WO2001074241A2 - Systeme et techniques d'evaluation des tissus ureteraux et peri-ureteraux - Google Patents

Systeme et techniques d'evaluation des tissus ureteraux et peri-ureteraux Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001074241A2
WO2001074241A2 PCT/US2001/010412 US0110412W WO0174241A2 WO 2001074241 A2 WO2001074241 A2 WO 2001074241A2 US 0110412 W US0110412 W US 0110412W WO 0174241 A2 WO0174241 A2 WO 0174241A2
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
antenna
circuit
endourethral
coil
mri
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PCT/US2001/010412
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English (en)
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WO2001074241A3 (fr
Inventor
Ergin Atalar
Harald Hartmut Quick
Parag Karmarkar
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Surgi-Vision, Inc.
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Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/817,893 external-priority patent/US6628980B2/en
Application filed by Surgi-Vision, Inc. filed Critical Surgi-Vision, Inc.
Priority to JP2001571989A priority Critical patent/JP2004504076A/ja
Priority to CA002403822A priority patent/CA2403822A1/fr
Priority to AU2001249707A priority patent/AU2001249707A1/en
Priority to EP01922961A priority patent/EP1272866A2/fr
Publication of WO2001074241A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001074241A2/fr
Publication of WO2001074241A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001074241A3/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/20—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance
    • G01R33/28—Details of apparatus provided for in groups G01R33/44 - G01R33/64
    • G01R33/32—Excitation or detection systems, e.g. using radio frequency signals
    • G01R33/34—Constructional details, e.g. resonators, specially adapted to MR
    • G01R33/34084—Constructional details, e.g. resonators, specially adapted to MR implantable coils or coils being geometrically adaptable to the sample, e.g. flexible coils or coils comprising mutually movable parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/41—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the immune or lymphatic systems
    • A61B5/414—Evaluating particular organs or parts of the immune or lymphatic systems
    • A61B5/415—Evaluating particular organs or parts of the immune or lymphatic systems the glands, e.g. tonsils, adenoids or thymus
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/41—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the immune or lymphatic systems
    • A61B5/414—Evaluating particular organs or parts of the immune or lymphatic systems
    • A61B5/418—Evaluating particular organs or parts of the immune or lymphatic systems lymph vessels, ducts or nodes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/43—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the reproductive systems
    • A61B5/4375—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the reproductive systems for evaluating the male reproductive system
    • A61B5/4381—Prostate evaluation or disorder diagnosis
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/20—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance
    • G01R33/28—Details of apparatus provided for in groups G01R33/44 - G01R33/64
    • G01R33/32—Excitation or detection systems, e.g. using radio frequency signals
    • G01R33/34—Constructional details, e.g. resonators, specially adapted to MR
    • G01R33/341—Constructional details, e.g. resonators, specially adapted to MR comprising surface coils
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/20—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance
    • G01R33/28—Details of apparatus provided for in groups G01R33/44 - G01R33/64
    • G01R33/32—Excitation or detection systems, e.g. using radio frequency signals
    • G01R33/34—Constructional details, e.g. resonators, specially adapted to MR
    • G01R33/34007—Manufacture of RF coils, e.g. using printed circuit board technology; additional hardware for providing mechanical support to the RF coil assembly or to part thereof, e.g. a support for moving the coil assembly relative to the remainder of the MR system

Definitions

  • the invention relates in general to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in particular to devices for in vivo MRI.
  • MRI magnetic resonance imaging
  • Evaluation of the anatomy of the urethra and the periurethral tissues is important for the diagnosis and treatment of the number of clinical conditions in men and women.
  • Malignant conditions include cancers of the bladder, cancers of the cervix and female genital tract, and cancers of the prostate.
  • Non-malignant conditions may include voiding disorders such as, for example, various types of incontinences in both men and women, hi addition to adult conditions, anatomic diagnosis may assist in the evaluation of pediatric anomalies of the pelvis and urinary tract.
  • Evaluating the anatomy of the urethra and periurethral tissues may be useful in staging bladder cancers and in determining desirable methods of treatment. Cancers of the bladder affect approximately 45,000 patients annually. Approximately 10,000 men and women die from this disease each year. Bladder tumors may be categorized as superficial non muscle-invading lesions and deep tumors with muscle invasion. Spread of the disease in more advanced stages may distort the tissues surrounding the bladder neck or urethra due to pressure from adjacent tumor or due to actual tumor invasion. Evaluation of the periurethral tissues in a bladder cancer patient may assist in identifying the stage of the disease. While endoscopic resection is suitable for superficial well-differentiated lesions, invasive tumors may require cystectomy with supravesical urinary diversion. Evaluating the degree of involvement of the bladder wall may assist the clinician with selecting the appropriate therapeutic modality.
  • Cancers of the female genital tract may, under certain circumstances, involve periurethral tissues.
  • periurethral tissues For example, in carcinoma of the cervix, spread occurs through lymphatic channels, first extending to the lymph nodes located in the tissues immediately lateral to the cervix. Direct vaginal extension may also occur. Lesions involving these tissues are designated stage two or stage three, depending on the extent of and location of tissues that are involved.
  • Such cancers may be considered locally advanced.
  • radiation therapy is commonly used rather than excisional therapy. To determine the proper course of treatment, therefore, accurate anatomic information is necessary. Evaluation of periurethral pelvic tissues may provide a such useful information.
  • the staging of vulvar or endometrial cancers may benefit from an appraisal of the periurethral anatomy.
  • Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is diagnosed in about 400,000 patients annually, with approximately 45,000 patients dying from each year. The malignancy may occur in any portion of the gland, with multiple areas of involvement being present about one-third of the time. While early diagnosis is a key to survival, identifying the stage of the disease is crucial to determining proper therapy.
  • the American System of clinical staging is divided into stages A, B, C & D. Stage A, reserved for patients who have no palpable abnormality of the prostate, is divided into Al and A2 depending on the volume of cancer (Al ⁇ 5%, A2>5%) removed by transurethral resection (TURP) for presumed benign disease.
  • Stage B represents nodular disease palpated on rectal examination and is divided into Bl disease (nodule 1.5cm or less) and B2 (nodule >1.5cm).
  • Stage C is reserved for those patients in whom disease is felt to extend outside the prostate while Stage D for those with metastatic disease.
  • the TNM system has gained acceptance especially since it allows for staging of those patients found to have carcinoma as a result of PSA (prostatic specific antigen) elevation and not palpable disease.
  • Stage Tic includes those patients found to have carcinoma based on PSA elevation only, while Tl a corresponds to Al, Tib to A2, T2a to Bl, T2b to B2, and T3 to C.
  • Prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels have been correlated with the clinical extent of the disease, but evaluation of the anatomic extent of the disease contributes to determining the appropriate type of surgical intervention.
  • Early-stage carcinoma is understood to be localized to the prostate gland without extension beyond the gland capsule and without extension to distant sites.
  • Available options include "watchful waiting", radiation therapy, radical prostatectomy, cryosurgery and hormonal ablation. Older patients (over 70 years) with small, early cancers may be candidates for watchful waiting. These patients are monitored for development of bladder outlet obstruction symptoms and distal disease. Under some circumstances, this option may also be appropriate for younger patients.
  • Radiopubic or T 2 Removal of the entire prostate and seminal vesicles, termed a radical prostatectomy, may be performed for organ confined disease, T 1 or T 2, using either a retropubic or a perineal approach.
  • Radiation therapy provides an alternative to surgery in these patients. Radiation may be delivered either via external beam radiotherapy or via local placement of radioactive seeds within the prostate.
  • Debate exists about the comparative efficacy of radiation therapy vs. prostatectomy. While radiation therapy may involve complications such as diarrhea, cystitis, impotence and incontinence, these last two complications are less frequently encountered with radiation than with surgery.
  • Cryosurgical ablation is another approach to the treatment of organ-confined prostate cancer. To perform this treatment, the physician places stainless steel probes percutaneously into the substance of the prostate under ultrasound guidance.
  • Liquid nitrogen is then circulated through the probes, creating an expanding "iceball" throughout the prostate whose extent can be monitored by using transrectal ultrasound to watch watching a freeze "front” progress within the tissue.
  • the cycle of freezing and thawing of the prostate tissue results in coagulation necrosis of the tissue.
  • patients treated with cryosurgery are at risk of developing impotence and incontinence after treatment.
  • the procedure is minimally invasive and results to date have been encouraging.
  • Advanced carcinoma by contrast, is not appropriately treated using any of these regimens. It is therefore important to distinguish between those carcinomas confined to the gland and hence adequately treated by radical prostatectomy or other local therapies and those carcinomas extending beyond the gland which are not amenable to local cure.
  • anatomic evaluation of tissues surrounding the urethra at the prostatic level may also serve to evaluate the prostate and its malignancies.
  • urinary incontinence is of particular importance. At least 10 million adults in the U.S. suffer from urinary incontinence, including between 15 and 30 percent of older Americans and at least one-half of the estimated 1.5 million nursing home residents. In addition to the significant psychosocial burden borne by individuals with this ailment, incontinence involves quantifiable health care and related costs, conservatively estimated at approximately $10 billion annually. Urinary incontinence is a symptom, not a disease in itself. It occurs in several clinical patterns, each having a set of possible etiologies.
  • urinary incontinence is a chronic problem, lasting indefinitely unless properly diagnosed and treated.
  • the number of patients with urinary incontinence who have not been successfully treated remains surprisingly high. In part, this is due to inadequate knowledge about the anotomical basis, pathophysiology and potential treatments for the condition.
  • new diagnostic tests have been developed, guidelines still remain to be formulated for their appropriate application.
