Real-time Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guidance Research Articles

Real-time 3T MRI-guided cardiovascular catheterization in a porcine model using a glass-fiber epoxy-based guidewire.

PurposeReal-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising alternative to X-ray fluoroscopy for guiding cardiovascular catheterization procedures. Major challenges, however, include the lack of guidewires that are compatible with the MRI environment, not susceptible to radiofrequency-induced heating, and reliably visualized. Preclinical evaluation of new guidewire designs has been conducted at 1.5T. Here we further evaluate the safety (device heating), device visualization, and procedural feasibility of 3T MRI-guided cardiovascular catheterization using a novel MRI-visible glass-fiber epoxy-based guidewire in phantoms and porcine models.MethodsTo evaluate device safety, guidewire tip heating (GTH) was measured in phantom experiments with different combinations of catheters and guidewires. In vivo cardiovascular catheterization procedures were performed in both healthy (N = 5) and infarcted (N = 5) porcine models under real-time 3T MRI guidance using a glass-fiber epoxy-based guidewire. The times for each procedural step were recorded separately. Guidewire visualization was assessed by measuring the dimensions of the guidewire-induced signal void and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between the guidewire tip signal void and the blood signal in real-time gradient-echo MRI (specific absorption rate [SAR] = 0.04 W/kg).ResultsIn the phantom experiments, GTH did not exceed 0.35°C when using the real-time gradient-echo sequence (SAR = 0.04 W/kg), demonstrating the safety of the glass-fiber epoxy-based guidewire at 3T. The catheter was successfully placed in the left ventricle (LV) under real-time MRI for all five healthy subjects and three out of five infarcted subjects. Signal void dimensions and CNR values showed consistent visualization of the glass-fiber epoxy-based guidewire in real-time MRI. The average time (minutes:seconds) for the catheterization procedure in all subjects was 4:32, although the procedure time varied depending on the subject’s specific anatomy (standard deviation = 4:41).ConclusionsReal-time 3T MRI-guided cardiovascular catheterization using a new MRI-visible glass-fiber epoxy-based guidewire is feasible in terms of visualization and guidewire navigation, and safe in terms of radiofrequency-induced guidewire tip heating.

An Integrated Robotic System for MRI-Guided Neuroablation: Preclinical Evaluation.

Treatment of brain tumors requires high precision in order to ensure sufficient treatment while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Ablation of such tumors using needle-based therapeutic ultrasound (NBTU) under real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can fulfill this need. However, the constrained space and strong magnetic field in the MRI bore restricts patient access limiting precise placement of the NBTU ablation tool. A surgical robot compatible with use inside the bore of an MRI scanner can alleviate these challenges. We present preclinical trials of a robotic system for NBTU ablation of brain tumors under real-time MRI guidance. The system comprises of an updated robotic manipulator and corresponding control electronics, the NBTU ablation system and applications for planning, navigation and monitoring of the system. The robotic system had a mean translational and rotational accuracy of 1.39 ±0.64mm and 1.27[Formula: see text] in gelatin phantoms and 3.13 ±1.41mm and 5.58[Formula: see text] in 10 porcine trials while causing a maximum reduction in signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 10.3%. The integrated robotic system can place NBTU ablator at a desired target location in porcine brain and monitor the ablation in realtime via magnetic resonance thermal imaging (MRTI). Further optimization of this system could result in a clinically viable system for use in human trials for various diagnostic or therapeutic neurosurgical interventions.

Remotely Actuated Needle Driving Device for MRI-Guided Percutaneous Interventions: Force and Accuracy Evaluation.

