R. Jason Stafford1, Barry Fetics2, Amir Roth2, Christine Lorenz3, Axel J. Krafft4, Michael Bock4, Kamran Ahrar5
1Imaging Physics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; 2Robin Medical, Inc., Baltimore, MD, USA; 3Siemens Medical Solutions, Inc., Baltimore, MD; 4Division of Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; 5Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
New short bore, wide aperture 1.5T scanners make MR-guidance of percutaneous interventions in cylindrical bore scanners with real-time imaging technically feasible. A tracking system that operates within the bore of the magnet to aid in the needle or applicator placement of these procedures is needed for increasing workflow. In this report we describe our initial experience with an FDA approved active tracking system for MRI that can be used in a cylindrical bore to help plan and target needle/applicator placement in real time.