  • a variety of therapies have been proposed, opinions differ about the best type of treatment to apply to a particular condition.
  • a number of references disclose systems and methods for evaluating the anatomy of pelvic tissues including the prostate, for example U. S. Patent Nos. 4,932,411; 5,050, 607; 5,170,789; 5,307,814; 5,340,010; 5,355,087; 5,365,928; 5,451,232; 5,413,104; 5,476,095.
  • This information would provide a significant contribution to the understanding of urinary incontinence and other urethral abnormalities in female patients, thereby contributing to an understanding of surgical approach for treatment.
  • methods to provide detailed anatomic information about the male urethra and prostate in order to guide current therapeutic techniques and in order to permit the development of anatomically more refined approaches to the treatment of prostate cancer.
  • Cloacal extrophy is an extremely rare congenital anomaly in which there are two extrophied hemibladders separated by a bulging cecum and ileal orifice. Correction of the anatomic abnormalities with restoration of normal bladder function and urinary continence as well as normal penile appearance in the male is the goal of treatment. Repair of cloacal extrophy is challenging for it requires staged reconstruction of the pelvic urinary structures as well as the gastrointestinal tract. A more thorough understanding of the complex pelvic and urological anatomy may assist surgeons in planning and executing the necessary reconstructive procedures.
  • diagnostic techniques may be combined with therapeutic techniques for pelvic conditions.
  • a better understanding of regional and local anatomy and an appreciation of the relevant pathology may facilitate accurate and effective treatment.
  • diagnostic techniques that are combinable with therapeutic modalities useful for malignant and nonmalignant conditions in the pelvic region.
  • RF receiver coils may be placed at the region of interest to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for better image (spectrum) quality in MRI or MRS.
  • SNR signal-to-noise ratio
  • RF Receiver coils can broadly be separated into categories of volume coils, surface coils and endoluminal coils. Volume coils contain the region of interest within their volume and the imaging region is directed toward the inside of the coil. Surface coils are placed on top of the region of interest and their imaging region is directed to either side of the coil.
  • Endoluminal coils are inserted into natural (urethra, prostate, vagina, rectum, oesophagus, pancreas, etc.) or artificial (endo vascular, etc.) orifices of the human or animal body. Their imaging region is directed towards the outside of the coil to provide high-resolution imaging (spectra) of the region surrounding the coil.
  • Different coil designs for a potential endoluminal application are available in the art.
  • the endoluminal RF coils designs exist in multiple forms, including: rigid (GE prostate biopsy guidance coil, (R.D. Watkins, K.W. Rohling, E.E. Uzgiris, C.L. Dumoulin, R.D. Darrow and R.O.
  • Mutual inductance between two or more independent but geometrically adjacent coils, tuned to the same resonance frequency may under certain circumstances improve the SNR and signal homogeneity, but such designs can also result in coupling between the coils that might result in poor signal performance and decreased signal penetration depth into the tissue.
  • this mutual inductance is compensated for by adding combinations of capacitors, inductors, and/or other electronic elements to the resonant circuit of the coils.
  • Another means of compensation is, to mechanically align the two or more coils in a way to each other, so that the coils are geometrically isolated from another.
  • Geometric decoupling does not always result in sufficient isolation.
  • the overall coil performance might be still degraded due to residual coupling between the coils.
  • the use of a metallic paddle to steer the magnetic flux of a coil as a means to insulate two or more adjacent coils from each other was published in the literature in 1946 by Bloch, Hansen and Packard (F. Bloch, W. W. Hansen, M. E. Packard, Phys. Rev. 70:474 (1946)) and was then reconsidered by Andrew (E. R. Andrew, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Pp.56-63, Cambridge Univ.
  • the paddle could be designed larger relative to the size of the coils, providing a very effective means of coil insulation, virtually without affecting the field toward the outside of the coil.
  • No additional electronics were required to achieve an isolation of about 50 dB.
  • Signal homogeneity as well as signal penetration depth and therefore image quality was markedly improved by minimizing the mutual inductance between the coils.
  • There is a further need to device a RF coil for endoluminal applications that can improve signal homogeneity and signal penetration depth.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging of an anatomic region of a human pelvis.
  • an endourethral magnetic resonance imaging coil comprising an antenna, and interface circuit interposed between the antenna and a MRI machine, said interface circuit being in electrical communication with the antenna and being in electrical communication to the MRI machine and comprising a tuning-matching circuit, a decoupling circuit and a balun circuit, and a housing enveloping the antenna.
  • the antenna may be formed on a flexible circuit.
  • the interface circuit may be enclosed within an interface box connected to the antenna by a connector.
  • the antenna may be a receive-only coil.
  • the tuning-matching circuit may comprise at least two sets of capacitors, a first set in series and a second set in parallel.
  • the decoupling circuit may comprise a PIN diode.
  • the interface circuit may further comprise a DC regulating circuit.
  • the housing may be sealed at a distal end.
  • the electrical communication between the interface circuit and the MRI machine may be made using a wireless connection, and in certain other embodiments of the present invention, the electrical communication between the interface circuit and the antenna may be made using a wireless connection.
  • the invention provides an apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of an anatomic region of a human pelvis, comprising an endourethral magnetic resonance imaging coil system, comprising a first antenna and a second antenna, wherein said second antenna is oriented at a preselected position with respect to said first antenna; and further comprising an interface system interposed between a MRI machine and said first and second antennas, said interface system being in electrical communication with said MRI machine and with each of said first antenna and said second antenna, said interface system comprising a tuning-matching system, a decoupling system and a balun system; and further comprising a housing enveloping at least one of said first antenna and said second antenna.
  • MRI magnetic resonance imaging
  • the present invention provides a system for treating an anatomic region within a pelvis of a patient, comprising an elongate member insertable into a urethra of the patient and temporarily retainable in said urethra, said elongate member housing an endourethral imaging system and an endourethral therapeutic system, wherein said endourethral imaging system comprises an endourethral MRI coil comprising an antenna, and said endourethral therapeutic system comprises an endourethral delivery device to deliver a mode of therapy transurethrally to an area of the anatomic region imaged by the endourethral imaging system; and further comprising an interface circuit interposed between said antenna and a MRI machine, said interface circuit being electrical communication with said antenna and being in electrical communication with the MRI machine, said interface circuit comprising a tuning-matching circuit, a decoupling circuit and a balun circuit.
  • the present invention may provide methods for treating an anatomic region within a pelvis of a patient.
  • steps include providing a medical device comprising an elongate member insertable into and temporarily retainable within a urethra of the patient, said elongate member housing an endourethral imaging system and an endourethral therapeutic system, wherein said endourethral imaging system comprises an endourethral MRI coil comprising an antenna, and said endourethral therapeutic system comprises an endourethral delivery device to deliver a mode of therapy transurethrally to an area of the anatomic region imaged by the endourethral imaging system; providing an interface circuit interposed between said antenna and a MRI machine, said interface circuit being in electrical communication with said antenna and being in electrical communication with the MRI machine, said interface circuit comprising a tuning- matching circuit, a decoupling circuit and a balun circuit; providing the MRI machine; inserting said elongate member into the urethra of said patient; temporarily
  • temporarily retaining the elongate member in the urethra refers to any temporary retention, no matter how long or short in duration, which is adequate to accomplish some aspect of the diagnostic or therapeutic procedures of the method.
  • Temporary retention permits the elongate member to be repositioned in a different position during the course of diagnosis or treatment. Positioning the pelvis of the patient in a diagnostically effective position will be understood to practitioners of the MRI art to relate to the proper positioning of the body part to be imaged with respect to the main MRI machine.
  • Positioning the endourethral therapeutic system in therapeutic proximity to the area will be understood by practitioners in the art to refer to any positioning from whence the endourethral therapeutic system may deliver a therapeutically effective amount of the mode of therapy to the area of the anatomic region to be treated.
  • the present invention may provide methods of evaluating an anatomic region of the human pelvis.
  • the method may comprise providing an endourethral MR receiver coil having an antenna disposed upon a flexible circuit, providing an interface circuit in electrical communication with said antenna, said interface circuit comprising a tuning-matching circuit, a decoupling circuit, and a balun circuit, providing a housing enveloping the antenna, providing an MRI machine in electrical communication with the interface circuit, inserting the endourethral MR receiver coil into a human urethra within the human pelvis, situating the human pelvis within a main magnetic field of the MRI machine, imposing the main magnetic field on the human pelvis, applying RF pulses to the human pelvis to excite magnetic resonance signals within the human pelvis, applying gradient magnetic pulses to the human pelvis to spatially encode the magnetic resonance signals received resonance signals in the endo urethral MR receiver coil, emitting responsive output signals from the endourethral MRI receiver coil, processing the output signals and converting them to information
  • the systems and methods of the present invention may be directed to a male or to a female subject. In one aspect, these systems and methods may be directed towards the diagnosis of an abnormality of the prostate. In another aspect, these systems and methods may be directed towards the diagnosis of an abnormality of the female pelvic floor.
  • Coils designed for the male or the female urethra may include specific features adaptable to male or female regional anatomy. Two different coil designs for intraurethral positioning may be included as embodiments of the present invention: a) single-loop coil, and b) quadrature coil.
  • a balun circuit may be implemented into the design of both coils to reduce potential RF heating effects and to improve coil performance.
  • An image intensity correction (IIC) algorithm may be used to compensate for the Bi signal variation of the endoluminal coils across the small field of views (FOV's) being used.
  • Figure 1 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of an endourethral imaging system according to the present invention.
