Magneto-inductive catheter receiver for magnetic resonance imaging

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Metamaterials

Background:

• Internal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requires specialized radiofrequency (RF) receiver technology.
• Existing solutions face challenges in signal transmission and compatibility with clinical workflows.
• Metamaterials offer unique electromagnetic properties for novel device designs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a catheter-based RF receiver for internal MRI.
• To develop a device compatible with existing clinical tools like duodenoscopes and guidewires.
• To achieve high-resolution imaging in internal anatomical regions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a double-sided thin-film circuit wrapped around a hollow catheter.
• Utilized a resonant LC circuit at the catheter tip for signal detection.
• Employed a magneto-inductive waveguide (coupled LC circuits) for signal transmission along the catheter.
• Incorporated figure-of-eight elements for decoupling from external B1 and E fields.
• Coupled the system to a conventional RF system via a demountable inductive transducer.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated decoupling against external B1 and E fields.
• Achieved in vitro (1)H magnetic resonance imaging with submillimeter resolution at 1.5 T using phantoms.
• The device is guidewire-compatible and can pass through a duodenoscope biopsy channel.

Conclusions:

• The developed catheter-based RF receiver is a viable technology for internal MRI.
• The system's design facilitates integration into current clinical practices, particularly for biliary imaging.
• This innovation holds potential for advancing image-guided procedures.