Ceramic reinforcement member for MRI devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reinforced magnetic resonance imaging catheter. The catheter comprises a medical device having at least one lumen extending therethrough. The elongated body also includes a proximal end, a distal end, and circumference, a longitudinal axis running between the proximal and distal ends, and a coaxial layer that incorporates at least one elongated ceramic member that is substantially covered with a coating. An antenna is operably disposed proximate the distal end the medical device.

Description

[0001] The present application is a continuation of and claims priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 007,284, filed Nov. 9, 2001, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to intravascular devices used in magnetic resonance imaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to a ceramic reinforcement member for reinforcing elongated intravascular magnetic resonance imaging devices. [0003] Tracking of catheters and other devices positioned within a body may be achieved by means of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. Typically, such a magnetic resonance imaging system may be comprised of a magnet, a pulsed magnetic field gradient generator, a transmitter for electromagnetic waves in radio frequency (RF), a radio frequency receiver, and a controller. In a common implementation, an antenna is disposed either on the device to be tracked or on a guidewire or a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The present invention generally pertains to elongated intravascular MRI-related devices adapted to be advanced through a vessel of a subject. In particular, the present invention provides one or more constructions of such intravascular devices that incorporate reinforcement mechanisms that enable both desirable mechanical qualities and minimal negative magnetic interference with MR imaging.

Problems solved by technology

Elongated intravascular devices utilized in association with MRI applications must generally be made from low magnetic susceptible materials, otherwise they will disturb the magnetic resonance (MR) image of the surrounding body tissue.

In the context of MRI applications, however, all metal materials and metal alloy materials will still have some negative influence on the magnetic image.

Polymer fibers, however, as compared to the metal and metal alloy materials, have generally inferior mechanical qualities.

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