  • Figure 2 provides a schematic view of an embodiment of an endourethral imaging system adapted for use in a female urethra.
  • Figure 3 depicts a schematic of a triaxial cable assembly.
  • Figure 4 provides a schematic diagram of a balun assembly.
  • Figure 5 provides a schematic diagram of a cable assembly.
  • Figure 6 provides an electrical schematic of an embodiment of an imaging coil and interface circuit.
  • Figure 7 provides a schematic view of an imaging coil embodiment.
  • Figure 8 provides a cross-sectional view of the lumen with an imaging coil therein.
  • Figure 9A and B provide longitudinal and transverse cross-sections of an embodiment of an imaging coil system.
  • Figure 10A and B provide schematic electrical diagrams of a single imaging coil and interface circuit and a double imaging coil and interface circuit.
  • Figure 11 A and B provide a schematic longitudinal and cross-sectional view of two imaging coils combined with a decoupling paddle.
  • Figure 12 provides a schematic electrical diagram of two imaging coils and interface circuits combined with a decoupling paddle.
  • Figure 13 A-D provide longitudinal and cross-sectional views of folded and expanded decoupling paddles.
  • Figure 14 provides a schematic diagram of a remotely manipulable decoupling paddle.
  • Figure 15 provides a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an imaging coil adapted for use in a male urethra.
  • Figure 16 provides an electrical schematic of an interface box.
  • Figure 17 A and B depict an embodiment of an endourethral imaging system.
  • Figure 18 depicts an endourethral imaging system combined with RF ablation.
  • Figure 19 depicts an endourethral imaging system combined with laser ablation.
  • the female urinary bladder and urethra are situated on the intrapelvic surface of the anterior vaginal wall, anchored to the distal vagina by the urogenital diaphragm and to the proximal vagina vesicocervicouterine junction.
  • the anterior surface of the proximal urethra is firmly anchored to the posterior aspect of the symphysis pubis by the pubourethral ligaments, and to the remaining distal vagina by the lower two-thirds of the urogenital diaphragm.
  • the lateral bladder wall is supported by the anterior vaginal wall attachments to the pelvic side wall.
  • Vaginal detachment from the lateral pelvic side wall can result in prolapse, with accompanying secondary posterior bladder dissent.
  • Weakness or injury to the levator ani muscles may contribute to laxity or detachment of the vaginal wall and the development of stress incontinence.
  • the anterior vaginal wall is firmly fixed by pubococcygeus muscle fibers inserting on the vaginal wall and by the cardinal and uterosacral ligaments.
  • the male and the female urethral suspensory mechanisms are analogous.
  • the male urethra extends from the internal urethral orifice of the urinary bladder to the external urethral orifice at the end of the penis. It is divided into three portions, the prostatic, the membranous, and the cavernous urethra.
  • the prostatic portion of the urethra is the widest part, running almost vertically through the prostate from its base to its apex and lying nearer to the anterior aspect of the prostate. At this level, the urethra is surrounded by the prostate gland.
  • the membranous portion of the urethra is the shortest section, extending downward between the apex of the prostate to perforate the urogenital diaphragm about 2.5 cm below and behind the pubic symphysis.
  • the membranous portion is completely surrounded by sphincteric fibers.
  • anatomists have described the rhabdosphincter of the male urethra, a structure thought to be either part of the urogenital diaphragm extending to the prostate or a striated muscle extending from the base of the bladder to the urogenital diaphragm.
  • This structure As vertically extending from the bulb of the penis to the region of the bladder neck along the prostate and membranous urethra to form a horseshoe shape loop around the anterior and lateral aspects of the membranous urethra and to insert dorsally in the perineal body by way of a broad tendinous raphe.
  • the cavernous portion of the urethra is contained in the corpus cavernosum, extending from the end of the membranous portion to the external urethral orifice.
  • the male urethral suspensory mechanism is traditionally understood to be composed of 3 continuous structures: the anterior pubourethral ligament, the intermediate pubourethral ligament, and the puboprostatic or posterior pubourethral ligament.
  • the bilateral urethral suspensory mechanism inserts along the lateral border of the urethra to form a supporting sling from the pubic arch.
  • the lateral surfaces of the levator ani muscle are oriented vertically in the pelvis and applied directly to the entire lateral surface of the prostate.
  • the bladder is primarily oriented anteriorly to the prostate. In cross-section, the trigone of the bladder and the anterior fibromuscular stroma of the prostate appear as a single unit in continuity. Pubovesical ligaments attach the bladder and prostate to the pubis.
  • Urinary continence depends on urine being stored in a receptive bladder closed by a competent sphincter mechanism. Incontinence may result from a storage problem (detrusor instability) or from a problem with the sphincter mechanism.
  • the sphincter mechanism includes the activity of the internal sphincter, the periurethral support to the proximal urethra, and the function of the external sphincter.
  • a complex neurologic system coordinates urethral and bladder function to permit either urinary storage or urinary voiding, depending on social requirements. A number of factors may adversely affect the continence mechanism. Surgical trauma, such as may occur with a radical prostatectomy, may injure the sphincter mechanism.
  • the neuromuscular damage to the pelvic floor that occurs with childbirth may affect the structures supporting the urethra and maintaining the normal female urethrovesical angle. Lack of estrogen with menopause is also understood to affect the tone of the pelvic and periurethral tissues. Understanding of the anatomic etiology of any incontinence disorder is central to determining proper treatment.
  • Clinical forms of urinary incontinence in adults include stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and a mixed form. Choice of appropriate therapy depends upon clinical diagnosis and understanding of the underlying anatomic abnormality.
  • stress incontinence dysfunction of the bladder outlet leads to leakage of urine as intra- abdominal pressure is raised above urethral resistance during coughing, bending, laughing, or lifting heavy objects.
  • Stress incontinence has many causes, including direct anatomic damage to the urethral sphincter and weakening of the bladder neck supports.
  • Urge incontinence involves a patients sensing the urge to void without the ability to inhibit voiding long enough to reach the toilet. In many cases, uninhibited bladder contractions contribute to the incontinence.
  • Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder is unable to empty normally and thus becomes overdistended, leading to frequent small-volume urine loss.
  • Causes include neurological abnormalities and any systemic or local factor that obstructs outflow.
  • Many cases of urinary incontinence have mixed etiologies, incorporating aspects of more than one subtype.
  • Stress incontinence may reflect weakness in the pelvic floor, particularly in females.
  • the pelvic floor is understood to comprise three compartments: anterior, posterior and middle. Weakness in the anterior compartment may lead to urological consequences. Weakness of the medial and posterior pelvic floor may lead to prolapse, either vaginal or rectal.
  • Anatomic defects of the interior, middle or posterior zones may result in voiding or other dysfunction.
  • An external muscular mechanism exists to open the vagina and closes the urethral outflow tract.
  • the same pelvic floor muscles permit the exertion of control over urination.
  • the stretched vagina prevents the filling bladder from activating stretch receptors in the bladder neck.
  • Laxity in the vaginal or perivaginal tissues may interfere with the transmission of these muscle forces, thereby interfering with the opening and closing of the urethra. Such laxities may also interfere with the neurologic processes of peripheral control so that the bladder is instructed to swing between open and closed modes in an unstable pattern.
  • Tissue laxity may in this way cause premature activation of the micturition reflex with resulting detrusor instability, or may result in stress incontinence or other abnormal emptying patterns.
  • a number of muscle functions impact the opening and closing of the proximal urethra and bladder neck, including the pubourethrovesical ligaments, the suburethral vaginal wall, the pubococcygeus muscles and the levator plate.
  • the connective tissue surrounding these muscular tendinous units permits the transmission of forces from the muscles to the urethra, thereby preserving volitional continence.
  • Men experience urinary continence less than women because of the differences male and female pelvic anatomy. In men, there is a predominance of overflow incontinence and detrusor instability problems.
  • MR receive coils for the novel infraurethral approach may enable the acquisition of ultra-high resolution MR images of the female urethra with a spatial in-plane resolution down to 78 x 78 ⁇ m, acquired within 8:32 min. Further, the systems and methods disclosed herein may permit more accurate evaluation of the male prostate through MR receive coils inserted transurethrally.
  • Elements useful in the design of an infraurethral RF receive coil for the female urethra include: a) small device diameter to fit the lumen of the urethra, b) longitudinal signal coverage of the length of the urethra, c) minimized radial sensitivity falloff to the coil to improve the penetration depth, d) homogeneous response to radially equidistant objects, and e) homogeneous response to axially equidistant objects. Similar characteristics pertain in the male urethra, though the longitudinal signal coverage may be directed at a more circumscribed region, that of the prostatic urethra.
  • the device advantageously is sufficiently flexible to be advanced atraumatically to the appropriate intraurethral level. Additionally, the safety of the device has to be considered when a potential human use is envisioned.
  • An important safety concern associated with the incorporation of an RF antenna into the human body is the possibility of localized RF heating caused by the coil or the coaxial cable connecting the coil to the scanner. While the small-area loop coils in this investigation are not considered to pose a high risk in terms of RF heating, the overall design with a coaxial cable connecting the coil to the scanner, potentially can pick up RF energy which could lead to tissue heating at the distal end of the coil.
  • Fig. 1 depicts an embodiment of the present invention adapted for use in the female urethra.
  • the outer diameter of the intraluminal coil 10 is desirably limited to 15 F (5 mm).
  • the coil 10 has a length of 50 mm.
  • the whole length of the adult urethra which is, in the range of 32 - 40 mm, can be covered with highest sensitivity and homogeneity of the coil 10.
  • the imaging loop 12 is housed in a biocompatible polymeric tubing 14 with 5.0 min outer diameter (OD) and 4 mm inner diameter (ID).
