Interventional Magnetic Resonance Angiography

Abstract

Interventional magnetic resonance (MRI) is one of the fastest developing fields of MR scanning. Because of the many advantages of MR compared with conventional angiography, MR-guided intravascular angiography appears to be a promising and an attractive alternative. This article discusses the most recent developments in this field: Passive visualization techniques, such as catheter visualization using susceptibilitybased catheters and field-inhomogeneity catheters, and active catheter imaging techniques such as tip-tracking and MR profiling. In addition, the principles of endovascular MR are briefly presented. The current experience with intravascular MR, mostly acquired in vitro and in vivo in animal experiments, are reviewed. Finally, future applications and indications for intravascular MR are critically discussed.