[Active MR tracking system at 0.2T MR, a preliminary report: real time position tracking on interventional MR]

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Radiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Context:

• Low-field (0.2 T) open MRI systems present unique challenges for active tracking of interventional devices.
• Existing tracking technologies may not be optimal for the reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at lower field strengths.
• Development of specialized hardware is crucial for enabling precise instrument navigation in these environments.

Purpose:

• To develop and evaluate an active magnetic resonance (MR) tracking system for interventional devices at 0.2 T.
• To design and optimize microcoils for stable tracking under low SNR conditions.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of MR-guided interventions using the developed tracking system.

Summary:

• An active MR tracking system was implemented on a 0.2 T open MRI scanner.
• Receive-only microcoils (2 mm diameter, 20 turns) were engineered for stable tracking at 0.2 T, addressing low SNR.
• Simulations of MR-guided biopsy and successful in vivo tracking of a catheter in a dog's aorta and IVC were performed.

Impact:

• Enables enhanced precision and safety for minimally invasive procedures in open MRI settings.
• Facilitates the use of interventional tools in lower-cost, more accessible MRI systems.
• Paves the way for advanced MR-guided therapies and biopsies at low magnetic field strengths.