  • the imaging loop 12, which is formed upon a flexible circuit 16 may in certain embodiments be mounted onto another tubing or resilient stiffener that adds support to the flexible circuit 16 preventing it from collapsing or kinking during use.
  • the distal end of the polymeric tubing 14 may be sealed to isolate the coil 10 from direct contact with physiological tissue and fluids.
  • the imaging loop 10 may be covered by an insulator directly applied to it which similarly serves to isolate the coil 10 from direct contact with physiological tissue and fluids.
  • the distal 5-6 cm of the coil may be inserted in the urethra, while the coil electronics mounted on the proximal end of the flexible circuit 20 and cable system 22 will stay out of the body.
  • a stopper may prevent the coil from being inserted further into the urethra.
  • the proximal end of the cable system 22 is operatively connected to a connector 24 such as a BNC or its equivalent, permitting attachment of the intraluminal coil system 10 to a MRI machine.
  • a connector 24 such as a BNC or its equivalent, permitting attachment of the intraluminal coil system 10 to a MRI machine.
  • the depicted embodiment shows a housing formed from a biocompatible polymeric tubing 14, it is understood that a variety of materials may be used to form the outer layers housing the imaging loop systems of the present invention. As will be appreciated by practitioners in the relevant arts, flexible materials such as silicone, polyurethane, or other low durometer substances can be used to form the housing surrounding the imaging loop systems.
  • the housing may be formed with specific tips or incorporate specific urological designs as appropriate.
  • a Coude catheter tip may be provided, or a coiled tip adapted for passage through tortuous passages, or the housing may be modified to accommodate use of filiforms and followers or other urological tools.
  • Other modifications will be apparent to practitioners of ordinary skill that will facilitate passage of the inventive apparatus into and through the passageways of the male, female and pediatric pelvis, including the urinary tract and the urethra.
  • the single- loop urethra coil as shown in this figure design may be based on a loop circuit, which consists of a copper trace etched on a flexible circuit 16, as shown in the inset of Fig. 1.
  • the copper trace may coated with a polyamide layer to prevent oxidation during the sterilization process and to maintain the integrity of the copper trace during use.
  • Other types of coating for the copper trace will readily be envisioned by practitioners of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the flexible circuit 16 as shown in this figure enables the overall coil design to be semi-flexible and to give reproducible results in manufacturing.
  • the separation of the conductors 28 on the flexible circuit 16 in its final assembly may be 4 mm. Tuning and matching capacitors may be soldered directly onto the surface of the proximal end of the circuit 20, as described in more detail below.
  • FIG 2 provides a schematic view of an embodiment of an imaging system 100 according to the present invention.
  • an imaging loop coil 104 may be deployed within a polyurethane tubing 102 that provides a housing for the imaging loop 104.
  • the distal end 101 of the polyurethane tubing 102 may be sealed to protect the imaging loop coil 104 from contact with body fluids.
  • the imaging loop 104 may be formed on a circuit, as will be described in more detail below.
  • a layer of polyurethane tubing 110 extends proximally to cover the braiding (not shown) that shields the tuning-matching and decoupling circuits that form part of the interface circuit connecting the imaging loop 104 with the cable system that may be attached to the MRI machine (not shown).
  • balun 112 here depicted as an assembly of coaxial cable approximately 87 cm long. It is understood that a balun circuit may be used to prevent unbalanced shield currents from establishing resonance on the coil, thereby to reduce heating effects. In the depicted embodiment, the balun circuit may also be used to shield the tuning-matching and decoupling circuits that form part of the interface circuit, in order to reduce signal inhomogeneities generated by the entire assembly and changes in loading conditions.
  • Proximal to the balun 112 is a coaxial cable 114, with the junction between them shown as the coax-triax junction 120.
  • the coaxial cable 114 extends proximally for a distance of about 50 cm in the depicted embodiment.
  • a connector 1/8 such as a BNC connector which permits attachment of the imaging system 100 to the MRI machine (not shown).
  • the distal 5 to 7 cm of the imaging coil 104 may be inserted into the female urethra.
  • the rest of the imaging system 100 remains outside the body.
  • the dimensions provided in this figure are meant to be illustrative only. It is understood that other dimensions and diameters may be adapted to different anatomic conditions. For example, the size and shape of the pediatric female urethra will require modification of the aforesaid dimensions, as will be apparent to practitioners of ordinary skill in the art.
  • FIG. 3 shows in more detail the triaxial cable assembly that is used to provide a balun for an embodiment of an imaging system according to the present invention.
  • This figure shows a balun 112 in cross-section with its layers revealed.
  • the core conductor 134 is shown to be centrally positioned within the layers of the cable assembly.
  • This core conductor 134 is connected to the conductor traces in the flexible circuit (not shown), as will be described in more detail below.
  • Surrounding this core connector 134 is a layer of primary insulation 154, surrounded by a layer of primary shielding 138, available to be soldered to the flexible circuit (not shown).
  • Surrounding the primary shielding 138 is a layer of secondary insulation 144.
  • a standard coaxial cable 148 Proximal to the flexible circuit assembly (not shown) is a standard coaxial cable 148.
  • This structure provides a layer of secondary shielding/braiding 142 covering the secondary insulation 144, and it is in turn surrounded by an external insulation layer 146, which may be formed from PET or similar material.
  • connection to a micro-coax connector or to a RG 58 coaxial cable may be arranged.
  • the secondary shielding 142 may be soldered to the primary shielding 138 at a solder point 140.
  • Figure 4 provides a schematic diagram of a balun assembly 112 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the core conductor 134 is revealed, this structure to be connected to the conductor traces on the flexible circuit of the imaging coil (not shown).
  • a layer of primary insulation 154 Surrounding the conductor 134 is a layer of primary insulation 154. External to this is a layer of primary shielding 138 of the coaxial cable. External to the primary shielding 138 is a layer of secondary insulation 144. External to the secondary insulation 144 is a layer of external braiding 142 that acts as the secondary shielding.
  • a micro BNC connector 152 may be applied that attaches the primary shielding 138 and the secondary shielding 142 to the ground of the connector 152.
  • This triaxial cable may be custom-made by inserting a micro coaxial cable in a tubular silver plated copper braid. In one embodiment, a polyester heat shrink tubing may then be drawn over the entire assembly.
  • FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a cable assembly 113 connectable to an imaging coil (not shown) according to the present invention.
  • the cable assembly 113 depicted in this figure comprises a balun assembly 112, a stripped distal end 130 connectable to a flexible circuit imaging coil (not shown), a coaxial cable 114 situated proximally, a proximal connector 118 such as a BNC connector located at the proximal end 132, and a solder joint or transition section 120 between the balun assembly 112 in the coaxial cable 114.
  • An extension cable 114 such as a 50 cm RG 58 coaxial cable terminated with a male BNC connector 118 at the proximal end may facilitate connection to the MRI scanner' s surface coil port.
  • FIG. 6 provides an electrical schematic of an embodiment of an imaging coil 104 and an interface circuit comprising a balun, a tuning-matching circuit and a decoupling circuits.
  • the tuning-matching circuit comprises two sets of capacitors, one set 182 in series and the other set 184 in parallel, mounted respectively on the distal and proximal end of the flexible circuit to adjust the output of the imaging loop 180 to 50 ohm impedance.
  • the pads for these capacitors may be etched on the flexible circuit. The value of the individual capacitors may be determined for each coil.
  • the coils may be tuned to 63.86 MHz and matched to 50 Ohms while inserted into a 4.5 liter polyethylene container (150 x 150 x 200 mm) filled with 0.9% NaCl-solution to approximate the loading conditions of a coil inserted into a patient. SNR performance and signal homogeneity tests may be performed with the coil inserted in this phantom.
  • the value for the parallel capacitor 184 may be about 382pF, and about 76pF for the series capacitors 182.
  • the value of the capacitors may be 300 pF for the parallel capacitor and 95 pF for the series capacitors respectively.
  • Nonmagnetic "case A-size" high quality ceramic chip capacitors may be employed (American Technical Ceramics ATC, Huntington Station, NY), although other alternatives will be apparent to skilled practitioners.
  • a nonmagnetic small diameter 50 Ohms coaxial cable with 1.2 mm OD (K 01152-07, Huber & Suhner, Herisau, Switzerland) may be employed to conduct the signal from the tuning/matching electronics to the surface coil port of the scanner.
  • the tuning-matching circuit gets input from the imaging coil 104.
  • the output from the tuning-matching circuit is transmitted to the preamplifier (not shown) of the MRI machine through a decoupling circuits and a balun circuit.
  • the decoupling circuit is formed from a PIN diode 190, also located on the flexible circuit.
  • the decoupling circuit is used to detune the coil during transmission by the body coil and ground the DC currents introduced by the scanner during scanning sequence.
  • an active decoupling network is implemented to avoid RF concentrations at the coil conductors.
  • the decoupling circuit is built into the same flexible circuit as the imaging coil 104 and the tuning-matching circuit. Decoupling from the body coil may be achieved in one embodiment by placing a PIN diode 190 in the circuit at a distance of 1.5 cm proximal to the parallel capacitors 184.
  • an active decoupling network may be implemented to avoid RF field concentrations at the coil conductors.
  • a triggered direct current (DC) voltage at the scanner surface coil port actively switches on the PIN diode 190.
  • the impedance seen by the receive coil becomes high and detunes this coil during transmission.
  • the diode 190 is opened by an inverse DC voltage provided by the scanner, setting the endoluminal receive coil back to resonance.
