MRI-Visible Interventional Devices Using Magnetic Susceptibility Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited availability of interventional medical devices suitable for use under MRI restricts the growth of MRI procedures, leading to inefficient and costly treatments, as patients often require multiple visits for imaging and treatment, and current image fusion methods can result in alignment issues and reduced treatment effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Development of interventional medical devices with MRI-compatible materials and markers that are visible under MRI, allowing for passive trackability and improved visualization during procedures, reducing the need for multiple imaging modalities and enhancing treatment precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional interventional devices are used under MRI, then the procedure can be performed without ionizing radiation, but the devices are not visible under MRI causing alignment issues and reduced treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnetic susceptibility markers that create distinct signal intensities (analogous to color changes in MRI imaging) to make the device visible. These markers are composed of materials with different magnetic susceptibilities than surrounding tissues, causing them to appear as bright or dark signals on MRI images, enabling real-time visualization without ionizing radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates composite construction with MRI-compatible materials and magnetic susceptibility markers. The markers are integrated into the device structure using biocompatible materials that maintain both mechanical integrity and MRI visibility, allowing the device to function both structurally and as an imaging target.
2Loss of information
If multiple imaging modalities are used for treatment, then comprehensive imaging is achieved, but multiple patient visits are required increasing time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal imaging system where a single MRI modality performs multiple functions: anatomical imaging, device tracking, and treatment guidance. The MRI-compatible device with magnetic susceptibility markers enables all these functions to be achieved in one imaging session, eliminating the need for separate CT scans, ultrasounds, or multiple visits required by conventional approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges diagnostic imaging and interventional treatment into a single MRI-guided procedure. By integrating magnetic susceptibility markers directly into the treatment device, the system combines the roles of diagnostic marker and therapeutic instrument, allowing both visualization and treatment to occur simultaneously during one patient visit.
3Ease of operation
If image fusion software is used to merge MRI and ultrasound images, then guidance is provided, but alignment issues and compression shifting occur reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for complex image fusion software by providing direct MRI visibility of the device through magnetic susceptibility markers. Instead of attempting to merge images from different modalities, the system uses a single MRI modality that directly visualizes both anatomy and device position, eliminating the source of alignment errors inherent in multi-modal image fusion.
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
These devices enable more efficient and effective MRI-guided treatments by providing clear visualization and reducing the need for multiple patient visits, improving treatment accuracy and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The marker is formed of a second MRI compatible material that is different than the first material
Data Source
AI summary
Example interventional medical devices useful in performing treatment under magnetic resonance imaging and related methods are described. A method of making a medical device useful in procedures performed under magnetic resonance imaging includes selecting a first material, selecting a second material that is different from the first material, incorporating the second material into a portion of the first material, and forming the first and second materials into a desired structure to form the interventional medical device. The second material can be melted and disposed in a void formed in the first material, and work hardened to increase magnetic susceptibility.