Open High-field MRI

Microtherapeutic interventions under radiological image control

As part of a research and development project, doctors at the University Hospital Magdeburg, Germany, are treating oncology patients with local minimally invasive surgery (MIS) which, for the first time, can be carried out under radiological image control using high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The system offers excellent image quality under extremely favourable, radiation-free conditions.

The open high-field MRI in use. Prof. Jens Ricke injects a patient with a...
The open high-field MRI in use. Prof. Jens Ricke injects a patient with a slipped disc an analgesic under MRI control

Due to the closed, tube-shaped construction of magnetic resonance tomographs, minimally invasive interventions have so far been controlled with the help of ultrasound or CT. However, both procedures have their disadvantages — either the image quality is not ideal or a patient is exposed to additional radiation.
Open high-field MRI can significantly improve micro-surgical procedures. ‘This equipment is a milestone for microtherapy: Due to its open construction it offers us doctors the important, free access to the patient which we need for these procedures,’ explained Prof. Jens Ricke, Director of the Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at the University Hospital Magdeburg. ‘Moreover, the new system shows soft tissues with excellent image quality and works without ionising radiation.’
The open version of MRI enables the implementation of microsurgical procedures near tumours, under permanent image control. First studies indicate that minimally invasive procedures, such as image-guided brachytherapy or thermal radiofrequency ablation combined with conventional surgical or chemotherapeutical treatment, can achieve better therapy success with lower follow-up costs.
As part of the project, which the university hospital started with Philips Healthcare, the development of new procedures, such as those against chronic pain, is also to be promoted. There is to be particular emphasis on interdisciplinary co-operation. ‘Microtherapeutic interventions are always part of a whole, interdisciplinary concept. The University Hospital Magdeburg develops an individual treatment plan for every patient and puts it into practice, with close cooperation of all specialised areas of medicine involved in the delivery of oncological therapy,’ Philips pointed out.

01.03.2008

Related articles

Photo

Article • Transformative technology

Generative AI in healthcare: More than a chatbot

‘Computer, why did the doctor take that MRI scan of my leg? And what did it show?’: Popularized by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is already beginning to see…

Photo

Article • Oncology imaging

The expanding role of CT in lung cancer management

While screening programs for several of the commonest cancers are now well established, lung cancer screening has yet to reach anywhere near the same proportion of at-risk patients.

Photo

Article • Philips presents portfolio update at ECR 2022

AI-powered MRI to increase imaging speed, reduce staff burden

The portfolio Philips presented at ECR 2022 revealed that the company not only advanced their products, but also listened to medical professionals and patients – and took their feedback to heart.

Related products

Subscribe to Newsletter