The idea of using the enormous potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) not only for diagnostic but also for interventional purposes may seem obvious, but it took major efforts by engineers, physicists, and clinicians to come up with dedicated interventional techniques and scanners, and improvements are still ongoing. Since the inception of interventional MRI in the mid-1990s, the numbers of settings, techniques, and clinical applications have increased dramatically. This state of the art book covers all aspects of interventional MRI. The more technical contributions offer an overview of the fundamental ideas and concepts and present the available instrumentation. The richly illustrated clinical contributions, ranging from MRI-guided biopsies to completely MRI-controlled therapies in various body regions, provide detailed information on established and emerging applications and identify future trends and challenges.

One of the most amazing and spectacular developments in modern radiology has been the rapid growth and expansion of so-called interventional radiology, which can also be described as minimally invasive therapy guided by radiological imaging. Many applications of this method are now widely in use in different organs, particularly in the vascular system. Everybody is well aware of the shortcomings and drawbacks of the radiological modalities currently used for guiding minimally invasive procedures. Ultrasound, although it has the advantage of being absolutely harmless to the patient and the operator, cannot be used for many procedures because it does not provide the precise anatomical information needed for a safe performance of these procedures. Rontgen rays provide superb anatomical insight to guide delicate manipulations inside the human body, but as operations tend to become longer and more complicated, the radia tion dose for patients, as well as for operators, is becoming an increasing source of concern. It is therefore logical that we should explore the possibilities for interventional radiological procedures provided by the latest imaging modality -magnetic resonan ce imaging -taking advantage of the specific physical properties of this method and the absence of ionizing radiation. It soon became evident that this new approach represents a tremendous challenge involving the development of new hardware and software, new catheters and other material that can be used in a magnetic environment, etc.

Covers issues related to the practice of both diagnostic and interventional MRI on this new type of open design MR scanner. The unique configuration and often mid-field strengths of these machines necessitates new strategies for both diagnostic and interventional procedures compared to that ofthe standard 1.5 tesla diagnostic-only MR scanners, to which the majority of the radiologic literature is addressed today. This broad, multi-authored work will appeal to radiologists, medical physicists, other physicians, and health care personnel.

In this first-ever volume, INTERVENTIONAL MRI presents a comprehensive, up-to-date assessment of the new, rapidly growing field of MR-guided therapy. Lavishly illustrated with nearly 550 images, it provides in-depth, state-of-the-art coverage of instrumentation, techniques, and clinical applications. Parts I and II cover instrumentation and general interventional MR guidance techniques. Part III covers image-guided treatment techniques, and part IV covers clinical applications. Provides the first-ever comprehensive, up-to-date overview and state-of-the-art assessment of interventional MRI for a wealth of general information on this emerging field. Includes the most current information on instrumentation, techniques, and clinical applications, as well as economics, start-up, and database management issues. Features 548 state-of-the-art images, including 44 in color, to visually support and enhance the text. Includes contributions from an international cast of more than 90 leaders in the field for the most up-to-date and reliable information. Spanish version also available, ISBN: 84-8174-467-0

Covers issues related to the practice of both diagnostic and interventional MRI on this new type of open design MR scanner. The unique configuration and often mid-field strengths of these machines necessitates new strategies for both diagnostic and interventional procedures compared to that ofthe standard 1.5 tesla diagnostic-only MR scanners, to which the majority of the radiologic literature is addressed today. This broad, multi-authored work will appeal to radiologists, medical physicists, other physicians, and health care personnel.

Guest editors Claire Tempany and Tina Kapur review MR-Guided Interventions in this important issue in MRI Clinics of North America. Articles include: MR sequences and rapid acquisition for MR-guided interventions; MR-guided breast interventions: role in biopsy targeting and lumpectomies; MR-guided passive catheter tracking for endovascular therapy; MRgFUS update on clinical applications; MR-guided spine Interventions; MR-guided prostate biopsy; Interventional MRI Clinic: the Emory experience; MR-guided cardiac interventions; MR-guided functional neurosurgery; MR-guided active catheter tracking; MR-guided drug delivery; MR-guided thermal therapy for localized and recurrent prostate cancer; MR neurography for guiding nerve blocks and its role in pain management; MR-guided gynecologic brachytherapy; and more!