In-vitro evaluation of a novel MR-compatible cardiac bioptome catheter for MR-guided myocardial biopsies

Background Retrieval of myocardial biopsies under X-ray guidance in patients with unclear myocardial dysfunction or acute myocarditis is a difficult and potentially hazardous procedure since soft tissues only offer low X-ray contrast during the procedure and extraction of biopsies could cause myocardial rupture and concomitant haemopericardium. In contrast, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging provides excellent soft-tissue and anatomic information, especially for inflamed and fibrotic areas. MR-guided myocardial biopsies would therefore be attractive but could not be performed until now due to incompatible bioptome catheters leading to substantial image artifacts and significant device heating. Evaluation a novel MR-compatible bioptome in invitro experiments to assess potential artifacts, safety aspects and performance of MR-guided navigation under real-time imaging in a cylindrical 1.5T system.