Rapid Local Specific Absorption Rate Estimation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The local specific absorption rate (SAR) is a critical concern of the safety in high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In order to provide rapid and subject-specific local SAR evaluation, a hybrid numerical technique that combines fast direct method of moments (MoM) and the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method was developed. Its validity was demonstrated by comparing with conventional numerical methods and experimental results. An example with a real human head model was further provided to demonstrate its utility.