Catheter based magnetic resonance compatible perfusion probe

Abstract

Neurosurgeons are using a thermal based technique to quantify brain perfusion. The thermal diffusion probe (TDP) technology measures perfusion in a relatively small volume of brain tissue. The neurosurgeon chooses the specific brain location and probe placement based on their clinical concern. When an early indication of compromised perfusion is detected by the TDP, it is generally necessary to confirm the local, absolute perfusion measurement taken with the TDP, with magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion imaging. MR perfusion imaging provides an excellent, but relative, global assessment of compromised tissue perfusion. Due to the many clinical and diagnostic benefits of real-time, absolute quantification of blood flow acquired by the TDP, there has been increased interest in having the TDP MR compatible. This thesis considers what it would take to render the TDP MR compatible in both the active and passive modes. The analysis considers effects of the EM field on the probe, and the probe on the MR image. The presence of cardiac and respiratory induced brain motion has been shown to provide an artifact in TDP-perfusion data. Consideration is given to ways in which to minimize this motion induced perfusion artifact.