MRI-Future

The future of MRI in the operating room lies in developing smaller, cheaper systems. The biggest problems with intraoperative MRI is currently the cost and bulky size of the equipment.

Cost minimization

To minimize cost, electromagnet systems are desirable. Use of these systems for high-quality imaging requires the ability to use a fairly inhomogeneous field to do imaging. This, in turn, requires complex reconstruction algorithms and powerful computer processing ability.

Comfort Maximization

To maximize patient comfort and physician convenience, electromagnets work fairly well. Another intriguing option would be to embed a superconducting magnet in the floor and ceiling of the operating room. Obviously this would require a custom room and significant cost, but there would be no magnet in the way. Gradient imaging coils could either be embedded in the ceiling and floor as well, or in the bed itself. The RF transmit and receive coils used would depend on the application, but use of surface coils would significantly reduce imaging clutter in the operating room.

Real-time imaging

Another potential advancement would be to create a real-time, or near real-time system. The goal would be to do imaging rapidly or even while the surgery is ongoing, rather than requiring the surgeons to step back from the patient.

 

 
 
   

 

 

 

   
   
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Website created by: David Thayer, last edited: May 29, 2006