This paper presents a 2 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) remotely actuated needle driving device for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) guided pain injections. The device is evaluated in phantom studies under real-time MRI guidance. The force and torque asserted by the device on the 4-DOF base robot are measured. The needle driving device consists of a needle driver, a 1.2-meter long beaded chain transmission, an actuation box, a robot controller and a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The needle driver can fit within a typical MRI scanner bore and is remotely actuated at the end of the MRI table through a novel beaded chain transmission. The remote actuation mechanism significantly reduces the weight and size of the needle driver at the patient end as well as the artifacts introduced by the motors. The clinician can manually steer the needle by rotating the knobs on the actuation box or remotely through a software interface in the MRI console room. The force and torque resulting from the needle driver in various configurations both in static and dynamic status were measured and reported. An accuracy experiment in the MRI environment under real-time image feedback demonstrates a small mean targeting error (<; 1.5 mm) in a phantom study.

Real-time magnetic resonance imaging-guided cryoablation of the pulmonary veins with acute freeze-zone and chronic lesion assessment.

The goals of this study were to develop a method that combines cryoablation with real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and to further quantify the lesion formation by imaging both acute and chronic cryolesions. Investigational MRI-compatible cryoablation devices were created by modifying cryoballoons and cryocatheters. These devices were used in canines (n = 8) and a complete series of lesions (PVI: n = 5, superior vena cava: n = 4, focal: n = 13) were made under real-time MRI guidance. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging was acquired at acute and chronic time points. Late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imagings show a significant amount of acute tissue injury immediately following cryoablation which subsides over time. In the pulmonary veins, scar covered 100% of the perimeter of the ostium of the veins acutely, which subsided to 95.6 ± 4.3% after 3 months. Focal point lesions showed significantly larger acute enhancement volumes compared to the volumes estimated from gross pathology measurements (0.4392 ± 0.28 cm3 vs. 0.1657 ± 0.08 cm3, P = 0.0043). Additionally, our results with focal point ablations indicate that freeze-zone formation reached a maximum area after 120 s. This study reports on the development of an MRI-based cryoablation system and shows that with acute cryolesions there is a large area of reversible injury. Real-time MRI provides the ability to visualize the freeze-zone formation during the freeze cycle and for focal lesions reaches a maximum after 120 s suggesting that for maximizing lesion size 120 s might be the lower limit for dosing duration.

Magnetic resonance imaging guidance for the optimization of ventricular tachycardia ablation.

Catheter ablation has an important role in the management of patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) but is limited by modest long-term success rates. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide valuable anatomic and functional information as well as potentially improve identification of target sites for ablation. A major limitation of current MRI protocols is the spatial resolution required to identify the areas of tissue responsible for VT but recent developments have led to new strategies which may improve substrate assessment. Potential ways in which detailed information gained from MRI may be utilized during electrophysiology procedures include image integration or performing a procedure under real-time MRI guidance. Image integration allows pre-procedural magnetic resonance (MR) images to be registered with electroanatomical maps to help guide VT ablation and has shown promise in preliminary studies. However, multiple errors can arise during this process due to the registration technique used, changes in ventricular geometry between the time of MRI and the ablation procedure, respiratory and cardiac motion. As isthmus sites may only be a few millimetres wide, reducing these errors may be critical to improve outcomes in VT ablation. Real-time MR-guided intervention has emerged as an alternative solution to address the limitations of pre-acquired imaging to guide ablation. There is now a growing body of literature describing the feasibility, techniques, and potential applications of real-time MR-guided electrophysiology. We review whether real-time MR-guided intervention could be applied in the setting of VT ablation and the potential challenges that need to be overcome.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Transcatheter Cavopulmonary Shunt.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would enable closed-chest percutaneous cavopulmonary anastomosis and shunt by facilitating needle guidance along a curvilinear trajectory, around critical structures, and between a superior vena cava "donor" vessel and a pulmonary artery "target." Children with single-ventricle physiology require multiple open heart operations for palliation, including sternotomies and cardiopulmonary bypass. The reduced morbidity of a catheter-based approach would be attractive. Fifteen naive swine underwent transcatheter cavopulmonary anastomosis and shunt creation under 1.5-T MRI guidance. An MRI antenna-needle was advanced from the superior vena cava into the target pulmonary artery bifurcation using real-time MRI guidance. In 10 animals, balloon-expanded off-the-shelf endografts secured a proximal end-to-end caval anastomosis and a distal end-to-side pulmonary anastomosis that preserved blood flow to both branch pulmonary arteries. In 5 animals, this was achieved with a novel, purpose-built, self-expanding device. Real-time MRI needle access of target vessels (pulmonary artery), endograft delivery, and superior vena cava shunt to pulmonary arteries were successful in all animals. All survived the procedure without complications. Intraprocedural real-time MRI, post-procedural MRI, x-ray angiography, computed tomography, and necropsy showed patent shunts with bidirectional pulmonary artery blood flow. MRI guidance enabled a complex, closed-chest, beating-heart, pediatric, transcatheter structural heart procedure. In this study, MRI guided trajectory planning and reproducible, reliable bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt creation.

