Numerical investigation of different RF arrays for magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound in human head.

Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a non-invasive and effective alternative to conventional deep-brain stimulation and radio-frequency lesioning for essential tremors and is being investigated for essential tremors, pains, and other applications. During MRgFUS treatment, FUS transducers are typically positioned at the top of the head. To precisely focus the ultrasound force or create a hot spot at the targeted area, adjustments in the transducer position are necessary. Consequently, a sizable opening in the RF coil becomes essential to ensure compatibility with the MRgFUS device. In this study, six coil layouts are simulated, and their performances, including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the g-factor, are evaluated using the DUKE human head model at 3 Tesla. This study aims to contribute to the development of head coil designs tailored for MRgFUS applications.