Temperature Measurement Using Echo-Shifted FLASH at Low Field for Interventional MRI

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background:

• Accurate temperature monitoring is crucial for interventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (iMRI) procedures.
• Existing methods for temperature measurement in MRI environments have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel method for temperature measurement using echo-shifted Fast Low Angle Shot (FLASH) sequences at low magnetic field strengths.
• To assess the feasibility of this technique for real-time temperature monitoring during interventional procedures within an MRI scanner.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of echo-shifted FLASH sequences tailored for low-field MRI.
• Acquisition of temperature-dependent signal changes.
• Calibration and validation of the temperature measurement technique.

Main Results:

• The echo-shifted FLASH technique demonstrated a clear correlation between signal intensity and temperature.
• Accurate temperature measurements were achieved with good spatial and temporal resolution.
• The method proved effective for monitoring temperature changes in relevant interventional scenarios.

Conclusions:

• Echo-shifted FLASH is a viable and effective method for temperature measurement in low-field interventional MRI.
• This technique offers potential for enhanced safety and efficacy in MRI-guided interventions.