Intravascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (IVMRI): Technology Survey

A novel magnetic resonance based technology was developed to address the drawbacks of conventional magnetic resonance imagers in coronary applications. Intravascular MRI (IVMRI) is the first implementation of the technology and is designed for use in coronary catheterization procedures. IVMRI exploits the unique magnetic field characteristics inherent in the self contained, miniature magnet and coil configuration, to provide contrast enhancement for measuring the molecular self- diffusion of water molecules in biological tissue. The rate of the self-diffusion of water molecules in biological tissue provides accurate information as to the molecular environment that the water molecules experience. In the case of atherosclerotic plaque which is comprised of two major groups namely fibrotic and lipid tissues, the self-diffusion of the water molecules provides a measure of the relative concentrations of the two groups present within the field of view of the IVMRI probe. The unique plaque classification method along with conventional MR capabilities and the miniature size of the probe have made the technology an ideal candidate for coronary wall imaging. The current generation contains an IVMRI probe at the end of a custom delivery system (8F guiding catheter and 0.014" guide wire compatible) and is designed for use in standard catheterization laboratories. In addition, the application of the technology for prostate imaging and cancer detection is currently being evaluated.