MRI-GUIDED CATHETERS

摘要

An MRI-compatible catheter reduces localized heating due to MR scanner-induced currents and includes a shaft having opposite distal and proximal end portions. One or more RF tracking coils are positioned adjacent the distal end portion and each includes a conductive lead that electrically connects the RF tracking coil to an MRI scanner. Each lead includes a series of back and forth segments along its length. The catheter includes one or more sensing electrodes at the shaft distal end portion, each electrically connected to a resistor having high impedance. A sheath surrounds a portion of the elongated shaft and includes at least one RF shield coaxially disposed therewithin. Each RF shield includes elongated inner and outer conductors and an elongated dielectric layer of MRI compatible material sandwiched between the inner and outer conductors. The inner and outer conductors are electrically connected at one end and electrically isolated at an opposite end.