Transcatheter Myocardial Needle Chemoablation During Real-Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A New Approach to Ablation Therapy for Rhythm Disorders.

Radiofrequency ablation for ventricular arrhythmias is limited by inability to visualize tissue destruction, by reversible conduction block resulting from edema surrounding lesions, and by insufficient lesion depth. We hypothesized that transcatheter needle injection of caustic agents doped with gadolinium contrast under real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could achieve deep, targeted, and irreversible myocardial ablation, which would be immediately visible. Under real-time MRI guidance, ethanol or acetic acid was injected into the myocardium of 8 swine using MRI-conspicuous needle catheters. Chemoablation lesions had identical geometry by in vivo and ex vivo MRI and histopathology, both immediately and after 12 (7-17) days. Ethanol caused stellate lesions with patchy areas of normal myocardium, whereas acetic acid caused homogeneous circumscribed lesions of irreversible necrosis. Ischemic cardiomyopathy was created in 10 additional swine by subselective transcoronary ethanol administration into noncontiguous territories. After 12 (8-15) days, real-time MRI-guided chemoablation-with 2 to 5 injections to create a linear lesion-successfully eliminated the isthmus and local abnormal voltage activities. Real-time MRI-guided chemoablation with acetic acid enabled the intended arrhythmic substrate, whether deep or superficial, to be visualized immediately and ablated irreversibly. In an animal model of ischemic cardiomyopathy, obliteration of a conductive isthmus both anatomically and functionally and abolition of local abnormal voltage activities in areas of heterogeneous scar were feasible. This represents the first report of MRI-guided myocardial chemoablation, an approach that could improve the efficacy of arrhythmic substrate ablation in the thick ventricular myocardium.

Real-time magnetic resonance imaging guidance improves the yield of endomyocardial biopsy

Background In current practice, the diagnostic yield of endomyocardial biopsy is low because the procedure is performed ‘blind’ using X-ray fluoroscopy guidance and because many pathologies affect the myocardium in a patchy distribution. We hypothesized that biopsy performed under direct realtime MRI guidance would have superior diagnostic yield, in an animal model of focal myocardium pathology.

Multi-selective catheter for MR-guided endovascular interventions

Selective catheters have predefined distal shapes and need to be exchanged to change tip geometry to facilitate selective catheterization of vascular side branches. These repeated insertions increase the risk of endovascular injury and radiation dose in conventional catheterization laboratories.The aim of this study is to develop a multi-selective catheter that can replace three conventional selective catheters that are commonly used sequentially in a single procedure. By integrating the different shapes in one instrument, it is possible to avoid the required time-consuming exchange. This new instrument is also made compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance, which, unlike X-ray, presents variable soft tissue contrast without the use of ionizing radiation.A 1.2 m long and 2.15 mm diameter deflectable polymer-based catheter was assembled and three widely used selective catheters could be mimicked. The instrument was visible on the images without producing unwanted artifacts in an abdominal model and in an animal under real-time MRI guidance. Simple navigation tasks were performed together with a 0.035 in. MRI-safe guidewire. In these tasks, the iliac, renal, brachiocephalic, and left subclavian arteries were cannulated only by using the shape setting and without exchange of the instruments.

