8-channel dipole array for 7 Tesla neonatal brain and cardiac MRI

An 8-channel dipole array was investigated for neonatal brain and cardiac MR imaging at 7T. The coil array was compared using electromagnetic field simulations to a single-channel birdcage coil on a realistic baby model for brain and cardiac imaging. B1+-efficiency and SAR10g were evaluated. The dipole coil array demonstrated significant lower SAR10g levels for both imaging positions. The working of the constructed dipole array was assessed on adult head. We conclude that dipole arrays are a valuable approach for neonatal brain and cardiac MR imaging at 7T, and could be part of future ethics approval of a neonatal MRI application. (Abstract #4618)