Remcom Updates XFdtd EM Simulation Software, 3 in a Series

Remcom announced an update to its XFdtd 3D Electromagnetic Simulation Software, Bio-Pro version, enhanced with special features for the magnetic resonance (MR) community. XFdtd Bio-Pro is a specialty version of XFdtd, developed for calculation of the biological effects of electromagnetic fields. Highlights of the release include a new birdcage design tool and MR imaging output types. In addition, all versions of XFdtd are updated to include several improvements in usability and performance.

XFdtd Bio-Pro provides users with a bundled collection of biomedical EM calculation capabilities such as Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) analysis, VariPose Mesh Repositioning, and Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC).

The Birdcage Tool provides the ability to quickly build an MR birdcage coil and prepare it for simulation. A series of tabs guides users through the process of entering specifications and geometric details such as resonant frequency, waveform, capacitors, and number of sources to excite the structure. Upon completion, the tool creates the specified geometry and also creates and attaches all necessary circuit components, creates and/or assigns the waveform, and sets source phases and time delays.

New MR-related output types provide additional data when analyzing medical imaging simulations. MR Transmit Efficiency is proportional to the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for an MR birdcage, a single loop, or a speciï c set of amplitudes and phases for an MR phased array. The Approximate MR Image is a representation of the actual image generated by the coil, based on the rotating B-field output (B1+) and the water ratio data of the biological tissues in the simulation.

In addition to the bio-EM features, all versions of XFdtd now include a new tool called the XFdtd Assistant. The Assistant is a step-by-step guide for new users that reduces the learning curve and enables them to progress from a blank project to simulated results quickly, the company says.

For more information, visit Remcom.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.