title: Multimode intravascular RF coil for MRI-guided interventions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. kurpad@wisc.edu
authors: Krishna N
authors: KN
authors: Kurpad
authors: Orhan
authors: O
authors: Unal
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D057785:Catheters; D057510:Endovascular Procedures; D004867:Equipment Design; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D053783:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D015233:Models, Statistical; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011846:Radio Waves