Echo-dephased steady state free precession.
OBJECTIVE
To introduce a novel positive contrast method for passive localization and visualization of paramagnetic susceptibility markers.


METHODS
The novel approach is based on an echo-dephased steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequence. Gradients dephase any signal by +/-pi at the centered echo-time (TE = TR/2) and induce a total dephasing of +/-2 pi per pixel within TR. This ensures that background tissues do not contribute to signal formation and thus appear dark. However, within the close vicinity of the paramagnetic marker, local gradient fields compensate for the intrinsic dephasing to form an echo. Conceptual issues of gradient compensation and its visualization characteristics are analyzed. The feasibility of the proposed technique for MR-guided intravascular interventions is demonstrated using flow phantom.


RESULTS
Echo-dephased SSFP is able to localize and visualize paramagnetic marker with excellent suppression of the background signals. The flow phantom experiments concluded that reliable tracking of the interventional guidewire is feasible using echo-dephased SSFP.


CONCLUSIONS
With newly introduced echo-dephased SSFP approach, accurate and reliable visualization of paramagnetic interventional device is feasible.
Patil
Sunil
S
Division of Radiological Physics, Department of Medical Radiology, University of Basel Hospital, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland. sunil.patil@unibas.ch
Bieri
Oliver
O
Scheffler
Klaus
K
D000465:Algorithms; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006571:Heterocyclic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000473:pathology; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000473:pathology; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
D003287:Contrast Media; D006571:Heterocyclic Compounds; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; C050823:gadolinium 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetate