Influence of Deactivated 8Tx/16Rx Transceiver Coil Elements on 3D SAR Distribution at 7T MRI of the Body Trunk

Motivation: In 7T cardiac MRI, controlling peak SAR and SAR distribution is critical for safety. This study explores how deactivating loop coil elements affects these metrics. Goal(s): We assess the impact of coil element deactivation on SAR in a shared-conductor loop coil across different human models. Approach: Electromagnetic simulations were conducted on ten human models, analyzing SAR under normal conditions and with individual coil element deactivations. Results: Coil element deactivation increases peak SAR, up to 77.61% in the Rosalind model, and changes SAR distribution by up to 474% in the Laura model, varying with coil position and model anatomy. Impact: This study highlights the significant impact of coil element deactivation on SAR, requiring a safety factor in clinical routines to protect patients if coil elements become deactivated.