Interventional cardiovascular procedures guided by real-time MR imaging: an interactive interface using multiple slices, adaptive projection modes and live 3D renderings

PURPOSE: To develop and test a novel interactive real-time MRI environment that facilitates image-guided cardiovascular interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Color highlighting of device-mounted receiver coils, accelerated imaging of multiple slices, adaptive projection modes, live three-dimensional (3D) renderings and other interactive features were utilized to enhance navigation of devices and targeting of tissue. RESULTS: Images are shown from several catheter-based interventional procedures performed in swine that benefit from this custom interventional MRI interface. These include endograft repair of aortic aneurysm, balloon septostomy of the cardiac interatrial septum, angioplasty and stenting, and endomyocardial cell injection, all using active catheters containing MRI receiver coils. CONCLUSION: Interactive features not available on standard clinical scanners enhance real-time MRI for guiding cardiovascular interventional procedures.