Transapical sutureless aortic valve implantation under magnetic resonance imaging guidance: Acute and short-term results

Despite the increasing success and applicability of transcatheter aortic valve replacement, 2 critical issues remain: the durability of the valves, and the ideal imaging to aid implantation. This study was designed to investigate the transapical implantation of a device of known durability using real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance. A sutureless aortic valve was used that employs a self-expanding nitinol stent and is amenable to transapical delivery. MRI (1.5-T) was used to identify the anatomic landmarks in 60-kg Yucatan swine. Prostheses were loaded into an MRI-compatible delivery device with an active guidewire to enhance visualization. A series of acute feasibility experiments were conducted (n = 10). Additional animals (n = 6) were allowed to survive and had follow-up MRI scans and echocardiography at 90 days postoperatively. Postmortem gross examination was performed. The valve was MRI compatible and created no significant MRI artifacts. The 3 commissural struts were visible on short-axis view; therefore, coronary ostia obstruction was easily avoided. The average implantation time was 65 seconds. Final results demonstrated stability of the implants with preservation of myocardial perfusion and function over 90 days: the ejection fraction was 48% ± 15%; the peak gradient was 17.3 ± 11.3 mm Hg; the mean gradient was 9.8 ± 7.2 mm Hg. Mild aortic regurgitation was seen in 4 cases, trace in 1 case, and a severe central jet in 1 case. Prosthesis positioning was evaluated during gross examination. We demonstrated that a sutureless aortic valve can be safely and expeditiously implanted through a transapical approach under real-time MRI guidance. Postimplantation results showed a well-functioning prosthesis, with minimal regurgitation, and stability over time.

Magnetically Assisted Remote-controlled Endovascular Catheter for Interventional MR Imaging: In Vitro Navigation at 1.5 T versus X-ray Fluoroscopy

To compare in vitro navigation of a magnetically assisted remote-controlled (MARC) catheter under real-time magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with manual navigation under MR imaging and standard x-ray guidance in endovascular catheterization procedures in an abdominal aortic phantom. The 2-mm-diameter custom clinical-grade microcatheter prototype with a solenoid coil at the distal tip was deflected with a foot pedal actuator used to deliver 300 mA of positive or negative current. Investigators navigated the catheter into branch vessels in a custom cryogel abdominal aortic phantom. This was repeated under MR imaging guidance without magnetic assistance and under conventional x-ray fluoroscopy. MR experiments were performed at 1.5 T by using a balanced steady-state free precession sequence. The mean procedure times and percentage success data were determined and analyzed with a linear mixed-effects regression analysis. The catheter was clearly visible under real-time MR imaging. One hundred ninety-two (80%) of 240 turns were successfully completed with magnetically assisted guidance versus 144 (60%) of 240 turns with nonassisted guidance (P < .001) and 119 (74%) of 160 turns with standard x-ray guidance (P = .028). Overall mean procedure time was shorter with magnetically assisted than with nonassisted guidance under MR imaging (37 seconds ± 6 [standard error of the mean] vs 55 seconds ± 3, P < .001), and time was comparable between magnetically assisted and standard x-ray guidance (37 seconds ± 6 vs 44 seconds ± 3, P = .045). When stratified by angle of branch vessel, magnetic assistance was faster than nonassisted MR guidance at turns of 45°, 60°, and 75°. In this study, a MARC catheter for endovascular navigation under real-time MR imaging guidance was developed and tested. For catheterization of branch vessels arising at large angles, magnetically assisted catheterization was faster than manual catheterization under MR imaging guidance and was comparable to standard x-ray guidance.