  • the balun circuit comprises an assembly of coaxial cable 148 87 cm long with additional shielding 142 over the entire assembly, with the secondary shielding 142 being electrically connected to the primary shielding (not shown) at the proximal end of the imaging system.
  • the secondary shielding 142 or the braiding is extended to shield the tuning matching capacitors and the PIN diode.
  • the total length of the balun circuit may be about 86.5 cm. This length corresponds to quarter wavelength, which transforms to high impedance (greater than or equal to 500 ohms at 63.9 MHz) at the cable coil junction, preventing unbalanced shield currents from setting up a resonance in the coil.
  • a balun circuit may be provided by mounting a silver-plated copper braiding, 1.59 mm in OD, 19 AWG (Alpha Wire Company, USA) with heatshrink tubing onto the coaxial cable.
  • the braiding may be contacted to the shield of the coaxial cable at the miniature RF plug (MMCX-50-12/111, Huber & Sulmer, Herisau, Switzerland).
  • the electrical length of the braiding may be chosen to form a quarter wavelength, which transforms the short at the RF plug to high impedance at the cable coil conjunction. Shield currents are prevented from setting up a resonance on the coil, thus reducing heating effects.
  • the braiding may be constructed to extend over the coil electronics and shield them.
  • the noise performance of the coil is improved, and signal inhomogeneities generated by the whole assembly acting as a rod antenna can be reduced.
  • the values specified herein are understood to be illustrative, with reference to the disclosed embodiment. It is understood that other values may be employed or achieved in other embodiments.
  • Figure 7 depicts an embodiment of an imaging coil 104 adapted for use with the imaging system of the present invention.
  • an inductor loop antenna 180 is formed on a flexible circuit 194 using a conductor such as a copper trace 188.
  • the inductor loop antenna 180 may be formed from a copper trace traced over a polyimide flexible circuit substrate.
  • the copper trace may be coated with a polyimide layer to prevent oxidation during sterilization process and to maintain the integrity of the copper trace during used.
  • pads 192 may be provided for the affixation of the capacitors and PIN diode previously discussed.
  • Figure 8 shows one embodiment of an imaging coil 104 according to the present invention wherein the flexible circuit 194 upon which the imaging loop is formed may be contained within a polymeric housing 198 with an oval lumen 196. With this arrangement, the flexible circuit 194 lies flat in the oval lumen 196 with the parallel inductors (not shown) lying along the higher diameter of the lumen 196.
  • a flexible circuit may be shaped cylindrically or in any other shape consistent with the anatomy of the urethra.
  • Figure 9 A shows a longitudinal cross-section and figure 9 B shows a transverse section of an imaging coil 104.
  • an imaging loop flexible circuit 202 is shown to be housed within a polymeric tubing sealed at its distal end 204.
  • Proximal to the flexible circuit 202 supporting the imaging loop is a section of the flexible circuit supporting the tuning-matching circuit and a decoupling circuit (not shown).
  • the flexible circuit 202 is curled around an internal tubing 210.
  • Figure 9B shows this arrangement in more detail.
  • the flexible circuit 202 is shown within the outer polymeric housing 204, curled around the internal tubing 210 to form a half-circle.
  • the copper traces 212 that are deployed upon the flexible circuit 202 as previously described are arranged approximately 180 degrees apart from each other. Holes (not shown) or other modifications of the flexible circuit 202 may be provided to facilitate its shaping.
  • Other arrangements of a single imaging coil may readily be envisioned by practitioners of ordinary skill in the arts.
  • Figures 10 A and B depict, respectively, a single imaging loop coil system and a double imaging loop coil system.
  • a single imaging loop coil system may include an imaging coil 104, a cable assembly 113 and an interface circuit that includes a tuning matching circuit 181 comprising a set of capacitors in series 182 and a set of capacitors in parallel 184, a decoupling circuit comprising a PIN diode 190, and a balun 112 included as part of the cable assembly.
  • Figure 10B shows a double imaging loop coil system where two separate imaging coils are positioned relative to each other. Distally, a single loop coil 104 from each imaging coil system is positioned orthogonally to the other.
  • the interface circuit for each imaging coil system comprises a tuning matching circuit 181 and a PIN diode 190, and the output from each interface circuit extends proximally through a coaxial cable 114 provided for each imaging coil system.
  • a triaxial braiding layer that functions as a balun 112 surrounds the circuitry for the two imaging coil systems.
  • Figure 10B depicts in more detail an electrical schematic of an entire quadrature coil assembly.
  • the quadrature coil assembly is based on the single-loop design described above.
  • This figure depicts two flexible coil circuits with placed orthogonal to each other in the polyamide tubing. Each coil may be separately tuned, matched, decoupled and connected to a separate coaxial line.
  • the values of the serial 182 & parallel 184 capacitors, as well as the length of the coaxial line between the parallel capacitors 184 and the PIN diode may be kept the same as for the single-loop coil.
  • the two separate coaxial lines may be joined inside a common ⁇ /4 braiding which may be mounted with heatshrink tubing onto the cables.
  • At the proximal end i.e.
  • the braiding may be connected to the outer conductors of the coaxial lines at the RF plugs and, therefore, to common ground.
  • the distal end of the braiding may extend over the coils tuning and matching capacitors.
  • FIG 11 A shows a longitudinal view of a quadrature imaging coil 510 embodiment according to the present invention, with the decoupling paddle 500 inserted between the two imaging coils 502 and 504.
  • the decoupling paddle 500 consists of nonmagnetic braiding with a rectangular cross section (3 x 1 mm). However, the shape does not have to be rectangular as shown and the cross sectional area does not have to be rectangular as shown. As shown here, the paddle 500 may extend over the full length of the coils 502 and 504 (50 mm).
  • Figure 1 IB shows the decoupling paddle 500 arranged at a 45° position relative to the coils 502 and 504, an arrangement that is particularly advantageous for effectively isolating both coils. Because coil 502 and coil 504 are placed orthogonal to each other, they may be aheady decoupled geometrically from another. Residual mutual inductance between the two coils, however, can lead to degradation of the signal homogeneity and decreasing signal penetration depth.
  • the metallic, non-magnetic decoupling paddle 500 when inserted into the region between the two coils 502 and 504, steers the magnetic flux.
  • the coils 502 and 504 can be isolated more than 50dB.
  • the two coils of the quadrature design can be combined using a quadrature hybrid coupler for use as a quadrature surface coil, or the two coils can be used separately with a multicoil system as phased-array coils, without the quadrature hybrid coupler.
  • a dual phased array connection method may maintain the 2 increase in SNR that may be theoretically obtained with a quadrature configuration, and also may allow imaging at any oblique orientation without a loss in the signal intensity.
  • single-loop coils 502 and 504 may be placed orthogonal to each other.
  • Coil 502 is tuned to the magnetic resonance frequency of protons o and matched to the input impedance of the receiver with the aid of the capacitors 512 and 513, respectively.
  • the endoluminal receive coil is decoupled from the radiofrequency (RF) transmitting body coil during RF transmission with an actively switched PIN diode 518.
  • Coaxial line 522 connects receive coil 501 to the surface coil port of the scanner.
  • Coil 504 is individually tuned and matched and decoupled with 514, 515 and 520 respectively.
  • Coaxial line 524 connects receive coil 504 to the surface coil port of the scanner. Both coils can either be connected as phased array or, alternatively, as quadrature receive coils.
  • the assembly can be connected as transmit or transmit/receive coil by omitting the PIN diodes 518 and 520.
  • the decoupling paddle 600 may be designed to be self-expandable. It can thus be applied even in very small diameter coil applications, i.e. endovascular, endourethral, fransoesophagal, rectal, etc.
  • the coil(s) (not shown) and the paddle 600 are contained in an introducer sheath 602. In this state they can be introduced into the body and, placed at the tissue under investigation, they can be deployed by retracting the catheter sheath 602, shown schematically in Figs. 13C and 13D.
  • the self- expandable coils and paddle 600 may then unfold at the target tissue for imaging.
  • the frame of the paddle 600 and the loop coil can be manufactured from any electrical conducting, flexible metal alloy, such as Nitinol for example.
  • the paddle 600 may be constructed from any metallic braiding.
  • the decoupling paddle 600 can be designed such that remote decoupling and fine-adjustment is possible.
  • the paddle 600 and the coil may be carried in a catheter or introducer (not shown) with the activation rod 604 running, for example, through the working channel of the catheter or introducer 602.
  • the rod 604 may then be manipulated by controls placed on the proximal end of the catheter system, for example, by twisting a handpiece 610 at the proximal end of the rod to deliver a torque to the paddle 600 affixed to it distally, thereby permitting fine adjustments of paddle position and coil isolation.
  • the maximum paddle size is restricted by the space between the coils to be decoupled.
  • the paddle can be used for any combination of two or more receiver or transmit coils, especially for an endocavitary use including endourethral, endorectal, transoesophagal, endovascular, endovaginal, and other endocavitary anatomic sites.
  • Paddles can be used in conjunction with any coil design known in the art, i.e. quadrature, phased array, birdcage, etc.
  • a decoupling paddle may be adapted for use with very small and slim coil designs such as intravascular or endourethral positioning.
  • a decoupling paddle, as described above, can be flexible or self-expandable using shape memory metallics such as Nitinol.
  • the decoupling paddle can be manipulated remotely through catheters or introducers using remote tuning mechanisms such as a flexible rod.
  • Decoupling paddles may be made from a variety of materials. In certain embodiments, metallic braid, preferably non-magnetic, may be used to form the paddle. In other embodiments, paddles may be made from hollow tubing and shaped as ovals, as rectangles or as other shapes longitudinally orientable between the coil assemblies. Other arrangements of decoupling paddles and similar decoupling structures may readily be envisioned by practitioners of ordinary skill in the art.
