Which approach would reduce patient heating during an MRI?

Increasing frequency encoding is a viable approach to reduce patient heating during an MRI because it enhances the efficiency of the pulse sequences and reduces the amount of RF (radiofrequency) power needed for imaging. By increasing the frequency encoding, you can capture more spatial information in a shorter time, which means that the RF energy is distributed over a larger bandwidth. This reduces the specific absorption rate (SAR), which is a measure of the energy absorbed by the patient’s body from the RF field. Lowering the SAR directly correlates with minimizing the heating effect on the tissues.

This method effectively balances signal-to-noise ratio and imaging speed while managing thermal effects, making it a practical approach in MRI safety protocols. This is especially important in clinical settings where patient comfort and safety are paramount, given that excessive heating can lead to adverse effects.