Introduction Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-guided cardiac catheterization is becoming more widespread due to the ability to acquire both functional CMR measurements and diagnostic catheterization data without exposing patients to ionizing radiation. However, the real-time imaging sequences used for catheter guidance during these procedures are limited in resolution and the anatomical detail they can provide. In this study, we propose a passive catheter tracking approach which simultaneously improves catheter tracking and visualization of the anatomy. Methods 60 patients with congenital heart disease underwent CMR-guided cardiac catheterization on a 1.5T CMR scanner (Ingenia, Philips Healthcare, Best the Netherlands) using the Philips iSuite system. The proposed T1-overlay technique uses a commercially available heavily T1-weighted sequence to image the catheter, and overlays it on a high-resolution 3D dataset within iSuite in real-time. Suppressed tissue in the real-time images enables the use of a thick imaging slab to assist in tracking of the catheter. Improvement in catheter visualization time was compared between T1-overlay and the conventional invasive CMR (iCMR) balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP) sequence. This technique also enabled selective angiography visualization for real-time evaluation of blood flow dynamics (such as pulmonary transit time), similar to direct contrast injection under standard fluoroscopy. Estimates of pulmonary transit time using iCMR were validated using x-ray fluoroscopy in 16 patients. Results The T1-overlay approach significantly increased the time that the catheter tip was kept in view by the technologist compared to the bSSFP sequence conventionally used for iCMR. The resulting images received higher ratings for blood/balloon contrast, anatomy visualization, and overall suitability for iCMR guidance by three cardiologists. iCMR selective angiography using T1-overlay also provided accurate estimates of pulmonary transit time that agreed well with x-ray fluoroscopy. Conclusion We demonstrate a new passive catheter tracking technique using the iSuite platform that improves visualization of the catheter and cardiac anatomy. These improvements significantly increase the time that the catheter tip is seen throughout the procedure. We also demonstrate the feasibility of iCMR selective angiography for the measurement of pulmonary transit time.

Novel commercially available software has enabled registration of both CT and MRI images to rapidly fuse with X-ray fluoroscopic imaging. We describe our initial experience performing cardiac catheterisations with the guidance of 3D imaging overlay using the VesselNavigator system (Philips Healthcare, Best, NL). A total of 33 patients with CHD were included in our study. Demographic, advanced imaging, and catheterisation data were collected between 1 December, 2016 and 31 January, 2019. We report successful use of this technology in both diagnostic and interventional cases such as placing stents and percutaneous valves, performing angioplasties, occlusion of collaterals, and guidance for lymphatic interventions. In addition, radiation exposure was markedly decreased when comparing our 10–15-year-old coarctation of the aorta stent angioplasty cohort to cases without the use of overlay technology and the most recently published national radiation dose benchmarks. No complications were encountered due to the application of overlay technology. 3D CT or MRI overlay for CHD intervention with rapid registration is feasible and aids decisions regarding access and planned angiographic angles. Operators found intraprocedural overlay fusion registration using placed vessel guidewires to be more accurate than attempts using bony structures.

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