MRI-Guided Medical Devices With Passive Markers for Real-Time Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interventional MRI procedures are limited by the unavailability of suitable tools, requiring multiple patient visits and multiple imaging modalities, which affect accuracy and increase costs and time to treatment.
Innovation Solution
Development of medical devices with passive MRI markers formed of materials with varying magnetic susceptibilities, allowing precise imaging and treatment guidance within an MRI environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple imaging modalities are used to guide intervention, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but treatment time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines diagnostic imaging and interventional treatment into a single MRI-guided procedure. The medical device incorporates MRI-visible markers that allow continuous visualization during the intervention, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic imaging sessions and multiple imaging modalities while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The medical device serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the intervention while incorporating MRI markers for real-time visualization. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace the need for multiple separate imaging modalities and devices, reducing treatment time while maintaining diagnostic precision.
2Reliability
If multiple patient visits are required for treatment, then diagnostic thoroughness is improved, but overall treatment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges diagnostic imaging and therapeutic intervention into a single procedural session. The MRI-visible markers enable continuous visualization throughout the intervention, ensuring diagnostic thoroughness is maintained while eliminating the need for multiple patient visits, thereby reducing overall treatment costs.
3Measurement precision
If software fusion is used to combine MR images with procedural images, then guidance accuracy is improved, but image quality and precision deteriorate due to overlay issues and tissue compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces MRI-visible markers as intermediaries that provide a common reference framework for both diagnostic imaging and procedural guidance. These markers appear consistently in MRI images throughout the procedure, eliminating the need for software fusion of different image modalities and avoiding the associated overlay issues and tissue compression artifacts.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables single-visit, accurate interventional procedures under MRI, reducing costs and time by providing real-time treatment guidance and minimizing tissue displacement issues.
Implementation Method 1
the first material has a first magnetic susceptibility. The medical device further includes at least one passive MRI marker, the at least one passive MRI marker comprising a second material, wherein the second material has a second magnetic susceptibility different than (e.g. greater than) the first magnetic susceptibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Example medical devices and systems for performing treatment under magnetic resonance imaging and related kits and methods are described. An example medical system includes a first medical device, a second medical device, and a marker. The first medical device is formed of a first material. The first material has a first magnetic susceptibility. The second medical device is formed of a second material. The second material has a second magnetic susceptibility. The marker is disposed on the second medical device and is formed of a third material. The third material has a third magnetic susceptibility that is different than the first magnetic susceptibility and the second magnetic susceptibility.