Umberto Zanovello

Keywords: Transferable skills: Safety

Motivation: The strong MRI static magnetic field (SMF) may represent a safety concern in many circumstances.

Goal(s): To present conditions and causes that can lead to harmful effects for MR patients and operators. To provide an overview of how relevant guidelines cope with SMF safety in MRI.

Approach: The presentation covers different safety aspects related to the interaction with the MRI SMF.

Results: In the presentation, the effects of the interaction between ferromagnetic objects and the SMF are shown together with the effect of gradient- and movement-induced currents. The most relevant standards are introduced and solutions to measure the SMF are proposed.

Impact: The strong MRI static magnetic field represents a safety concern in many circumstances. An understanding of the conditions and causes leading to harmful events for patients and operators is of key importance to reduce the occurrence of such situations.

Simone Angela Winkler

Anthony Price

Keywords: Physics & Engineering: RF Safety, Physics & Engineering: Gradient & B0 Safety, Transferable skills: Safety

This talk will focus on evaluating the safety of peripheral equipment used in the MR environment and discuss the potential hazards and interactions with the scanner. Practical examples will be given of how MR users and those responsible for local safety sign-off might approach testing equipment that either does not meet all the conditions of use listed in certification labelling, or how to tackle bespoke novel research equipment that has not been subjected to any formal testing to regulatory standards.

Emre Kopanoglu

Keywords: Physics & Engineering: RF Safety, Transferable skills: Safety, Physics & Engineering: Pulse design

This talk will introduce what RF power deposition is and what its implications within the context of MRI are, examine how it leads to temperature increase, and discuss why specific absorption rate (SAR) is used as a safety parameter. Then, we will review SAR limits and different SAR definitions applicable in various imaging scenarios. We will discuss how SAR is used in practice and will talk through how SAR is modelled while scrutinizing various potential pitfalls that might lead to mismatches between modelling and reality. Finally, we will investigate factors that contribute to SAR, and explore strategies to reduce SAR.

Dursun Korel Yildirim

Keywords: Physics & Engineering: RF Safety, Physics & Engineering: Implants, Transferable skills: Safety

This talk will discuss the significance of Radio Frequency (RF) field measurements and RF-induced heating in the context of MRI safety. It will explore the details of RF magnetic (B1) and electric (E) field characterization, both in-vitro and in-vivo, and examine the international standards that govern these practices, including IEC60601-2-33, ASTM 2182, and ISO/TS 10974. It will elaborate on the methods and apparatus used for measuring RF-induced heating, particularly in the presence of implants. These measurements are crucial for ensuring patient safety during MRI procedures, as they help us understand and mitigate potential risks associated with RF exposure.

Laleh Rad

Keywords: Physics & Engineering: RF Safety, Transferable skills: Safety

This educational talk navigates the complexities of MRI in patients with active implantable medical devices (AIMDs). As the number of AIMD recipients rises and new MRI platforms emerge, the decision to conduct scans becomes increasingly critical. Delving into AIMD system components and MRI hazards, the discussion clarifies MR-Conditional device labeling and addresses common misconceptions. It also examines risks associated with off-label MRI use, offering essential dos and don’ts. Particularly, strategies for mitigating radiofrequency heating through surgical modifications are explored. This talk aims to ensure safe and informed decision-making in MRI procedures involving AIMD patients.

Rene Gumbrecht

Keywords: Physics & Engineering: RF Safety

This educational talk on Parallel Transmit RF safety gives an overview of the challenges and potential benefits of parallel transmit RF coils with respect to RF heating. The concept of local SAR supervision in contrast to conventional global SAR supervision is introduced. The basic process of obtaining and implementing a safe local SAR model for parallel transmit coils is outlined. This includes RF field simulations, SAR model compression, validation and online supervision. Finally, potential benefits of parallel transmit RF coils to control and even reduce SAR are discussed.