The amplification of local SAR at device lead tips that causes RF-induced heating has previously been shown to be detectable using thermo-acoustic ultrasound (TAUS). Due to the temperature dependence of the thermal expansion coefficient in tissue, the thermo-acoustic pressure generated at a lead tip is a function of the temperature at the lead tip. By observing how the TAUS signal amplitude changes over time, real-time tracking of lead tip temperature during an MRI scan should be possible. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the temperature-dependence of the TAUS signal, showing the feasibility of TAUS for temperature monitoring at lead tips during MRI.
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