A truly hybrid interventional MR/X-ray system: feasibility demonstration

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Image-guided interventions require precise visualization.
• Simultaneous X-ray and MRI could enhance procedural accuracy.
• Patient repositioning between imaging modalities is a significant limitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the technical feasibility of acquiring X-ray images within an open MRI environment.
• To address challenges associated with integrating X-ray and MRI systems.
• To evaluate the potential for a single-session, dual-modality imaging system.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a flat-panel X-ray detector and a fixed-anode X-ray tube within an open MRI scanner (GE Signa SP).
• Investigation of X-ray tube electron beam deflection and defocusing.
• Assessment of flat panel detector performance under MRI conditions.
• Evaluation of MRI B0 field homogeneity and radiofrequency (RF) noise.

Main Results:

• Successful acquisition of high-quality X-ray and MRI images without patient repositioning.
• Identified and studied key technical challenges including electron beam behavior, detector function, field homogeneity, and RF noise.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of the hybrid imaging configuration.

Conclusions:

• A hybrid X-ray fluoroscopy and MRI system is technically feasible for combined imaging.
• The developed system overcomes significant technical hurdles for simultaneous acquisition.
• Further optimization is needed to maximize image quality for both modalities.