A Simulation Study of a Novel Patient-Adjustable MRI Coil for Safe Pediatric Imaging in Children with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs)

A substantial and growing population of individuals with conductive implants face persistent challenges in accessing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to risks associated with radiofrequency (RF) heating of implants. Recently, a novel approach based on altering MRI electric fields at the location of individual’s implants has shown promise in substantially reducing RF heating in adult patients with deep brain stimulation devices. In this study, we present the results of electromagnetic and thermal simulation studies demonstrating the applicability of this novel technique in pediatric patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) at 1.5T MR. The outcomes contribute valuable insights into the development of new MRI transmit coils that can be mechanically adjusted on a patient-specific basis to accommodate patients with conductive implants, particularly in the pediatric population.