  • an imaging coil according to the present invention may be inserted in the male urethra and positioned near the prostate.
  • signals picked up by the coil may be conducted through an interface circuit that includes a tuning-matching circuit, a decoupling circuit, and a balun circuit, to be connected with the surface coil port of an MRI scanner or such as the GE 1.5T scanner, or any other MRI system.
  • the system adapted for the male urethra may be housed in a polymeric tubing similar to a standard Foley catheter to prevent direct contact with the tissue.
  • the imaging coil system for use in the male urethra may include an imaging loop coil, and interface circuit comprising tuning- matching, decoupling and balun circuits, a housing enveloping the imaging loop coil, and an external shielded box housing the balun and DC regulating circuit.
  • the imaging coil may include a copper trace etched on a flexible circuit.
  • the copper trace may be coated with a polyimide layer or any other layer that serves to prevent oxidation during the sterilization process and to maintain the integrity of the copper trace during use.
  • the tuning-matching capacitors and may be mounted on the proximal and distal end of the flexible circuit to adjust the output of the coil to 50 ohm impedance.
  • the decoupling circuit may be built on the flexible circuit so as to be tuned the coil during RF transmission by the body coil and thereby avoid decoupling artifacts (imaging artifacts), and further prevent heating during clinical use.
  • decoupling artifacts imaging artifacts
  • Figure 15 depicts an embodiment of an imaging coil 300 according to the present invention advantageous for evaluating the male urethra, the prostate, and the surrounding tissues.
  • a flexible circuit antenna 304 is shown housed in a polymeric housing 318.
  • the housing 318 is provided with an oval lumen 320, shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 15 taken at the line a-a' on Figure 15.
  • the orientation of the oval lumen 320 maintains the flexible circuit antenna 304 in a preselected orientation with respect to the patient's urethra and periurethral tissues.
  • the flexible circuit antenna 304 may include a copper trace etched on a flexible circuit that acts as the MR imaging coil.
  • the flexible circuit may be a single flexible circuit about 11 cm long.
  • tuning-matching capacitors 308 may be soldered onto the proximal and distal end of the imaging coil circuit to adjust the output of the coil to 50 ohm impedance.
  • One or more capacitors can be used to achieve their acquired capacitance.
  • the pads for the capacitors maybe etched on the proximal and distal part of the imaging loop flexible circuit 304.
  • "A" tape ceramic, non-magnetic, surface mount capacitors maybe used to match the output impedance to 50 ohms in a physiological saline solution at 63.9 MHz.
  • the output from the tuning-matching circuit may be transmitted to the preamplifier (not shown) through a decoupling and a balun circuit.
  • An active decoupling circuit for the depicted embodiment comprising a diode 310 may be built into the same flexible circuit to detune the coil during RF transmission by the MRI body coil, thereby to avoid decoupling artifacts in the images acquired and to prevent temperature increase in the area where the coil is positioned during clinical use.
  • the distal 5-20 cm of the imaging coil 300 may be inserted into the urethra. The remaining length of the coil 300 will remain external to the body.
  • Located at the proximal end of the imaging coil 300 in the depicted embodiment may be a connector 314 such as a micro-BCN connector. This connector 314 permit attachment of the imaging coil 300 to an interface box (not shown).
  • the imaging coil 300 may be connected to the interface box (not shown) by a micro coaxial cable 40 cm long.
  • the micro coaxial cable may be terminated in a micro coaxial connector which is connected to the receptacle on the interface box.
  • the decoupling circuit section of the flexible circuit 304 may be insulated by drawing a polyester heat shrink tubing over it.
  • a tin-plated copper braiding, which is electrically connected to the shield of the micro coaxial cable, may be provided to shield the decoupling circuit during RF transmission of the MRI body coil.
  • a thin layer of UV cure adhesive may be applied over the solder joints for mechanical stability and electrical insulation.
  • FIG 16 provides a schematic of an interface box 340 adapted for use with the previously described imaging coil 300.
  • a micro BNC connector 342 may be used to attach to the imaging coil described above.
  • the interface box is a RF shield box housing the balun and the DC regulating circuit.
  • the balun circuit comprises a coaxial cable inductor and a capacitor connecting the ground to the case. The electrical properties are adjusted so that a high impedance is provided at the cable coil junction, preventing unbalanced shield currents from setting up a resonance in the coil.
  • a DC regulating circuit comprising a 332 ohm resistor 350 and a 1000 p F capacitor 352 in series with the coil.
  • the resistor 350 and a capacitor 352 are parallel to each other.
  • the capacitor 352 acts as a DC block, diverging the magnitude of DC current to the diode, however, the capacitor 352 acts as a short to RF signal, not affecting the SNR performance of the coil.
  • a connector 358 such as a BNC connector, adapted for attaching the imaging coil to the MRI machine.
  • the systems and methods of the present invention may be used in combination with therapeutic modalities for urethral prostate and other pelvic conditions.
  • a variety of embodiments combining a urethral coil for imaging and guiding therapy with therapeutic modalities may be envisioned by practitioners of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the imaging coil may be built into an endourethral catheter similar to a Foley catheter. It will be understood by skilled practitioners that the imaging coil can be built into the Foley catheter in various ways, for example in the form of different configurations of imaging sleeves as described in the U. S. Patent Application entitled “Apparatus, Systems and Methods for In Vivo MRI," filed on March 26, 2001, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other modifications of a Foley catheter may be used to transport the imaging coil system of the present invention into proximity with tissues to be examined.
  • FIG 17A depicts one embodiment of an endourethral catheter 700 bearing imaging coil 710 according to the present invention.
  • a standard Foley catheter may be modified to house the imaging coil 710.
  • a modified Foley catheter may be seen with standard Foley catheter features such as an inflatable balloon 702, and inflation port 704, and inflation channel 708, and a drainage lumen 712 used for draining urine or other body fluids.
  • the coaxial cable 720 connects to a coaxial connector 722 that permits interface with the rest of the MRI system (not shown).
  • the inflation channel 708, the drainage lumen 712 and the central lumen 714 are contained within the polymeric wall 718 of the endourethral catheter tubing.
  • the tip 724 may be configured to facilitate passage of the endourethral catheter 700 into and through the urethra.
  • Figure 17 B shows a cross-section of the endourethral catheter 700 taken at the level A- A' on figure 17 A. In this cross-section, the central lumen 714 is noted to be of oval shape.
  • the imaging loop 710 may be placed in the endourethral catheter 700 within a central lumen 714 proximal to the balloon 702.
  • the catheter 700 made then be advanced through the ureter into the bladder.
  • the balloon 702 may be inflated to lock the catheter 700 in place. Fluids may drain through the drainage lumen 712, or this lumen 712 may serve as an access route for injecting drugs or contrast agents into the bladder.
  • An endourethral catheter 700 according to the present invention may be designed and modified to enable the performance of fransurethral image guided therapeutic procedures under MRI.
  • Transurethral procedures that may be carried out for prostate treatment include, for example, microwave treatment for prostatic hypertrophy, injections with dehydrated ethanol, laser ablation of the prostate, transurethral incision of the prostate, transurethral needle ablation, and transurethral stent placement.
  • Procedures that may be carried out for treatment of urinary incontinence include, for example, transurethral placement of collagen, silicone, calcium hydroxyapatite particle injections, etc.
  • Other procedures may be envisioned by skilled artisans to treat urethral, periurethral and pelvic disorders using these systems and methods.
  • an infraurethral therapeutic device may comprise an elongate member insertable into a urethra of the patient and temporarily retainable therein which houses an endourethral imaging system and an endourethral therapeutic system.
  • the endourethral imaging system may comprises an endourethral MRI coil comprising an antenna, and an endourethral delivery device to deliver a mode of therapy transurethrally to an area of the anatomic region imaged by the endourethral imaging system.
  • the elongate member may be temporarily retained in a preselected position by an inflation of a balloon or by any other retention mechanism familiar to ordinary practitioners in these arts.
  • the mode of therapy delivered comprises electromagnetic radiation.
  • the electromagnetic radiation may comprise light energy, heat energy or any other form of electromagnetic radiation.
  • the electromagnetic radiation may comprise laser-generated light, microwave energy, infrared radiation or ultraviolet radiation.
  • Other modes of therapy are also contemplated that include pharmacologic agents.
  • a variety of pharmacologic agents will be familiar to skilled artisans, including anti-neoplastic agents, anti- inflammatory agents, antibiotics, hormones, radiation sensitizers, and a variety of other agents active against the conditions found in the tissues surrounding the subject urethra.
  • the pharmacologic agent comprises a radiation source. Certain radiation sources are aheady familiar in the art, including radiation seeds and other radiation implants. Radiation sources and other pharmacological may also be added to implantable devices to be implanted according to the systems and methods of the present invention.
  • the mode of therapy comprises an implantable device.
  • implantable devices may be envisioned by skilled practitioners as falling within the scope of the present invention, including as examples, stents, conduits, valves, implants, drains, tubes, films and implantable or sustained-release drug delivery systems.
  • An endourethral catheter system according to the present invention may be adapted to the diagnosis of urinary incontinence and related disorders.
  • pressure and fluid sensors may be positioned and different sections of the catheter, and contrast agents may be injected into the bladder through the drainage lumen.
  • fluid pressure in the bladder may be measured along with pressure at different points in the urethra to assist in understanding the changes in fluid pressure at the different sites; these measurements may be correlated with simultaneous real-time imaging using imaging coil 710 which could observe the bladder and pelvic floor changes during the procedure.
