Interactive real time inductively coupled catheter coil tracking using a transmit array system

Abstract

Inductively coupled catheter coils are advantageous for interventional procedures, since they require no connection to MR scanners, which reduces the difficulties such as device-handling and RF safety problems faced with active catheters. In our study, we developed and implemented one way of interactive real-time inductively coupled catheter coil tracking, using two transmit channels; from an external computer on which our interactive real-time software is installed. The software enables user to change the RF attributes of transmit channels in real-time so that the B1 polarization can be altered accordingly which affects the visualization of inductively coupled catheter.