Abstract: A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures includes an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter may further include an ablation tip, and be used as an intracardiac device to deliver energy to selected areas of tissue and visualize the resulting ablation lesions.

Abstract: In vivio deep brain medical probe systems include: (a) an NMRI compatible cannula comprising a plurality of concentric axially extending tubes with a receiving bore; and (b) an elongate antenna member with a conductor and an insulating layer configured to slidably advance through cannula bore to define an MRI receive antenna.

Abstract: A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures is disclosed. The system in its preferred embodiment provides an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The invention further provides a system for eliminating the pickup of RF energy in which intracardiac wires are detuned by filtering so that they become very inefficient antennas. An RF filtering system is provided for suppressing the MR imaging signal while not attenuating the RF ablative current. Steering means may be provided for steering the invasive catheter under MR guidance.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance probe may include a plurality of center conductors, at least some center conductors including a conductive core and an insulator disposed at least partially about the core along at least a portion of the core, a first dielectric layer disposed at least partially about the plurality of center conductors in a proximal portion of the probe, an outer conductive layer at least partially disposed about the first dielectric layer, and a plurality of electrodes, at least one electrode being coupled to one of the center conductors and disposed at least partly on a probe surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the evaluation of the urethra and periurethral tissues may involve an MRI coil adapted for insertion into the male, female or pediatric urethra. The MRI coil may be in electrical communication with an interface circuit made up of a tuning-matching circuit, a decoupling circuit and a balun circuit. The interface circuit may also be in electrical communication with a MRI machine. In certain practices, the present invention provides methods for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the urethra and periurethral tissues, including disorders of the female pelvic floor, conditions of the prostate and anomalies of the pediatric pelvis.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance probe may include a plurality of center conductors, at least some center conductors including a conductive core and an insulator disposed at least partially about the core along at least a portion of the core, a first dielectric layer disposed at least partially about the plurality of center conductors in a proximal portion of the probe, an outer conductive layer at least partially disposed about the first dielectric layer, and a plurality of electrodes, at least one electrode being coupled to one of the center conductors and disposed at least partly on a probe surface.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance probe may include a plurality of center conductors, at least some center conductors including a conductive core and an insulator disposed at least partially about the core along at least a portion of the core, a first dielectric layer disposed at least partially about the plurality of center conductors in a proximal portion of the probe, an outer conductive layer at least partially disposed about the first dielectric layer, and a plurality of electrodes, at least one electrode being coupled to one of the center conductors and disposed at least partly on a probe surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the evaluation of the urethra and periurethral tissues using an MRI coil adapted for insertion into the male, female or pediatric urethra. The MRI coil may be in electrical communication with an interface circuit made up of a tuning-matching circuit, a decoupling circuit and a balun circuit. The interface circuit may also be in electrical communication with a MRI machine. In certain practices, the present invention provides methods for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the urethra and periurethral tissues, including disorders of the female pelvic floor, conditions of the prostate and anomalies of the pediatric pelvis.

Abstract: Connector and guidewires connectable thereto are disclosed which enable for the connection of guidewires requiring electrical connection to an external electrical source. These guidewires may be used for MRI imaging and the external source could be an MRI scanner. An embodiment of a guidewire is provided with enables for easier connection through improved dimensions and mechanical strength at the proximal end. An embodiment of a connector is provided which can attach to any guidewire or coaxial cable. These connectors provide for desirable mechanical and electrical properties while still enabling catheters and other tools to be used in conjunction with guidewires and other cables.

Abstract: The invention describes a system, method, and means for an MRI guidewire that can be visible on an MRI, can act as an antenna and receive MRI signals from surrounding subject matter, and can allow the use of multiple interventional tools without removal of the guidewire from a subject.

Abstract: The apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention provide for MRI sleeves, probes, and combinations thereof adapted for insertion into a subject, in order to internally image regions of the subject.

Abstract: The invention describes a system, method, and means for an MRI transseptal needle that can be visible on an MRI, can act as an antenna and receive MRI signals from surrounding subject matter to generate high-resolution images and can enable real-time active needle tracking during MRI guided transseptal puncture procedures.