Abstract: A system and method of both tracking a medical device and generating an image in real time from the same set of radial data. A multi-mode medical device system having tracking, imaging, and visualizing capabilities is coupled to an MR scanner and multiple-echo VIPR acquisition sequence is applied to simultaneously provide conventional real-time imaging of the target region using an external coil, 3D tip-tracking information, and a localized higher-quality image showing the region surrounding the medical device using an internal multi-mode coil.

Abstract: A multi-mode medical device system and method of performing an interventional procedure. The multi-mode medical device system can be capable of MR internal imaging and of being tracked using an MRI system. The multi-mode medical device system can include a medical device, and an electrical circuit coupled to the medical device and electrically coupled to the MRI system. The electrical circuit can include a tracking device configured to transmit a signal to the MRI system indicative of the position of the tracking device relative to a roadmap image, and an imaging device electrically coupled to the tracking device and configured to internally image anatomical structures from the point of view of the medical device. The imaging device can be further configured to be visualized using MR imaging. Tracking the tracking device and internally imaging with the imaging device can be performed in a single pass of the multi-mode medical device system.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking a medical device and generating an image of a target area. The medical device includes a tracking device to create an imaging field-of-view that extends beyond the tip of the medical device while allowing the tip of the medical device to be visualized. The medical device further includes an imaging/visualization device to create an imaging field from the point of view of the medical device. A voltage standing wave suppression device is formed on the exterior surface of the medical device to prevent the formation of voltage standing waves and localized tissue heating. The voltage standing wave suppression device includes two cable traps spaced apart from one another with each cable trap being formed of a closely packed coiled region of a conductor extending the length of the medical device.

Abstract: An assessment of myocardial viability in a subject is performed by acquiring an MR image which distinguishes infarcted myocardium from normal myocardium. A contrast agent is used and after a waiting period, a cardiac-gated segmented inversion recovery gradient-recalled radial sampling technique is employed to acquire NMR data over a substantial portion of the cardiac cycle. By interleaving the radial sampling patterns, images can be reconstructed over a range of possible TI intervals enabling the optimal TI for maximum contrast to be retrospectively selected.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking a medical device and generating an image of a target area. The medical device includes a tracking device to create an imaging field-of-view that extends beyond the tip of the medical device while allowing the tip of the medical device to be visualized. The medical device further includes an imaging/visualization device to create an imaging field from the point of view of the medical device. A voltage standing wave suppression device is formed on the exterior surface of the medical device to prevent the formation of voltage standing waves and localized tissue heating. The voltage standing wave suppression device includes two cable traps spaced apart from one another with each cable trap being formed of a closely packed coiled region of a conductor extending the length of the medical device.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking a medical device and generating an image of a target area. The medical device includes a Helmholtz coil pair to create an imaging field-of-view that extends beyond the tip of the medical device while allowing the tip of the medical device to be visualized. The Helmholtz coil pair provides the ability to generate images forward of the medical device tip to ensure that the tip of the medical device will not puncture the target tissue or vasculature.

Abstract: A multi-mode medical device system and method of using same to perform an interventional procedure. The multi-mode medical device system includes a medical device and an electrical circuit coupled to the medical device. The electrical circuit includes an integrated tracking device (e.g., a solenoid) and an imaging/visualizing device (e.g., a resonant loop). The multi-mode medical device system also includes a thermal ablation device coupled to the medical device and to the tracking device.

Abstract: A system and method of both tracking a medical device and generating an image in real time from the same set of radial data. A multi-mode medical device system having tracking, imaging, and visualizing capabilities is coupled to an MR scanner and multiple-echo VIPR acquisition sequence is applied to simultaneously provide conventional real-time imaging of the target region using an external coil, 3D tip-tracking information, and a localized higher-quality image showing the region surrounding the medical device using an internal multi-mode coil.

Abstract: A multi-mode medical device system and method of performing an interventional procedure. The multi-mode medical device system can be capable of MR internal imaging and of being tracked using an MRI system. The multi-mode medical device system can include a medical device, and an electrical circuit coupled to the medical device and electrically coupled to the MRI system. The electrical circuit can include a tracking device configured to transmit a signal to the MRI system indicative of the position of the tracking device relative to a roadmap image, and an imaging device electrically coupled to the tracking device and configured to internally image anatomical structures from the point of view of the medical device. The imaging device can be further configured to be visualized using MR imaging. Tracking the tracking device and internally imaging with the imaging device can be performed in a single pass of the multi-mode medical device system.

Abstract: A medical device system capable of being tracked and visualized using a magnetic resonance (MR) device, and a method for tracking and visualizing a medical device system using MR imaging. The medical device system can include a medical device, a tracking device, and a visualizing device. The tracking device can provide feedback indicative of the position of the tracking device. The visualizing device can be coupled to at least a portion of the medical device such that the respective portion of the medical device is visualized using magnetic resonance. The method for tracking and visualizing a medical device system can include providing a medical device having a nonlinear configuration, tracking a tracking device, and visualizing a visualizing device to allow visualization of the nonlinear configuration of the medical device. Some embodiments include a medical device system capable of being visualized in the presence and absence of contrast agents.

Abstract: An assessment of myocardial viability in a subject is performed by acquiring an MR image which distinguishes infarcted myocardium from normal myocardium. A contrast agent is used and after a waiting period, a cardiac-gated segmented inversion recovery gradient-recalled radial sampling technique is employed to acquire NMR data over a substantial portion of the cardiac cycle. By interleaving the radial sampling patterns, images can be reconstructed over a range of possible TI intervals enabling the optimal TI for maximum contrast to be retrospectively selected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating that emits magnetic resonance signals and a method for coating medical devices therewith. The coating includes a paramagnetic metal ion-containing polymer complex that facilitates diagnostic and therapeutic techniques by readily visualizing medical devices coated with the complex.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating that emits magnetic resonance signals and a method for coating medical devices therewith. The coating includes a paramagnetic metal ion-containing polymer complex that facilitates diagnostic and therapeutic techniques by readily visualizing medical devices coated with the complex. The present invention also provides methods by which pre-existing polymers and medical devices may be made MR-imageable. The invention also provides methods of improving MR-imageability of polymers and medical devices by encapsulating the polymers and medical devices with hydrogels.

Abstract: A coating that emits magnetic resonance signals and a method for coating medical devices therewith are provided. The coating may include a paramagnetic-metal-ion/ligand encapsulated or sequestered by a hydrogel. Methods by which pre-existing medical devices may be made MR-imageable are also provided, along with MR-imageable medical devices, and methods of using the medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating that emits magnetic resonance signals and a method for coating medical devices therewith. The coating includes a paramagnetic metal ion-containing polymer complex that facilitates diagnostic and therapeutic techniques by readily visualizing medical devices coated with the complex. The present invention also provides methods by which pre-existing polymers and medical devices may be made MR-imageable. The invention also provides methods of improving MR-imageability of polymers and medical devices by encapsulating the polymers and medical devices with hydrogels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating that emits magnetic resonance signals and a method for coating medical devices therewith. The coating includes a paramagnetic metal ion-containing polymer complex that facilitates diagnostic and therapeutic techniques by readily visualizing medical devices coated with the complex.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating that emits magnetic resonance signals and a method for coating medical devices therewith. The coating includes a paramagnetic metal ion-containing polymer complex that facilitates diagnostic and therapeutic techniques by readily visualizing medical devices coated with the complex.