Cardiac Probe and Coil to Improve MRI of Heart

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston, MA, USA) are conducting a clinical study of the devices.

The purpose of the study is to investigate the clinical utility of using the devices, called the Cardiac View Probe and Surface Coil, to diagnose heart disease. The researchers have suggested several hard-to-image areas associated with heart disease as targets for the study, such as the aortic arch, the descending aorta, and the coronary vessels of the heart. They plan to use the devices in patients undergoing cardiac MRI studies to obtain anatomic information prior to catheter-based treatment of atrial fibrillation. In addition, the researchers aim to study patients undergoing transesophageal electrocardiography to compare ease of use, comfort, tolerance, and diagnostic quality.

The two devices are the products of Magna-Lab Inc. (Syosset, NY, USA). Both devices have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"We are hopeful that our combined efforts will lead to a greater understanding of heart disease and enhance the ability of medical professionals to diagnose and treat this major health concern,” said Dr. E. Kent Yucel, director of cardiovascular imaging at Brigham and Women's Hospital.




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