On the Choice of RF Safety Metric in MRI: Temperature, SAR, or Thermal Dose

摘要

Temperature, specific absorption rate (SAR), or a temperature-time integral (otherwise known as thermal dose) - all three seem appropriate as a choice for a radiofrequency (RF) safety metric in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The article discusses the challenges associated with implementing these metrices. Next, the potential of a validated bioheat transfer model, such as the generic bioheat transfer model (GBHTM) framework, in improving RF safety is discussed along with the additional considerations and data that would be needed to appropriately implement a thermal dose threshold-based metric to make MRI more flexible, powerful, yet safer.