UCSF

This project sought to evaluate the efficacy of using the EPflex MRline guidewire for endovascular treatment guided by real-time Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MRI theoretically has numerous advantages over x-ray, the current clinical standard imaging modality for endovascular procedures. The most profound advantage of MRI is the ability to acquire physiological functional information, via perfusion and diffusion measures, for better intervention planning before and during the procedure. The EPflex guidewire was selected

because of its ability to perform in an MRI and x-ray fluoroscopy environment, allowing for relevant and useful comparisons of the guiding imaging modality. An abdominal aorta phantom was used to assess the ability of experienced and inexperienced operators to successfully

navigate the wire under each imaging modality. It was found that x-ray guidance provided statistically faster and more successful navigation attempts than MRI guidance; however, more clinical tests need to be performed in order to assess the clinical significance of these results.

This study represents an important step in the direction of developing safer and more effective imaging systems for guiding endovascular procedures.