Multimode intravascular RF coil for MRI-guided interventions.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility of using a single intravascular radiofrequency (RF) probe connected to the external magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system via a single coaxial cable to perform active tip tracking and catheter visualization and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) intravascular imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multimode intravascular RF coil was constructed on a 6F balloon catheter and interfaced to a 1.5T MRI scanner via a decoupling circuit. Bench measurements of coil impedances were followed by imaging experiments in saline and phantoms. RESULTS: The multimode coil behaves as an inductively coupled transmit coil. The forward-looking capability of 6 mm was measured. A greater than 3-fold increase in SNR compared to conventional imaging using optimized external coil was demonstrated. Simultaneous active tip tracking and catheter visualization was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to perform 1) active tip tracking, 2) catheter visualization, and 3) high SNR imaging using a single multimode intravascular RF coil that is connected to the external system via a single coaxial cable.

Modeling Endovascular MRI Coil Coupling With Transmit RF Excitation.

OBJECTIVE: To model inductive coupling of endovascular coils with transmit RF excitation for selecting coils for MRI-guided interventions. METHODS: Independent and computationally efficient FEM models are developed for the endovascular coil, cable, transmit excitation, and imaging domain. Electromagnetic and circuit solvers are coupled to simulate net B1 + fields and induced currents and voltages. Our models are validated using the Bloch-Siegert B1 + mapping sequence for a series-tuned multimode coil, capable of tracking, wireless visualization, and high-resolution endovascular imaging. RESULTS: Validation shows good agreement at 24-, 28-, and 34-µT background RF excitation within experimental limitations. Quantitative coil performance metrics agree with simulation. A parametric study demonstrates tradeoff in coil performance metrics when varying number of coil turns. Tracking, imaging, and wireless marker multimode coil features and their integration is demonstrated in a pig study. CONCLUSION: Developed models for the multimode coil were successfully validated. Modeling for geometric optimization and coil selection serves as a precursor to time consuming and expensive experiments. Specific applications demonstrated include parametric optimization, coil selection for a cardiac intervention, and an animal imaging experiment. SIGNIFICANCE: Our modular, adaptable, and computationally efficient modeling approach enables rapid comparison, selection, and optimization of inductively coupled coils for MRI-guided interventions.

Eight channel transmit array volume coil using on-coil radiofrequency current sources.

BACKGROUND: At imaging frequencies associated with high-field MRI, the combined effects of increased load-coil interaction and shortened wavelength results in degradation of circular polarization and B1 field homogeneity in the imaging volume. Radio frequency (RF) shimming is known to mitigate the problem of B1 field inhomogeneity. Transmit arrays with well decoupled transmitting elements enable accurate B1 field pattern control using simple, non-iterative algorithms. METHODS: An eight channel transmit array was constructed. Each channel consisted of a transmitting element driven by a dedicated on-coil RF current source. The coil current distributions of characteristic transverse electromagnetic (TEM) coil resonant modes were non-iteratively set up on each transmitting element and 3T MRI images of a mineral oil phantom were obtained. RESULTS: B1 field patterns of several linear and quadrature TEM coil resonant modes that typically occur at different resonant frequencies were replicated at 128 MHz without having to retune the transmit array. The generated B1 field patterns agreed well with simulation in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: Independent control of current amplitude and phase on each transmitting element was demonstrated. The transmit array with on-coil RF current sources enables B1 field shimming in a simple and predictable manner.

In vivo imaging and spectroscopy of dynamic metabolism using simultaneous 13C and 1H MRI.

Hyperpolarized (HP) (13)C-labeled pyruvate studies with magnetic resonance (MR) have been used to observe the kinetics of metabolism in vivo. Kinetic modeling to measure metabolic rates in vivo is currently limited because of nonspecific hyperpolarized signals mixing between vascular, extravascular, and intracellular compartments. In this study, simultaneous acquisition of both (1)H and (13)C signals after contrast agent injection is used to resolve specific compartments to improve the accuracy of the modeling. We demonstrate a novel technique to provide contrast to the intracellular compartments by sequential injection of HP [1-(13)C] pyruvate followed by gadolinium-chelate to provide T(1)-shortening to extra-cellular compartments. A kinetic model that distinguishes the intracellular space and includes the T(1)-shortening effect of the gadolinium chelate can then be used to directly measure the intracellular (13)C kinetics.

TEM transmission line coil with double nuclear capability.

MR imaging and spectroscopy requires RF fields of high homogeneity. Quadrature volume coils meeting this requirement include the birdcage coil and the TEM resonator. We describe here a quadrature volume coil designed around a modified coaxial transmission line in which multiple inner conductors are arrayed on a circular perimeter and surrounded by a common shield. Current antinodes are established at appropriate points on the inner conductors by series transmission line stubs, either open circuit or short circuit, which terminate the line. Quadrature phasing is generated by a novel circuit constructed from a pair of high-performance current baluns and a commercial quadrature hybrid. The coil is a "pure" TEM coil as it is simply a resonant transmission line. There is no mode structure to consider. The construction of a prototype quadrature four-element coil is described and preliminary test results from this coil in a 4.7T horizontal bore magnet are reported. A related double nuclear coil design for (3)He and (1)H in which two linear transmission line coils are arrayed on a circular perimeter and simultaneously tuned and matched to their respective frequencies is also described. Preliminary tests from this coil in a 1.5T clinical scanner are reported.