Abstract:
In magnetic resonance data acquisition, decoupling between the transmit and receive coils is achieved by using a transmit array system wherein induced currents from the transmit coils cancel each other, resulting in a total of zero current in the receive coil. Forward and reversed polarized transmit coil pairs are set to cancel the individual currents of each other, or of a receive coil. Linearly polarized fields can also be used to effect the decoupling. The decoupling allows the magnetic resonance data acquisition system to be operated for concurrent excitation of the nuclear spins and reception of the resulting magnetic resonance signals.
Abstract:
In a method for detecting rotational orientation and position tracking of an inductively coupled RF (ICRF) coil using a transmit array system, a conventional body birdcage coil is used, but the quadrature hybrid is eliminated to use the two excitation-channels separately. The transmit array system provides RF excitations such that the body birdcage coil creates linearly polarized and circulating RF pulses instead of a conventional rotational forward polarized excitation. Inductively coupled RF (ICRF) coils can be constructed on catheters for detecting rotational orientation and tracking purposes. The modifications on anatomy and ICRF coil images are different due to the RF excitation scheme such that the ICRF coil can be separated from the anatomy in real-time. After separating the ICRF coil from the anatomy, a color-coded image can be reconstructed, for example.
Abstract:
A deflectable tip catheter that is safe and effective for use in a magnetic resonance imaging environment. The deflectable tip catheter is configured such that it includes a built-in antenna, such as a loopless antenna or a loop antenna. The built-in antenna permits the deflectable tip catheter to be actively tracked and/or visualized. Depending upon the specific configuration of the deflectable tip catheter, the catheter may be tracked and/or visualized as a single unit, it may be tracked and/or visualized separate and independent of other components or instruments associated with the catheter, such as pull wires, injection needles, surgical instruments, and the like. The catheters described herein include injection type catheters and/or guidance type catheters.
Abstract:
The end-effector (150) includes a sheath (152) and a medical device or needle carrier (154) that is disposed within the interior compartment (160) of the sheath. Aperture (162) is located in a portion of the sheath proximal a distal end of the sheath that is inserted into a natural or artificial cavity. This device is guided by a real-time imager.
Abstract:
A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures includes an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter may further include an ablation tip, and be used as an intracardiac device to deliver energy to selected areas of tissue and visualize the resulting ablation lesions. The antenna utilized in the combined electrophysiology and imaging catheter for receiving MR signals is preferably of the coaxial or “loopless” type. High-resolution images from the antenna may be combined with low-resolution images from surface coils of the MR scanner to produce a composite image. A system for eliminating the pickup of RF energy in which intracardiac wires are detuned by filtering so that they become very inefficient antennas. An RF filtering system is provided for suppressing the MR imaging signal while not attenuating the RF ablative current. Steering means may be provided for steering the invasive catheter under MR guidance. Other ablative methods can be used such as laser, ultrasound, and low temperatures.
Abstract:
Herein is disclosed a magnetic resonance imaging antenna, including an inner conductor, an outer shield slideably displaceable with respect to the inner conductor, and an insulator electrically insulating the inner conductor from the outer shield. Herein is disclosed a biopsy needle antenna, including a magnetic resonance imaging antenna, having an outer shield, and an inner conductor electrically insulated from the outer shield by a dielectric; and a biopsy needle electrically connected to the inner conductor and electrically insulated from the outer shield by the dielectric. Herein is disclosed a method of obtaining a sample with magnetic resonance imaging guidance, including providing a sampling needle magnetic resonance imaging antenna, advancing the antenna to a structure from which the sample is to be taken, detecting magnetic resonance data by the antenna, and coupling the sample to the antenna.
Abstract:
Herein is disclosed an MRI compatible medical lead with band stop filters in communication with a respective lead conductor and electrode tuned to resonate at selected (MRI) high frequencies.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method and system for acquiring absolute temperature imagery using an MR scanner. The method involves using the RF coil as a passive antenna, and performing radiometric measurements of the noise variance of the target within the field of view of the RF coil. The noise variance corresponds to the absolute temperature of the volume within the field of view of the RF coil. The room of the MR scanner is used for electromagnetic shielding during the acquisition of radiometric data. This method may be performed with minimal or no add-ons to existing MR scanner hardware. Disclosed are a method for calibrating an MR scanner for radiometric temperature measurements, and a method for acquiring and generating thermal imagery with a calibrated MR scanner.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a guide catheter that includes one or more RF antennas to enhance the visibility of the guide catheter in MR imagery. One embodiment of the guide catheter includes a loop coil at the distal end of the guide catheter and a loopless antenna between the distal end and the proximal end. By combining a loop coil and a loopless antenna on the catheter, the shaft of the catheter may be visible in MR imagery while the distal end may appear in the MR imagery more brightly than the shaft.
Abstract:
The systems and methods of the present invention provide for MRI probes adapted for insertion into a plurality of body orifices, in order to evaluate the anatomy of proximate anatomic structures, to diagnose abnormalities thereof and to treat the diagnosed abnormalities. MRI probes are described that are suitable for use in the mediastinum, in the pancreaticohepaticobiliary system, in the tracheobronchopulmonary system, in the head and neck, in the genitourinary system, the gastrointestinal system, the vascular system, and in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of internal fluid collections.