Preliminary Results of 7-Channel Insertional pTx Array Coil for 3T MRI

In this research, we report the preliminary results of an insertional type parallel transmission (pTx) array that has 7-elements that are placed in the space above a patient table as a transmit (Tx) coil to give an RF transmission ($B_1{^+}$) field for the body object of a 3 Tesla (T) MRI system. In previous research, we have tried to compare the performances of different coil elements and array geometries for a pTx body image. Based on these results, we attempt to obtain a human image with the proposed pTx array. Through the simulation and experimental results, we introduce a possible structure of multi-channel Tx array and verify the utility of a multi-channel Tx body image using $B_1{^+}$ shimming. The insertional pTx array, combined with a receiver (Rx) array coil, provides an enhanced $B_1{^+}$ field homogeneity in a large ROI image as a result of $B_1{^+}$ shimming applied over the full body size object. Through this research, we hope to determine the usefulness of the proposed insertional type RF coil combination for 3 T body imaging.