A 7T spine array based on electric dipole transmitters

Purpose The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of using an array of electric dipole antennas for RF transmission in spine MRI at high fields. Method A two‐channel transmit array based on an electric dipole design was quantitatively optimized for 7T spine imaging and integrated with a receive array combining eight loop coils. Using B1+ mapping, the transmit efficiency of the dipole array was compared with a design using quadrature loop pairs. The radiofrequency energy deposition for each array was measured using a home‐built dielectric phantom and MR thermometry. The performance of the proposed array was qualitatively demonstrated in human studies. Results The results indicate dramatically improved transmit efficiency for the dipole design compared with the loop excitation. A gain of up to 76% was achieved within the spinal region. Conclusion For imaging of the spine, electric dipole–based transmitters provide an attractive alternative to the traditional loop‐based design. Easy integration with existing receive array technology facilitates practical use at high fields. Magn Reson Med 74:1189–1197, 2015. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.