  • Figure 18 depicts an endourethral catheter systems 750 adapted for microwave ablation of the prostate and similar procedures.
  • an imaging coil 710 is positioned within the central lumen 714 of an endourethral catheter 750.
  • a drainage lumen 712 is available, as well as an inflation channel 708 and inflation port 704 for inflating a balloon 702.
  • the imaging coil 710 is attached at its proximal end to a coaxial cable 720 that then attaches to a coaxial connector.
  • the depicted endourethral catheter system 750 includes at least one RF/microwave ablation coil 752 on the surface of the catheter system.
  • the RF ablation coil may have two coils, positive and ground. In one embodiment, these coils 752 may be placed between 2-6 centimeters apart, depending on the size of the prostate area being treated. In one embodiment, the length of the ground and positive coils may be from about 0.1 cm-2 cm. In other embodiments, the positive coil may be on the endourethral catheter system 750 with the patient is the ground.
  • an endourethral catheter system may substitute ultrasound treatment for the microwave ablation described above.
  • the microwave coils 752 would be replaced by a set of ultrasonic transducers with one or more transducers being placeable on the coil.
  • These embodiments may improve the clinical outcome for treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy, where the ablation method can open up the urethra that is blocked by the hypertrophic prostate.
  • Transurethral resection of the prostate may be carried out under cystoscopic or fransrectal ultrasound guidance. The outcome for both these procedures may be significantly improved if high-resolution MR imaging is used for guiding them.
  • Figure 19 depicts an endourethral catheter system 800 adapted for endourethral image guided laser ablation of the prostate.
  • the endourethral catheter system 800 includes previously described features such as a drainage lumen 712, a balloon 702 with an inflation port 704 and inflation channel 708, an imaging coil 710 attached proximally to a coaxial cable 720, and a coaxial connector 722 attached to the coaxial cable 720.
  • a sheath 802 is provided that carries laser energy to be directed toward specific regions of the prostate as necessary.
  • the sheath 802 may be a laser delivery guide that is divided into multiple sections so that laser energy delivery to each section may be externally controlled.
  • Image guidance received through the imaging coil 710 may be analyzed by the physician to determine to which sections of the laser bearing sheath 802 the laser energy may be turned on or off.
  • the endourethral catheter system may be inserted through the urethra and retained in the bladder by inflating the balloon 702.
  • the imaging coil 710 would then permit the imaging of the urethra and prostate.
  • the position of the endourethral catheter 800 may be adjusted so that the sheath 802 would be appropriately positioned to ablate the regions of interest. Laser energy may then be guided to the sections of the prostate or other tissues to be ablated.
  • fiber-optic bundles may be incorporated in the polymeric wall 718 or may be carried in other ways on the wall of the endourethral catheter 800 so that laser energy could be delivered to the prostate or other tissues of interest.
  • the depicted embodiment features an endourethral catheter system 800
  • the present invention may employ any suitable elongate member for traversing the urethra and for positioning the endourethral diagnostic and therapeutic systems.
  • the elongate member of the present invention may comprise a multiple lumen catheter or a set of catheter systems, either single-lumen or multilumen.
  • the elongate member further can comprise a partially or completely solid article within which the endourethral diagnostic and therapeutic systems are contained.
  • Other arrangements of the diagnostic and therapeutic members with respect to the elongate member of the present invention will be apparent to practitioners of ordinary skill using no more than routine experimentation.
  • the endourethral therapeutic system of the present invention may be affixed to or carried on an outside surface of the elongate member. In certain embodiments, the endourethral therapeutic system is temporarily affixed to the outside surface and is displaceable therefrom.
  • the endourethral therapeutic system may be contained within a surrounding layer applied external to the elongate member in certain embodiments. In other embodiments, the endourethral therapeutic system may be contained within said elongate member.
  • the elongate member may comprise a hollow tubular member. The endourethral therapeutic system may be contained within said hollow tubular member.
  • the endourethral therapeutic system may be displaceable from a first position within said hollow tubular member to a second position external to said hollow tubular member.
  • the delivery device may become activated for delivering the mode of therapy when the endourethral therapeutic system is displaced from the aforesaid first to the aforesaid second position.
  • Example 1 Heating Properties Heating experiments were performed with the coil inserted into agar gel (DIFCO).
  • the scanning parameters were: fast spoiled gradient echo sequence (FSPGR: axial sections, flip angle 122*, TR/TE 5.8/1.9 ms, FOV 480 x 480 min, matrix 256 x 128, 113 NEX, BW 31.25 kHz, 4 slices each 10 min, 10 min spacing, imaging time 9:56 min).
  • the transmit gain was intentionally increased by 7.2 dB above the value selected by the scanner calibration software to obtain the maximum transmit gain available from the scanner.
  • the scanning parameters resulted in a peak SAR of 3.96 W/kg and a mean SAR 1.98 W/kg.
  • the phantom and cables were kept parallel to the main axis of the scanner bore. The cables were elevated to the isocenter of the magnet and moved laterally until they were as close to the bore wall was possible (8 cm), as constrained by the size of the phantom. This position gives near maximal heating (25). For each tested position the coil was disconnected to simulate a worst case with disabled detuning of the intraluminal coil.
  • Imaging was performed using the body coil of the scanner as RF transmitter and the endourethral coils as receive-only probes.
  • FSE fast spin-echo
  • Axial 3 min sections with a 30 x 30 min field of view (FOV) and a 256 x 128 matrix as well as coronal 2 min sections with a 80 x 80 min FOV and a 256 x 128 matrix were collected in 3:24 min.
  • the coils' imaging performance was evaluated in one formalin fixated as well as in six freshly harvested female human cadaver pelvices.
  • the coils were subsequently introduced into the urethra with the tip entering the bladder by approximately 5 mm. This position ensured the whole urethra and the internal sphincter to be covered by highest signal intensity and homogeneity of the coil.
  • a 5" x 9" rectangular shaped surface coil was employed from outside the body to give gross orientation of the small pelvis anatomy. This coil was disabled for subsequent high-resolution imaging with the endourethral coils.
  • the signal intensity of images acquired with small endoluminal imaging probes is highly non-uniform due to the B, inhomogeneity of the pick-up device.
  • High sensitivity of the receiver coil in its immediate vicinity and especially close to the coil conductors leads to a signal saturation in these areas, whereas the signal drops off with roughly 1/r 2 with increasing radius, r, away from the coil. It is difficult, if not impossible, to see all the parts of the images at any one time by adjusting the contrast and brightness of the images.
  • a solution to this problem is to calculate a uniform signal intensity image by dividing the image intensity by the corresponding sensitivity map of the coil.
  • the applied display method reads an image, derives the main magnetic field orientation with respect to the imaging plane, and assumes that the coil is perpendicular to that plane. Coil positions and angles can be entered interactively.
  • Table 1 SAR rise within 10:00 min of scanning at five different locations along the coil.
  • the imaging region of the coil as well as the mouth of the coaxial choke were inserted into agar-gel by approximately 75 mm.
  • Positions of the coil/phantom in the scanner were: a) middle of bore, coil connected, b) middle of bore, coil disconnected, i.e. decoupling disabled, c) close to scanner bore, coil connected, and d) close to scanner bore, decoupling disabled.
  • the temperature increases when the coil is disconnected from the scanner surface coil port, i.e. when the decoupling of the receive coil is disabled (Table 1, pos. b).
  • the temperature increases when the phantom/coil is moved towards the scanner bore, i.e. closer to the RF transmitting body coil (Table 1, pos. c).
  • Positioning the phantom/coil close to the wall of the scanner bore and disconnecting the coil from the surface coil port (Table 1, pos d) gives maximal heating and SAR (1.33 C / 5.32 W/kg) at the proximal edge (sensor 1) of the imaging coil.
  • the single-loop coil showed good axial signal homogeneity over the full circumference of the coil.
  • the near-field of the coil reveals two high signal spots direct at the coil conductors.
  • the quadrature receiver coil showed improved axial signal homogeneity and signal penetration depth when compared to the single-loop configuration. Removing the decoupling paddle from the quadrature coil configuration results in drastically decreased performance of the coil. Coupling between the coils leads to poor signal homogeneity and decreased penetration depth.
  • the longitudinal signal distribution is homogeneous over almost the full length of the coil (data not shown).
  • balun circuit Besides the reduction of heating effects, the implementation of a balun circuit into the overall design resulted in an improvement of the coil homogeneity and thus image quality.
  • Two effects are believed to be accountable.
  • the braiding of the balun circuit was extended over the coil tuning and matching capacitors, shielding the resonant components towards the outside and thus reducing the inherent noise of the receive coil configuration.
  • the balun circuit limited induced currents on the outer shield of the coaxial cable, acting as a rod antenna which couples to the electric field of the RF, comparable to the loopless catheter antenna. These induced currents potentially interact with the Bi field of the coil, diminishing its homogeneity.
  • the acquisition of axial and sagittal localizer images with the body coil and with the urethral coil inserted into the urethra reveals no increased signal adjacent to the infra urethral coil. This indicates that the decoupling circuit reliably detunes the receiver coil during body coil transmit.
  • the sagittal slice shows the urethral coil in its final position for high resolution imaging, with the tip of the coil being inserted into the bladder by approximately 5 min.
  • High-resolution T2-weighted fast spin-echo images acquired in a sagittal plane enable the visualization of the urethra in its full length.
  • the signal characteristics along the longitudinal axis of the coil ensured coverage of the full length of the urethra with high and homogeneous signal.
