Abstract: A passive MRI-compatible guidewire includes an elongate, flexible tubular shaft, an elongate core wire of non-ferromagnetic material, and an elongate spring coil of non-ferromagnetic material axially surrounding the elongate core wire to form a distal end portion. The core wire includes opposite first and second end portions separated by an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion has a round cross-section, and the first and second end portions each have a non-round cross-section. The first end portion of the core wire resides within an inner lumen of the tubular shaft and is secured therewithin. The spring coil includes opposite first and second ends, and the spring coil second end is secured to the core wire second end portion via polymeric material that forms a rounded distal tip of the guidewire. The guidewire includes a plurality of spaced-apart, passive MRI-visible markers.

Abstract: The disclosure describes assemblies for use during image-guided procedures and can include turret arms and/or longitudinally extending and laterally extending cooperating devices for holding surgical tools such as trajectory guides.

Abstract: Devices for transferring fluid to or from a subject include an elongate tubular cannula having opposing proximal and distal ends with an axially extending lumen. The devices also include an elongate needle having opposing proximal and distal ends. The elongate needle is configured so that the distal end of the needle extends out of the distal end of the cannula a suitable adjustable distance. The devices also include a housing with a length adjustment mechanism that adjusts a length between the tip of the needle and the distal end of the tubular cannula.

Abstract: A cannula for transferring a substance to and/or from a patient includes a tubular support sleeve and a transfer tube. The support sleeve includes a rigid tubular member defining a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the tubular member. The transfer tube is positioned in the lumen and extends beyond each of the proximal end and the distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member includes a rigid, MRI-compatible material.

Abstract: MRI compatible localization and/or guidance systems for facilitating placement of an interventional therapy and/or device in vivo include: (a) a mount adapted for fixation to a patient; (b) a targeting cannula with a lumen configured to attach to the mount so as to be able to controllably translate in at least three dimensions; and (c) an elongate probe configured to snugly slidably advance and retract in the targeting cannula lumen, the elongate probe comprising at least one of a stimulation or recording electrode. In operation, the targeting cannula can be aligned with a first trajectory and positionally adjusted to provide a desired internal access path to a target location with a corresponding trajectory for the elongate probe. Automated systems for determining an MR scan plane associated with a trajectory and for determining mount adjustments are also described.

Abstract: RF/MRI compatible leads include at least one conductor that turns back on itself at least twice in a lengthwise direction, and can turn back on itself at least twice at multiple locations along its length. The at least one electrical lead can be configured so that the lead heats local tissue less than about 10 degrees Celsius (typically about 5 degrees Celsius or less) or does not heat local tissue when a patient is exposed to target RF frequencies at a peak input SAR of at least about 4 W/kg and/or a whole body average SAR of at least about 2 W/kg. Related devices and methods of fabricating leads are also described.

Abstract: Circuits and computer program products onboard and/or adapted to communicate with an scanner that electronically recognize predefined physical characteristics of the at least one tool to automatically segment image data provided by the scanner whereby the at least one tool constitutes a point of interface with the system. The circuits and computer program products are configured to provide a User Interface that defines workflow progression for an image guided surgical procedure and allows a user to select steps in the workflow, and generate multi-dimensional visualizations using the predefined data of the at least one tool and data from images of the patient in substantially real time during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Trajectory frame assemblies for image guided surgical systems have a trajectory frame with a support column that can removably secure different components such as a tracking probe and an MER driver adapter to define and/or follow a desired intrabody trajectory. The trajectory frame assemblies include fins attached to the column support and a platform optionally with an X-Y table and/or arcuate reference brackets that are attached to the trajectory frame assemblies and can hold a reference frame with fiducials.

Abstract: Surgical devices such as a device guide for a trajectory frame for image-guided procedures, is configured with first and second elongate and cooperating semi-circular members that together define a longitudinally extending open channel and that can separate along longitudinally extending split lines into discrete first and second elongate semicircular members. The surgical devices with the first and second semi-circular members can include a device guide and dock and lock inserts that are detachably held by dock and lock members to a guide support column that also concurrently holds the device guide during at least part of an image guided procedure.