Real-Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Guided Cryoablation of Small Renal Tumors at 1.5 T

Real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided cryoablation has been investigated in open MRI systems with low magnetic fields (0.2-0.5 T). More advanced imaging techniques and faster imaging rates are possible at higher magnetic fields, which often require a closed-bore magnet design. However, there is very little experience with real-time interventions in closed-bore 1.5-T MRI units. Herein, we report our initial experience with real-time MRI-guided cryoablation of small renal tumors using a prototype balanced steady-state free precession imaging sequence in a closed-bore 1.5-T MRI system. From August 2008 to April 2012, 18 patients underwent MRI-guided cryoablation of small renal tumors. A 1.5-T cylindrical MRI scanner with a 125 cm × 70 cm bore and a prototype balanced steady-state free precession sequence (BEAT interactive real-time tip tracking) were used to guide the placement of 17-gauge cryoprobes in real time. Ice ball formation was monitored every 3 minutes in 1 or more imaging planes. Each ablation consisted of 2 freeze-thaw cycles. Contrast-enhanced MRI was performed after the second active thaw period. Follow-up consisted of clinical evaluation and renal protocol computed tomography (CT) or MRI performed at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months and annually thereafter. During the study period, we successfully ablated 18 tumors in 18 patients in 18 sessions. The mean tumor size was 2.2 cm (median, 2 cm; range, 1.2-4.4 cm). The number of cryoprobes used per patient was determined based on tumor size. The mean number of cryoprobes used per patient was 3 (median, 3 cryoprobes; range, 2-4 cryoprobes). Fifty-six cryoprobes, 9 biopsy needles, and 2 hydrodissection needles were successfully placed under real-time MRI guidance using BEAT interactive real-time tip tracking sequence. Hydrodissection under MRI guidance was successfully performed in 4 patients. In each patient, contrast-enhanced MRI performed after the second active thaw period revealed a sharply defined avascular zone surrounding the targeted tumor, which confirmed complete ablation of the tumor with adequate margins. Although contrast media slowly accumulated in the targeted tumor in 9 patients immediately after the procedure, follow-up imaging studies performed at a mean of 16.7 months revealed no contrast enhancement within the ablation zone in these patients. Disease-specific, metastasis-free, and local recurrence-free survival rates were all 100%. Real-time placement and manipulation of cryoprobes during MRI-guided cryoablation of small renal tumors in a closed-bore, high-magnetic field scanner are feasible. Technical and clinical success rates are similar to those of patients who undergo CT-guided radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation of small renal tumors. Our findings suggest that MRI-guided ablation has several advantages over CT-guided ablation, including real-time guidance for probe placement, multiplanar imaging, exquisite soft tissue contrast, and lack of ionizing radiation.

A Fully Actuated Robotic Assistant for MRI-Guided Prostate Biopsy and Brachytherapy.

Intra-operative medical imaging enables incorporation of human experience and intelligence in a controlled, closed-loop fashion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an ideal modality for surgical guidance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, with its ability to perform high resolution, real-time, high soft tissue contrast imaging without ionizing radiation. However, for most current image-guided approaches only static pre-operative images are accessible for guidance, which are unable to provide updated information during a surgical procedure. The high magnetic field, electrical interference, and limited access of closed-bore MRI render great challenges to developing robotic systems that can perform inside a diagnostic high-field MRI while obtaining interactively updated MR images. To overcome these limitations, we are developing a piezoelectrically actuated robotic assistant for actuated percutaneous prostate interventions under real-time MRI guidance. Utilizing a modular design, the system enables coherent and straight forward workflow for various percutaneous interventions, including prostate biopsy sampling and brachytherapy seed placement, using various needle driver configurations. The unified workflow compromises: 1) system hardware and software initialization, 2) fiducial frame registration, 3) target selection and motion planning, 4) moving to the target and performing the intervention (e.g. taking a biopsy sample) under live imaging, and 5) visualization and verification. Phantom experiments of prostate biopsy and brachytherapy were executed under MRI-guidance to evaluate the feasibility of the workflow. The robot successfully performed fully actuated biopsy sampling and delivery of simulated brachytherapy seeds under live MR imaging, as well as precise delivery of a prostate brachytherapy seed distribution with an RMS accuracy of 0.98mm.

