Comparison of three anatomic sheep models for magnetic resonance safety

We compare three anatomical sheep models to assess possible heating effects of magnetic resonance imaging. We generate i) homogenous, ii) three-layered, and iii) seven-tissue models and compute specific absorption rate (SAR) and temperature increase on those models. We conclude that the homogenous model overestimates both SAR and heating whereas the three-tissue model underestimates those (although slightly) compared to more accurate seven-tissue model. However, simulations with both homogenous and three-layered models can be performed much faster and using fewer computational resources compared to more accurate models, hence, can be viable alternatives to simulations with a more accurate anatomic model.