System and method for magnetic-resonance-guided electrophysiologic and ablation procedures

摘要

A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures includes an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter may further include an ablation tip, and be used as an intracardiac device to deliver energy to selected areas of tissue and visualize the resulting ablation lesions.

主权项

1. A method for performing an electrophysiological procedure on a mammalian patient having a heart, comprising:
positioning the mammalian patient such that the heart is in a main magnetic field of an MRI scanner; introducing an MR-compatible catheter into the heart; acquiring a magnetic resonance image of the heart by applying static and gradient magnetic fields to the mammalian patient and sensing radio frequency (RF) emissions from precession of protons in the heart excited by the static and the gradient magnetic fields; using the magnetic resonance image to position said MR-compatible catheter in the heart while continuing to acquire additional magnetic resonance images of the heart, establishing a conductive connection between the catheter and the heart while the catheter is in the static and gradient magnetic fields, and monitoring electrical signals in the heart acquired through the conductive connection between the catheter and the heart.