Haydar Celik1,2, Ibrahim Davut Mahcicek2,
Ergin Atalar, 2,3
1Electrical and Electronics
Engineering, Bilkent University , Ankara, Turkey; 2National
Magnetic Resonance Research Center (UMRAM), Ankara, Turkey; 3Electrical
and Electronics Engineering, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
Although,
soft tissue contrast of MRI is effectively high, visualization of the
internal devices, such as guidewires and catheters, is not straight forward.
In order to achieve better identification of these devices, various tracking
techniques have been developed. Passive tracking methods are easy to
implement, but they are not sufficiently reliable. The main problem of active
tracking techniques is uneasy device handlings. They need to be connected to
imager with cables. In addition, these cables create safety problems. There
are also hybrid methods, using inductively coupled RF (ICRF) and receive
coupled RF (RCRF) coils. In our study, we propose a new method using ICRF
coils and transmit array system. Presented method enables simultaneous
acquisition of anatomy and catheter images.