AN IN-VITRO STUDY AT LOW-FIELD FOR MR GUIDANCE OF A BIOPSY NEEDLE

The aim of this study is to demonstrate in vitro that low field streng th can be used for MR interventional procedures. At 0.1 T, we develope d 3D, T-1-, and T-2-weighted fast steady state sequences and measured the artifact created by an MR biopsy needle (22 gauge, 0.7 mm diameter ) on a bicompartmental phantom. The artifact generated by the needle p laced perpendicular to B-0 did not exceed 3.6 mm for 3D steady state s equences and acquisition times reaching 1.5 s. Corresponding artifacts at higher field strength were 7.6 mm for 0.5 T and 8.6 mm for 1 T. Lo w field MRI proved to be potentially adaptable for the guidance of MR biopsy needles.