Percutaneous Punctures with MR Imaging Guidance: Comparison between MR Imaging–enhanced Fluoroscopic Guidance and Real-time MR Imaging Guidance

To evaluate and compare the technical accuracy and feasibility of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-enhanced fluoroscopic guidance and real-time MR imaging guidance for percutaneous puncture procedures in phantoms and animals. The experimental protocol was approved by the institutional animal care and use committee. Punctures were performed in phantoms, aiming for markers (20 each for MR imaging-enhanced fluoroscopic guidance and real-time MR imaging guidance), and pigs, aiming for anatomic landmarks (10 for MR imaging-enhanced fluoroscopic guidance and five for MR imaging guidance). To guide the punctures, T1-weighted three-dimensional (3D) MR images of the phantom or pig were acquired. Additional axial and coronal T2-weighted images were used to visualize the anatomy in the animals. For MR imaging-enhanced fluoroscopic guidance, phantoms and pigs were transferred to the fluoroscopic system after initial MR imaging and C-arm computed tomography (CT) was performed. C-arm CT and MR imaging data sets were coregistered. Prototype navigation software was used to plan a puncture path with use of MR images and to superimpose it on fluoroscopic images. For real-time MR imaging, an interventional MR imaging prototype for interactive real-time section position navigation was used. Punctures were performed within the magnet bore. After completion, 3D MR imaging was performed to evaluate the accuracy of insertions. Puncture durations were compared by using the log-rank test. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied to compare the spatial errors. In phantoms, the mean total error was 8.6 mm ± 2.8 with MR imaging-enhanced fluoroscopic guidance and 4.0 mm ± 1.2 with real-time MR imaging guidance (P < .001). The mean puncture time was 2 minutes 10 seconds ± 44 seconds with MR imaging-enhanced fluoroscopic guidance and 37 seconds ± 14 with real-time MR imaging guidance (P < .001). In the animal study, a tolerable distance (<1 cm) between target and needle tip was observed for both MR imaging-enhanced fluoroscopic guidance and real-time MR imaging guidance. The mean total error was 7.7 mm ± 2.4 with MR imaging-enhanced fluoroscopic guidance and 7.9 mm ± 4.9 with real-time MR imaging guidance (P = .77). The mean puncture time was 5 minutes 43 seconds ± 2 minutes 7 seconds with MR imaging-enhanced fluoroscopic guidance and 5 minutes 14 seconds ± 2 minutes 25 seconds with real-time MR imaging guidance (P = .68). Both MR imaging-enhanced fluoroscopic guidance and real-time MR imaging guidance demonstrated reasonable and similar accuracy in guiding needle placement to selected targets in phantoms and animals.

Real-time MR Imaging Guidance for Percutaneous Core Biopsy of US- and CT-negative Lesion

Biopsies traditionally are performed under ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), or fluoroscopic guidance. In situations in which lesions are difficult to visualize with US or CT guidance, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging often can provide better imaging results. The authors describe a case in which a recurrent calf mass not well visualized under fluoroscopy, CT, or US was identified on MR imaging. In the absence of real-time needle visualization, percutaneous interventions under MR guidance have been limited by prohibitively long imaging times. A novel guidance system providing real-time MR guidance of needle position was used to procure a core biopsy specimen of the lesion.