Abstract: A trajectory frame for use with surgical navigation systems includes a base having a patient access aperture formed therein. A yoke is mounted to the base and is rotatable about a roll axis. A platform is mounted to the yoke and is rotatable about a pitch axis. An elongated guide is secured to the platform and includes opposite proximal and distal end portions and a bore that extends from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The guide is configured to removably receive various devices therein for quick release therefrom, including an optical tracking probe (which may be a universal tracker) detectable by a camera-based tracking system or an EM probe detectable by an EM navigation system, a microelectrode probe driver adapter, a drill guide and drill bit, skull fixation device and driver, and a catheter guide.

Abstract: A trajectory frame for use with an MRI-guided interventional system includes a base having a patient access aperture formed therein. The base is configured to be secured to the body of a patient. A yoke is mounted to the base and is rotatable about a roll axis. A platform is mounted to the yoke and is rotatable about a pitch axis. An elongated guide is secured to the platform and includes opposite proximal and distal end portions and a bore that extends from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The guide distal end portion is positioned proximate the patient access aperture. The guide is configured to removably receive various devices therein for quick release therefrom, including a targeting cannula, drill guide and drill bit, skull fixation device and driver, and catheter guide.

Abstract: Protective covers that are particularly suitable for flexible RF coils include self-sticking, releasably peelable layers of film having one sticky/tacky inner surface and one non-sticky/non-tacky smooth (outer) surface.

Abstract: A cannula for transferring a substance to and/or from a patient includes a tubular support sleeve and a transfer tube. The support sleeve includes a rigid tubular member defining a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the tubular member. The transfer tube is positioned in the lumen and extends beyond each of the proximal end and the distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member includes a rigid, MRI-compatible material.

Abstract: Devices, kits, assemblies systems and methods for transferring fluid to or from a subject include an elongate guide cannula having opposing proximal and distal ends with an open axially extending lumen. The proximal end includes a connector. The devices also include an elongate needle having opposing proximal and distal ends, the needle having a connector that is configured to attach to the guide cannula connector and is attached to or attachable to a length of flexible tubing, wherein the elongate needle is configured to be slidably inserted into the guide cannula lumen so that the distal end of the needle extends out of the distal end of the distal end of the guide cannula a suitable distance.

Abstract: MRI compatible localization and/or guidance systems for facilitating placement of an interventional therapy and/or device in vivo include: (a) a mount adapted for fixation to a patient; (b) a targeting cannula with a lumen configured to attach to the mount so as to be able to controllably translate in at least three dimensions; and (c) an elongate probe configured to snugly slidably advance and retract in the targeting cannula lumen, the elongate probe comprising at least one of a stimulation or recording electrode. In operation, the targeting cannula can be aligned with a first trajectory and positionally adjusted to provide a desired internal access path to a target location with a corresponding trajectory for the elongate probe. Automated systems for determining an MR scan plane associated with a trajectory and for determining mount adjustments are also described.

Abstract: MRI/RF compatible leads include at least one conductor, a respective conductor having at least one segment with a multi-layer stacked coil configuration. The lead can be configured so that the lead heats local tissue less than about 10 degrees Celsius (typically about 5 degrees Celsius or less) or does not heat local tissue when a patient is exposed to target RF frequencies at a peak input SAR of at least about 4 W/kg and/or a whole body average SAR of at least about 2 W/kg. Related leads and methods of fabricating leads are also described.

Abstract: An MRI-compatible tip assembly for an MRI-compatible medical device includes a first tubular member, a second tubular member, a ring electrode, and a tip electrode. The tip electrode proximal end is secured to the first tubular member distal end. The second tubular member distal end is inserted through the ring electrode and is secured to the first tubular member proximal end. When assembled, the tip assembly is a substantially rigid structure. Each tubular member has a recessed portion for a tracking coil.

Abstract: Surgical drapes having opposing first and second primary surfaces with fixably attachable patches to provide ports through which cables or tools can be inserted without compromising a sterile field. The patches may be earlier affixed to the surgical drape or the patch may be affixed in situ by a clinician to the drape prior to a surgical procedure.