SAR response to each of the versions of the repetitive pulse is performed to determine the location of SAR hot spot(s). A plurality of versions of the repetitive pulse is selected to be used in the magnetic resonance sequence.

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.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance sequence includes a repetitively applied radiofrequency B1 pulse capable of causing a specific absorption rate (SAR) hot spot. The composition of the repetitive B1 pulse is varied to generate versions of the repetitive B1 pulse such that the SAR hot spot changes locations with subsequent applications of the repetitive B1 pulse. To generate versions of the B1 pulse, a pilot scan is performed to generate a patient model. A simulation of the SAR response to each of the versions of the repetitive B1 pulse is performed to determine the location of SAR hot spot(s). A plurality of versions of the repetitive B1 pulse is selected to be used in the magnetic resonance sequence.

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 (36) calculates the local and global SAR or even a spatial SAR map. The efficient implementation by using pre-averaged data (based on E-fields) makes a fast and accurate SAR estimation possible. By incorporating additional information as e.g. patient position the SAR calculation accuracy can be increased as well as by using more patient specific precalculated information (e.g. based on different bio meshes), the so called Q-matrices. Optionally, a sequence controller (24) creates 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.