This invention relates generally to medical devices, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a fiducial marker. In one embodiment, a device includes, but is not limited to, one or more markers; and one or more connectors configured to link the one or more markers, wherein at least a portion of the device is detectable via medical imaging.

A magnetic resonance tomography unit for localizing metallic objects and an operating method are provided. In one act of the method, an excitation pulse is used to excite nuclear spins in a region surrounding a compact metallic object. Magnetic resonance data is acquired with samplings along a plurality of trajectories, where the samplings take place using a bSSFP sequence, and the nuclear spins are dephased by a gradient. A position of a geometric focal point of the compact metallic object is ascertained based on a position of a visual focal point of acquired artifacts.

An intervention apparatus is described having a probe with an orifice insertion portion, the insertion portion being configured for insertion into an orifice of a patient. The apparatus also having an intervention tool securement and adjustment mechanism removably attached to the probe. The probe providing support to hold the mechanism in a position relative to the patient, and the adjustment mechanism providing adjustment of an entry point and an angle of entry for an intervention tool to the patient. In embodiments, magnetic resonance imaging, trans-orifice intervention and transperineal intervention are described. Methods for imaging and/or intervention are also described.

Devices, kits, assemblies systems and methods for transferring fluid to or from a subject include an elongate guide cannula having opposing proximal and distal ends with an open axially extending lumen. The proximal end includes a connector. The devices also include an elongate needle having opposing proximal and distal ends, the needle having a connector that is configured to attach to the guide cannula connector and is attached to or attachable to a length of flexible tubing, wherein the elongate needle is configured to be slidably inserted into the guide cannula lumen so that the distal end of the needle extends out of the distal end of the distal end of the guide cannula a suitable distance.

An implantable medical device configured to be compatible with the environment inside an Mill machine. The implantable medical device includes a housing constructed of an electrically conductive material and pulse generation circuitry within the housing for generating electrical voltage pulses. The implantable medical device further includes a first conductor that is configured to transmit the electrical voltage pulses from the pulse generation circuitry to a patient's cardiac tissue and a second conductor that is configured to provide an electrically conductive path from the patient's cardiac tissue back to the pulse generation circuitry. The implantable medical device further includes a selectively interruptible electrically conductive path connecting the pulse generation circuitry with the housing.

A method for determining two-dimensional image data from at least one sectional surface of an acquisition volume as part of a magnetic resonance imaging process by a combined apparatus, including a magnetic resonance imaging facility and an X-ray facility, is provided. The method includes controlling the X-ray facility to acquire at least one X-ray image that images at least part of an object. At least one piece of object information is determined by image processing the X-ray image. At least one sectional-surface parameter that defines an arrangement of the sectional surface in the acquisition volume is determined. The magnetic resonance imaging facility is controlled to acquire measurement data relating to the sectional surface. The two-dimensional image data is calculated from the measurement data. The sectional-surface parameter is used as the basis for the control of the magnetic resonance imaging facility and/or for the calculation of the two-dimensional image data.

An endorectal coil (1) includes a tube (40), a spreader (44), and one or more electrically conductive elements (64). The tube (40) is configured for insertion into the rectum (42). The spreader (44) is configured to be positioned at a distal end of the tube (40) and mechanically spread to compress surrounding tissue after the tube (40) is inserted. The one or more electrically conductive elements (64) are tuned to receive magnetic resonance data disposed on at least one of the tube (40), the spreader (44), and adjacent the tube and spreader.

MRI compatible localization and/or guidance systems for facilitating placement of an interventional therapy and/or device in vivo include: (a) a mount adapted for fixation to a patient; (b) a targeting cannula with a lumen configured to attach to the mount so as to be able to controllably translate in at least three dimensions; and (c) an elongate probe configured to snugly slidably advance and retract in the targeting cannula lumen, the elongate probe comprising at least one of a stimulation or recording electrode. In operation, the targeting cannula can be aligned with a first trajectory and positionally adjusted to provide a desired internal access path to a target location with a corresponding trajectory for the elongate probe. Automated systems for determining an MR scan plane associated with a trajectory and for determining mount adjustments are also described.

The present invention generally relates to a composition comprising acetic anhydride, a DNP agent and a gadolinium complex and its use for the preparation of hyperpolarised imaging agent for MR diagnostic analysis.

An endorectal coil (1) includes a tube (40), a spreader (44), and one or more electrically conductive elements (64). The tube (40) is configured for insertion into the rectum (42). The spreader (44) is configured to be positioned at a distal end of the tube (40) and mechanically spread to compress surrounding tissue after the tube (40) is inserted. The one or more electrically conductive elements (64) are tuned to receive magnetic resonance data disposed on at least one of the tube (40), the spreader (44), and adjacent the tube and spreader.