Catheters and guide wires for interventional MRI: are we there yet?

Abstract

Clinical feasibility of interventional MRI has been shown for a number of procedures. However, MRI-guided endovascular interventions have not yet reached clinical routine due to the lack of suitable MR safe or MR conditional and MR visible devices. In this article, some of the MR tools currently under development are reviewed. Good handling and MR visibility properties both are critical factors for successful application of such novel devices. Finally, we argue that it is only when both MR catheters and guidewires are available on the market that real progress and impact will be made in the field of interventional MRI.