Fraunhofer Representative Office Beijing
Improved biopsies with MRI-compatible ultrasound system


© Fraunhofer IBMT

Biopsies are standard procedures in interventional radiology, not least for patients with a suspected tumor. In this instance, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly the method of choice for guiding minimally invasive tissue sampling. Yet this involves having to undergo repeated MRI scans, which patients find uncomfortable. In an ongoing R&D project, Fraunhofer researchers have now developed a system that allows acquisition of ultrasound images simultaneously to an MRI scan. These multimodal data are then combined and permanently mapped onto one another, meaning that the high-contrast MRI images can still be utilized, in combination with the live ultrasound images, once the patient is no longer inside the MRI scanner. In other words, only one MRI scan is required at the beginning of the biopsy procedure. Afterwards, the biopsy can be safely performed under the guidance of a combination of real-time ultrasound images improved with MRI contrast. The MRI-compatible ultrasound system will be on display at the MEDICA trade fair in Düsseldorf from November 18 to 21, 2019 (Hall 10, Booth G05).

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