Abstract: An extended forward looking RF coil is shaped similarly to the tip of a pencil, for use in imaging and visualization of anatomy or certain conditions, including cancer. The RF coils are designed using the concept of image RF fields. The coils all include an inner void, which is surrounded by a cone-shaped plastic enclosure. A metallic layer is deposited on a surface of the cone and serves as a metallic layer backing the coils. The metallic layer includes a dielectric region, with altered size and geometry. Several solenoidal coil windings are placed outside the dielectric. The coil windings are denser on the Left (Forward) as compared to the Right (Backwards), in order to concentrate the magnetic field in the Forward direction. The extended forward looking coil is further integrated into an anatomy-specific, imaging array with sideways-looking RF coils, intended for improved imaging along cylindrical sides of the pencil-shaped device.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring patient physiological information during an MRI scan sequence is provided. The system includes a monitoring device configured to sense physiological information from a patient. The physiological information may include electrocardiograph signals, electro-anatomical mapping signals, or other information concerning a physiological condition of the patient. The system further includes a control circuit connected to receive signals from the monitoring device and to coordinate output of the electrode during an MRI scan.

Abstract: A catheter device for deploying a local magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coil is provided. The catheter device includes an outer catheter shaft having a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end and an inner catheter shaft having a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The outer and inner catheter shafts are movably engaged such that one can move relative to the other. A plurality of non-metallic filaments are coupled on one end to the outer catheter shaft and coupled on another end to the inner catheter shaft. The plurality of non-metallic filaments are intertwined to form a braid, to which a local MRI coil is coupled. The local MRI coil is configured to have a circular shape when the braid is in a deployed position. Additionally, motion tracking coils can be coupled to the braid to provide motion tracking information for motion compensation.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring patient physiological information during an MRI scan sequence is provided. The system includes a monitoring device configured to sense physiological information from a patient. The physiological information may include electrocardiograph signals, electro-anatomical mapping signals, or other information concerning a physiological condition of the patient. The system further includes a control circuit connected to receive signals from the monitoring device and to coordinate output of the electrode during an MRI scan.

Abstract: A catheter device for deploying a local magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coil is provided. The catheter device includes an outer catheter shaft having a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end and an inner catheter shaft having a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The outer and inner catheter shafts are movably engaged such that one can move relative to the other. A plurality of non-metallic filaments are coupled on one end to the outer catheter shaft and coupled on another end to the inner catheter shaft. The plurality of non-metallic filaments are intertwined to form a braid, to which a local MRI coil is coupled. The local MRI coil is configured to have a circular shape when the braid is in a deployed position. Additionally, motion tracking coils can be coupled to the braid to provide motion tracking information for motion compensation.

Abstract: A system and method of use for a probe is disclosed that includes a self-expanding housing constructed to permit fluid flow therethrough and constructed for insertion into a subject to be imaged. A plurality of RF coils is attached to the housing to acquire MR data.