Development and implementation of an MR-compatible whole body video system

Abstract

In conventional fMRI, the possibilities for remote visual monitoring of a volunteer or patient during scanning are very limited. However, performance during motor paradigms, monitoring of ventilated patients, or patients with movement disorders is often of particular interest. In order to facilitate remote visual monitoring during MRI examinations, an MR-compatible video system was developed and implemented to allow monitoring of the face and the body, separately, with two cameras. The system reliably allows the recording of video data during MRI scanning without affecting MR image quality. The applicability of the system for the online recording of tics during an fMRI study with Tourette patients is demonstrated. Monitoring of a motor task in healthy controls and Tourette patients was possible with exact synchronisation to the fMRI paradigm. Details of system set up and example control measurements are presented. Further, electronic and mechanical components are described in detail enabling easy reproduction of the system.