Abstract #3756

Novel Approach to Real-Time MR-Guided TIPS using an Actively Visualized Excimer Laser Catheter & Delivery System

Christina E. Saikus¹, Jamie A. Bell¹, Kanishka Ratnayaka^1,2, Venkatish K. Raman¹, Merdim Sonmez¹, Anthony Z. Faranesh¹, Ozgur Kocaturk¹, Robert J. Lederman¹

¹National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; ²Children's National Medical Center, Washington DC, United States

In this work, we developed and tested the feasibility of a method to perform transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures under real-time MRI guidance using an actively visualized excimer laser catheter and delivery system. Passage from the hepatic to portal veins was achieved with the laser catheter traversing readily with direction and back support provided by the delivery system. An embedded loop coil in the laser provided clear tip positioning and visualization of curvature and alignment was seen from a loopless antenna comprised of the concentric tube delivery system design.