Omnidirectional MRI Catheter Resonator for Real-Time Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in magnetic resonance (MR) guided endovascular procedures is the lack of a safe and appropriately sized apparatus for catheter tracking, with existing markers having shortcomings in size, efficacy, and safety that have precluded clinical application.
Innovation Solution
Development of an omnidirectional MRI resonant marker comprising a tunable capacitor and conductor coil, configured to be associated with a medical device, which is tuned to match the frequency of the MRI scanner and creates a bright, highly localized signal enhancement during imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional markers are used for catheter tracking, then catheter visibility is achieved, but the markers have shortcomings in size, efficacy and safety that preclude clinical application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the capacitor tunable to match different MRI scanner frequencies (e.g., 64 MHz for 1.5T, 128 MHz for 3T scanners). This frequency tuning capability allows the marker to be adapted to various clinical MRI systems while maintaining safe and effective operation, resolving the contradiction between tracking accuracy and clinical safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the tunable capacitor that can be adjusted structurally or chemically to optimize performance. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the marker to be customized for different clinical applications and scanner types, improving both tracking precision and safety profile for clinical deployment.
2Measurement precision
If a tunable capacitor and conductor coil are integrated on a catheter, then omnidirectional signal enhancement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitor and conductor coil into an integrated resonant circuit assembly that is directly coupled to the catheter. This combination eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure while achieving omnidirectional signal enhancement and highly localized signal enhancement for precise catheter tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal marker design that functions across different MRI scanner frequencies through the tunable capacitor. The same basic structure can be adapted to 1.5T, 3T, and other scanner types by adjusting the capacitor, reducing device complexity while maintaining broad applicability and high measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If the conductor coil is positioned around the catheter, then catheter tracking visibility is improved, but the size of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by positioning the conductor coil around the catheter in a compact configuration, with the capacitor integrated into the same assembly. This nested arrangement allows the marker components to be tightly coupled to the catheter without requiring excessive space, achieving improved catheter visualization while minimizing the overall apparatus size for safe clinical use.
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
The resonant marker provides safe, effective, and robust catheter tracking, enabling real-time navigation and enhanced visualization in MR environments, reducing radiation exposure and improving procedural accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an orientation-independent resonant structure that generates a bright, highly localized signal enhancement during the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) process
Implementation Method 2
magnetic resonance (MR) guided endovascular procedures
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to interventional magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI). More specifically, clinical applications of the disclosed include magnetic resonance (MR) guided procedures such as endovascular interventions, percutaneous biopsies or deep brain stimulation.