Intraluminal MRI and interventions: Innovation and application

Intraluminal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising option to guide interventions, offering several advantages over other imaging modalities. It provides high spatial and contrast resolution for imaging luminal structures, excellent extra-luminal soft tissue visualization, real-time tracking of interventional devices, and operates without ionizing radiation. The applications of intraluminal MRI range from high-resolution imaging of vessel walls to MRI-guided interventions for managing life-threatening conditions such as cardiovascular atherosclerotic disease and malignancies within luminal structures. Clinical use of intraluminal MR technology optimizes endovascular delivery of therapeutics to targeted vessel segments and guides myocardial delivery of stem cells. However, advancements are still required, such as the refinement of MR-compatible interventional devices, development of real-time "MR fluoroscopy" similar to X-ray fluoroscopy, and establishment of safe clinical environments with large bore and short magnets. These improvements are essential for broader clinical adoption of intraluminal MR technology in healthcare.