A NOVEL ACTIVE DEVICE FABRICATION METHOD FOR INTERVENTIONAL MRI PROCEDURES

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a promising candidate compare to X-Ray fluoroscopy for interventional cardiovascular procedures due to its ionizing radiation free mechanism and superior soft tissue contrast. However, Interventional MRI field lacks dedicated clinical grade MRI safe and visible devices. In this study, we designed and developed a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) based thin film conductive ink printing system for developing low profile “active” interventional devices for cardiovascular procedures under MRI. The proposed automated system allows forming three-dimensional receiver antenna configurations automatically onto non-planar surfaces. The developed system decreased the process time and increased reproducibility significantly compared to alternative lithography-based techniques also used for low profile active device development. The validation and calibration test results showed that the motion control system worked within a tolerance of 2 μm and the dispenser unit had more than 90% accuracy. As a part of this study, a loop RF antenna was designed and formed on an MRI-compatible needle using biocompatible heat shrink polymer. MRI visibility and RF induced heating tests were performed successfully for the prototype active needle. An identical active needle was fabricated using conventional methods to compare the overall device profile and MRI visibility performance.