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Research

Objectives

Interventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Interventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Fig. 1: (a) Micro radio frequency coil attached to a catheter that can be inserted into blood vessels. (b) High resolution MR imaging of the blood vessels in the human thorax.
© dkfz.de

In interventional radiology minimally invasive operations are performed with catheters or biopsy needles. In this research project techniques are developed to enable interventional operations at a clinical magnetic resonance scanner, since MR imaging offers an excellent soft tissue contrast that is especially suited for three-dimensional delineation of pathologic processes (e.g. vessel constrictions, tumors).

Fig. 2: Interventional radiologist at a commercial 1.5 Tesla MR scanner used for interventional procedures. Using a dedicated console the radiologist can change selected measurement parameters (e.g. slice orientation, image contrast) of the active sequence from within the scanner room. MR images are reconstructed and displayed on the console in real time.
© dkfz.de

In this research project instruments (e.g. catheters) are constructed and evaluated that can be used in the magnetic field of a clinical MR scanner (s. Fig. 1). Additionally, dedicated measurement techniques (pulse sequences) are developed that allow to localize and visualize the instruments in real time. In combination with functional imaging techniques which assess e.g. the blood supply, interventional operations will be performed under MR-guidance to remove vascular stenoses or apply highly selective chemotherapy.

Fig. 3: Scenario of a patient treatment in the MRI: After a needle was positioned by the arm of the assistance system (left) at the insertion point in the lower spinal region, the radiologist advances the needle manually through the skin to the target organ within the body. Image copyright: DKFZ / de Andres
© dkfz.de

In addition to the intravascular access pathway the research group is investigating (in collaboration with industrial and university partners) methods to perform minimally invasive interventions from outside the body through the skin (percutaneously). Here, the commercial assistance system Innomotion is used (Fig. 3) that can align the instruments precisely.