Interventional MRI

In spite of its many advantages: 3D imaging, improved tissue characterizati on, and lack of ionizing radiation, interventional MRI remains seldom used, Several factors are involved. The purpose ct this paper is to analyze the factors preventing or slowing the development of this technique based on a review of data from the literature, work presented at the second symposium on interventional MRI (Dusseldorf, 1997), and our own experimental data. Th e following elements will be discussed: difficulties related to image quali ty and open magnets, control of targeted image acquisitions, MR environment and problems related to asepsis, as well as advances of other techniques. Finally, short-term and mid-term perspectives will be presented. These are related to the goals of the technique: open or short bore closed magnets? M R unit installed in a radiology department? MR unit dedicated to interventi onal procedures only or mixed diagnostic-interventional unit? interventiona l MR unit placed in a neurosurgery operating room? interventional MR unit i nstalled in a general surgery operating room?