MR-Thrombosis
The goal of the joint project MR-Thrombosis-Theranostics is the research and development of a Magnetic Resonance (MR)–guided diagnosis and minimally-invasive therapy of thromboses. MR-guidance overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of X-Ray fluoroscopy and adds high soft tissue contrast.
However, the change in visualization modality makes novel medical instruments necessary. ICCAS, therefore, researches MR-compatible constructs made of nitinol in terms of optimized manufacturing methods and corresponding MR sequences to ensure visualization of the MR-Thrombosis-Theranostics system. Thus, a VCF shall be developed that does not cause disturbing artefacts (Fig. 1) but rather enhance the MR signal locally. Moreover, an adequate clinical workflow will be developed and evaluated with a patient model.
Thromboses can be treated with a minimally-invasive trombectomy. To prevent lung embolism a vena cava filter often is implanted as well. Such procedures are continuously visualized via X-Ray fluoroscopy with the use of iodine-containing contrast agents. This technique causes an immanent risk for both patients and interventionalists – especially for pregnant women. The health hazard increases due to exposure to mutagen radiation and nephrotoxic contrast agents and poses a threat to the unborn life.