MR-guided procedures using contemporaneous imaging frameless stereotaxis in an open-configuration system

Frameless MR-guided procedures have had limited application using conventional closed magnets, due largely to the technical difficulties involved. As a result of in-room MR image-monitoring capabilities, new open-design magnets now allow frameless stereotaxis using contemporaneous imaging to guide more invasive procedures. We evaluate our clinical experience with this new technique. An open-design 0.2 T magnet (Siemens OPEN) combined with an in-room monitor was used for 33 frameless MR-guided procedures (aspiration cytology, biopsy, and/or treatment) in a variety of locations in the head, neck, spine, brain, pelvis, and abdomen. Success of the procedure was based on the ability to accurately position the instrument in the target region to allow biopsy and/or treatment. The open-design magnet allowed the physician to directly access the patient for frameless stereotaxis as the procedure was performed. The in-room monitor provided contemporaneous imaging feedback during the procedure for successful placement of the instrument in the target region. Twenty-eight biopsy and five treatment procedures were performed. In all cases the technique resulted in successful placement of the instrument within the target tissue to complete the procedure. MR-guided procedures using contemporaneous imaging frameless stereotaxis are possible in an open-design magnet with in-room image monitoring and offer exciting possibilities for further development.