[Percutaneous interventions in an open MR system: technical background and clinical indications]

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Radiology
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Context:

• Advancements in open magnetic resonance (MR) scanners, specifically 1 Tesla (T) systems, offer enhanced efficiency and image quality for interventional procedures.
• Interactive software aids in planning and executing examinations, improving workflow for clinicians.
• The capability for freehand, fluoroscopic guidance in two imaging planes is crucial for accurate device positioning.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and applications of 1 T open MR scanners in guiding percutaneous interventions.
• To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of MR-guided procedures.
• To assess the integration of this technology into routine clinical practice.

Summary:

• 1 T open MR scanners facilitate high-quality, freehand fluoroscopic interventions with excellent image quality.
• The technology supports a broad range of percutaneous interventions, including periradicular therapy, drainage, biopsies (breast, liver), and ablation of hepatic/renal lesions.
• Procedures are fast, do not require robotic devices, and are increasingly adopted in clinical settings.

Impact:

• MR-guided interventions offer a fast, effective approach for various percutaneous treatments, improving patient care.
• The technology's increasing use in clinical routine signifies its growing importance in interventional radiology.
• Future development should address limitations such as restricted verbal communication and the need for a wider range of MR-compatible instruments.