Identification and Acute Targeting of Gaps in Atrial Ablation Lesion Sets Using a Real-Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging System

Radiofrequency ablation is routinely used to treat cardiac arrhythmias, but gaps remain in ablation lesion sets because there is no direct visualization of ablation-related changes. In this study, we acutely identify and target gaps using a real-time magnetic resonance imaging (RT-MRI) system, leading to a complete and transmural ablation in the atrium. A swine model was used for these studies (n=12). Ablation lesions with a gap were created in the atrium using fluoroscopy and an electroanatomic system in the first group (n=5). The animal was then moved to a 3-tesla MRI system where high-resolution late gadolinium enhancement MRI was used to identify the gap. Using an RT-MRI catheter navigation and visualization system, the gap area was ablated in the MR scanner. In a second group (n=7), ablation lesions with varying gaps in between were created under RT-MRI guidance, and gap lengths determined using late gadolinium enhancement MR images were correlated with gap length measured from gross pathology. Gaps up to 1.0 mm were identified using gross pathology, and gaps up to 1.4 mm were identified using late gadolinium enhancement MRI. Using an RT-MRI system with active catheter navigation gaps can be targeted acutely, leading to lesion sets with no gaps. The correlation coefficient (R(2)) between the gap length was identified using MRI, and the gross pathology was 0.95. RT-MRI system can be used to identify and acutely target gaps in atrial ablation lesion sets. Acute targeting of gaps in ablation lesion sets can potentially lead to significant improvement in clinical outcomes.

Cardiac catheter ablation under real-time magnetic resonance guidance

One of the main shortcomings of interventional electrophysiology (EP) is its inability to generate sufficient soft tissue contrast for intra-procedural visualization of the myocardium and the surrounding tissue, using conventional imaging techniques. Interventional cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) aims at bringing about significant improvements to the complex and decisive EP interventions far beyond the capabilities of currently available supportive imaging techniques used to surmount the drawbacks of fluoroscopy, as MRI not only allows of precise three-dimensional exposure of the cardiovascular morphology, but also proves to be a promising technique exclusively suitable for direct visualization of arrhythmogenic substrate and therapeutic effects. The major challenge posed by clinical adoption of MR-guided EP interventions is the development of a set-up that overcomes the large number of technical problems caused by the interference of the EP set-up with the MRI environment. Late decisive improvements of an interventional MR-EP setup just recently enabled accomplishment of initial clinical applications in our hospital using this new technique. The figure illustrates the successful treatment of the first patient with arrhythmia after two failed approaches of conventional catheter ablation therapy using catheter ablation under real-time MRI guidance. This patient suffered from congestive heart failure due to pulmonary hypertension with repeated pulmonary embolism resulting in a highly dilated right ventricle (Panel A). His clinical condition dramatically worsened because of atrial flutter, but medical therapy was inefficient and catheter ablation failed to restore sinus rhythm, presumably because of pronounced right ventricular and atrial hypertrophy. The patient was referred to the MRI for real-time MR-guided ablation therapy. The intervention was performed in total in the MR scanner room (1.5 T MRI, Siemens, Germany) without using fluoroscopy. Intra-cardiac catheter guidance and mapping in the right atrium and ventricle with the custom,irrigated catheters (VascoMed/Biotronik, Germany) specially designed for use in the MRI is shown in Panel B and in Supplementary material online, Video S1. Panels C and D illustrate real-time monitoring of lesion formation during the procedure, with T2-weighted imaging used to confirm transmurality of the lesions after ablation (arrow, Panel D). Surface ECG and IEGMs acquired by a Cardio Lab EP console with custom filters during MR-guided mapping, ablation, and after successful completion of isthmus blockade are shown in Panel E. ​. In this patient, catheter ablation under real-time MRI guidance could be successfully carried out as a new technique to treat arrhythmia after two failed approaches of conventional catheter ablation. Combination of advanced imaging techniques for simultaneous tissue and catheter visualization, monitoring of ablation, and assessment of the ablation lesions may be potential advantages over conventional EP in the future. Further technical and procedural improvements are warranted, which would concurrently widen the range of applications and assure patient safety, in order to bring this technique to broader clinical practice. Supplementary material is available at European Heart Journal online. Funding: Funding to pay the Open Access publication charges for this article was provided by Department of Medicine I, University of Wurzburg, Germany.

