Aneurysm clips made of titanium: magnetic characteristics and artifacts in MR.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the magnetic characteristics, artifact formation, and implant safety of titanium aneurysm clips for use in MR imaging.


METHODS
Aneurysm clips made of titanium alloy TiAl6V4 were tested in a magnetometer to determine their magnetic susceptibility and in a 1.5-T MR imager using both a geometric phantom and an animal model. A commercially available alpha-Phynox clip served as the reference standard.


RESULTS
We found minimal magnetization and a significant reduction in image artifacts with the titanium clip as compared with the Phynox clip.


CONCLUSIONS
The titanium clips improve image quality, biocompatibility, and patient safety in medical MR applications.
Wichmann
W
W
Institute of Neuroradiology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
Von Ammon
K
K
Fink
U
U
Weik
T
T
Yasargil
G M
GM
D000783:Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D000818:Animals; D016477:Artifacts; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004869:Equipment Safety; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009493:Neurosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D051381:Rats; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D014025:Titanium
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D014025:Titanium