SAR Calculations in Transmit-Only-Receive-Only RF systems: A Comparison of Detuning Methods for Rx Array Coils and their Implementation in EM Simulations

The accurate simulation of SAR is important to guarantee patient safety in MRI measurements especially for local variations. Although most clinical RF systems are hybrid systems (separate Transmit (Tx) and Receive (Rx) coils), the effect of the Rx coils on Tx power consumption, B₁⁺-homogeneity and SAR have been seldom investigated. Rx coils present highly conductive surfaces which affect the RF field distribution. In this work, we evaluate the performance of several detuning concepts and their realization in the EM simulations concerning Tx power consumption, B₁⁺-homogeneity and SAR for a hybrid setup at 3T.