Closed-Chest Transthoracic Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Ventricular Septal Defect Closure in Swine

The aim of this study was to close ventricular septal defects (VSDs) directly through the chest wall using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance, without cardiopulmonary bypass, sternotomy, or radiation exposure. Surgical, percutaneous, and hybrid management of VSD each have limitations and known morbidity. Percutaneous muscular VSDs were created in 10 naive Yorkshire swine using a transjugular laser catheter. Under real-time MRI guidance, a direct transthoracic vascular access sheath was introduced through the chest into the heart along a trajectory suitable for VSD access and closure. Through this transthoracic sheath, muscular VSDs were occluded using a commercial nitinol device. Finally, the right ventricular free wall was closed using a commercial collagen plug intended for arterial closure. Anterior, posterior, and mid-muscular VSDs (6.8 ± 1.8 mm) were created. VSDs were closed successfully in all animals. The transthoracic access sheath was displaced in 2, both fatal. Thereafter, we tested an intracameral retention sheath to prevent this complication. Right ventricular access ports were closed successfully in all, and after as many as 30 days, healed successfully. Real-time MRI guidance allowed closed-chest transthoracic perventricular muscular VSD closure in a clinically meaningful animal model. Once applied to patients, this approach may avoid traditional surgical, percutaneous, or open-chest transcatheter ("hybrid") risks.

MRI‐guided vascular access with an active visualization needle

To develop an approach to vascular access under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as a component of comprehensive MRI-guided cardiovascular catheterization and intervention. We attempted jugular vein access in healthy pigs as a model of "difficult" vascular access. Procedures were performed under real-time MRI guidance using reduced field of view imaging. We developed an "active" MRI antenna-needle having an open-lumen, distinct tip appearance and indicators of depth and trajectory in order to enhance MRI visibility during the procedure. We compared performance of the active needle against an unmodified commercial passively visualized needle, measured by procedure success among operators with different levels of experience. MRI-guided central vein access was feasible using both the active needle and the unmodified passive needle. The active needle required less time (88 vs. 244 sec, P = 0.022) and fewer needle passes (4.5 vs. 9.1, P = 0.028), irrespective of operator experience. MRI-guided access to central veins is feasible in our animal model. When image guidance is necessary for vascular access, performing this component under MRI will allow wholly MRI-guided catheterization procedures that do not require adjunctive imaging facilities such as x-ray or ultrasound. The active needle design showed enhanced visibility, as expected. These capabilities may permit more complex catheter-based cardiovascular interventional procedures enabled by enhanced image guidance.

Feasibility of a Pneumatically Actuated MR-compatible Robot for Transrectal Prostate Biopsy Guidance

To assess the feasibility of using a remote-controlled, pneumatically actuated magnetic resonance (MR)-compatible robotic device to aid transrectal biopsy of the prostate performed with real-time 3-T MR imaging guidance. This prospective study was approved by the ethics review board, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Twelve consecutive men who were clinically suspected of having prostate cancer and had a history of at least one transrectal ultrasonography (US)-guided prostate biopsy with negative results underwent diagnostic multiparametric MR imaging of the prostate. Two radiologists in consensus identified cancer-suspicious regions (CSRs) in 10 patients. These regions were subsequently targeted with the robot for MR imaging-guided prostate biopsy. To direct the needle guide toward the CSRs, the MR-compatible robotic device was remote controlled at the MR console by means of a controller and a graphical user interface for real-time MR imaging guidance of the needle guide. The ability to reach the CSRs with the robot for biopsy was analyzed. A total of 17 CSRs were detected in 10 patients at the diagnostic MR examinations. These regions were targeted for MR imaging-guided robot-assisted prostate biopsy. Thirteen (76%) of the 17 CSRs could be reached with the robot for biopsy. Biopsy of the remaining four CSRs was performed without use of the robot. It is feasible to perform transrectal prostate biopsy with real-time 3-T MR imaging guidance with the aid of a remote-controlled, pneumatically actuated MR-compatible robotic device.