  • Small FOV (30 mm) axial T2-weighted fast spin-echo images enabled the visualization of four layers of the urethra in high-resolution.
  • the fluid filled urethral lumen had a bright signal.
  • the mucosa of the urethra was also hyperintense on T2-weighted images and indistinguishable from the fluid.
  • a circumferential hypointense layer was identified which is believed to correspond to the submucosa.
  • the hypointense layer, surrounding the smooth muscle layer represented a dense connective-tissue layer.
  • the achieved in-plane resolution was 94 x 156 ⁇ m while the slice thickness was 1.5 mm.
  • the urethra was found to lie within the near-field of the coil, which provides high SNR. Signal penetration depth beyond the urethra was sufficient to depict the vagina posterior to the urethra.
  • Post-processing and display of the images with an image intensity correction reliably removes signal inhomogeneities and hot spots due to the coil conductors, thus facilitating the visualization of structures adjacent to the coil.
  • Image contrast increased by the removal of the coils B, signal profile, resulting in better depictability of the different urethra wall layers. Structures within the smooth muscle layer, previously hidden behind signal saturation on the T2 images can be resolved after application of the image intensity algorithm.
  • the conductor separation of 4 mm provided sufficient signal penetration depth into the tissue to image the full axial extent of the urethra understood to be with high spatial resolution. Moreover, signal beyond the urethra enabled the examination of periurethral tissues. The introduction of a semi-flexible device with an OD of 15 F into the urethra itself, however, limits, if not precludes the performance of dynamic studies. Further improvement of the coil design with regard to flexibility is hoped to enable the visualization of urethral displacement during straining which would add valuable dynamic information to the achieved static high-resolution imaging of this region. The acquired T2-weighted axial images enabled the visualization of four layers of the urethra in high-resolution. The fluid filled urethral lumen had a bright signal.
  • the mucosa of the urethra was also hyperintense on T2-weighted images and indistinguishable from the fluid.
  • the circumferential hypointense layer surrounding the lumen is believed to correspond to the submucosa.
  • the hyperintense region encircling the submucosal vasculature layers corresponds to the smooth muscle (longitudinal and circular) layers in a very loose connective tissue-matrix that enclose the urethra.
  • the hypointense layer, surrounding the smooth muscle layers represented a dense connective-tissue layer, with varying amounts of striated urogenital sphincter muscle.
  • the proposed image intensity correction algorithm applies a theoretical model of the current distribution and requires interactive positioning of the coil conductors from the user, thus potentially making the resulting corrected images prone to systematic or user dependent errors.
  • the application of the IIC however, reliably removed signal inhomogeneities and hot spots due to the coil conductors, thus facilitating the visualization of structures adjacent to the coil. Tissue contrast was successfully regained after image correction. Interactive displacement of the coil conductors did not, or just minimally, affect the outcome.
  • the employed IIC is therefore considered to be robust for the infraurethral applications.
  • the performance of a coil system according to the present invention was evaluated in one formalin fixed and in six freshly harvested female human cadaver pelvises.
  • the coils were introduced into the urethra with the tip entering about 5 mm into the bladder. This position insured that the entire urethra was covered by the highest signal intensity and homogeneity of the coil.
  • Imaging was performed on a 1.5 T Signa LX-2 EchoSpeed (GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee WI). High-resolution fast spin- echo (FSE) T 2-weighted imaging of the whole urethra was acquired axial to the urethra coil.
  • FSE fast spin- echo
  • Imaging parameters were: FSE 8 echoes; TR TE 2000/78ms; FOV 30x 30 mm; matrix 3 2 Ox 192; 6 NEX; BW 15.6 kHz; slice 1.5 mm; imaging time 4:48 minutes.
  • the in-plain resolution was increased by reducing the FOV to 20x 20 mm and using a 2 56x 256 matrix.
  • Imaging time was 8:32 minutes with 8NEX.
  • An image intensity correction (IIC) algorithm was applied to compensate for the Bl signal variation of the coils across the small FOVs.
  • the applied postprocessing method allow the coil position and angle to be entered interactively. Histologic correlation of the MR images was achieved by removing the urethra en bloc from the unfixed cadavers. The specimens were fixed by suspension in 10 percent buffered formalin. They were then embedded in paraffin and 6 micrometer thick axial sections were cut and stained with Trichrome staining on glass sides.
  • the paddle enabled an isolation of both coils of 50 dB without loss of performance.
  • Small FOV (30x 30 mm) axial imaging with endo urethral coils enabled the visualization of all layers of the urethra with high-resolution. Signal penetration depth beyond the urethra was sufficient to depict the pubic bone anterior to and the vagina posterior to the urethra.
  • Post-processing and display of the images with IIC reliably removed B-l inhomogeneities, thus facilitating the visualization of structures adjacent to the coil.
  • Image contrast increased, resulting in better depict ability of the different urethral wall layers.
  • Further decrease of the FOV to 20x 20 mm increased the in-plain resolution to 78x 78 micrometers, which enabled the resolution of even single folds of the urethral mucosa.
  • the in vivo imaging performance of the single-loop coil was evaluated in the urethra of a healthy, fully anesthetized female pig weighing 55 kg. The experiment was conducted in accordance with all regulations set forth by institutional and governmental agencies. The imaging coil was inserted into the urethra with the pig lying in the supine position. Following double oblique sagittal and coronal FSPGR localizer imaging with large FOVs, high-resolution PD and T 2 -weighted imaging of the entire urethra was acquired in a plane axial oblique to the urethra coil.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne des systèmes et des techniques d'évaluation des tissus urétéraux et péri-urétéraux par utilisation d'IRM en antenne adaptée pour une introduction dans l'urètre de l'homme, de la femme ou de l'enfant. Cette antenne IRM peut être en communication électrique avec un circuit interface constitué d'un circuit de rapprochement d'accord, d'un circuit de découplage et d'un circuit balun. Ce circuit interface peut aussi être en communication électrique avec un appareil IRM. Dans certaines pratiques, cette invention concerne des techniques de diagnostic et de traitement de pathologies dans lesquelles les tissus urétéraux et péri-urétéraux sont concernés, notamment les troubles du périnée, les troubles de la prostate et les anomalies du pelvis chez l'enfant.
PCT/US2001/010412 2000-03-31 2001-04-02 Systeme et techniques d'evaluation des tissus ureteraux et peri-ureteraux WO2001074241A2 (fr)

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JP2001571989A JP2004504076A (ja) 2000-03-31 2001-04-02 尿道及び尿道周囲組織を評価するためのシステム及び方法
CA002403822A CA2403822A1 (fr) 2000-03-31 2001-04-02 Systeme et techniques d'evaluation des tissus ureteraux et peri-ureteraux
AU2001249707A AU2001249707A1 (en) 2000-03-31 2001-04-02 Systems and methods for evaluating the urethra and the periurethral tissues
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FR2924817A1 (fr) * 2007-12-07 2009-06-12 Univ Claude Bernard Lyon I Eta Sonde endocavitaire pour l'imagerie et/ou la spectrometrie par resonance magnetique nucleaire.
US7812290B2 (en) 2005-07-26 2010-10-12 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Resonator for medical device
US9700342B2 (en) 2014-03-18 2017-07-11 Monteris Medical Corporation Image-guided therapy of a tissue
US10092367B2 (en) 2014-03-18 2018-10-09 Monteris Medical Corporation Image-guided therapy of a tissue
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US6767360B1 (en) 2001-02-08 2004-07-27 Inflow Dynamics Inc. Vascular stent with composite structure for magnetic reasonance imaging capabilities
US7335229B2 (en) 2001-02-08 2008-02-26 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Vascular stent with composite structure for magnetic resonance imaging capabilities
US7766958B2 (en) 2001-02-08 2010-08-03 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Vascular stent with composite structure for magnetic resonance imaging capabilities
US7988719B2 (en) 2001-02-08 2011-08-02 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Vascular stent with composite structure for magnetic resonance imaging capabilities
JP2006507902A (ja) * 2002-11-27 2006-03-09 ゼネラル・エレクトリック・カンパニイ 脳内の鉄沈着に対する磁気共鳴イメージングのシステム及び方法
US7812290B2 (en) 2005-07-26 2010-10-12 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Resonator for medical device
FR2924817A1 (fr) * 2007-12-07 2009-06-12 Univ Claude Bernard Lyon I Eta Sonde endocavitaire pour l'imagerie et/ou la spectrometrie par resonance magnetique nucleaire.
WO2009080972A2 (fr) * 2007-12-07 2009-07-02 Universite Claude Bernard Lyon I Sonde endocavitaire pour l'imagerie et/ou la spectrometrie par resonance magnetique nucleaire
WO2009080972A3 (fr) * 2007-12-07 2009-08-20 Univ Claude Bernard Lyon Sonde endocavitaire pour l'imagerie et/ou la spectrometrie par resonance magnetique nucleaire
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US10675113B2 (en) 2014-03-18 2020-06-09 Monteris Medical Corporation Automated therapy of a three-dimensional tissue region
US10327830B2 (en) 2015-04-01 2019-06-25 Monteris Medical Corporation Cryotherapy, thermal therapy, temperature modulation therapy, and probe apparatus therefor
US11672583B2 (en) 2015-04-01 2023-06-13 Monteris Medical Corporation Cryotherapy, thermal therapy, temperature modulation therapy, and probe apparatus therefor
CN111035388A (zh) * 2019-12-31 2020-04-21 深圳市金石医疗科技有限公司 一种磁共振宫颈线圈
CN111035388B (zh) * 2019-12-31 2022-06-21 深圳市金石医疗科技有限公司 一种磁共振宫颈线圈

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