Visualization of vascular guidewires using MR tracking

MR tracking of a vascular guidewire sized for a .035-inch (.89-mm) catheter lumen was performed. The guidewire was actively tracked by incorporation o f a miniature radiofrequency (RF) receive coil built into its tip. After in vitro validation, simultaneous tracking of the guidewire and a catheter wa s performed in the aortic and abdominal vessels of a swine at 1.5 T. The ab ility to track such a small device and the ability to simultaneously track multiple devices are significant steps towards vascular interventions under MR guidance.