Magnetic Particle Imaging goes clinical routine? – first step to human-sized MPI-guided intervention in realtime

Motivation: The gold-standard for guiding minimally invasive cardiovascular interventions is X-ray (digital subtraction angiography - DSA). Can we reduce the radiation exposure for clinical staff and patients?Goal(s): The use of alternative radiation-free imaging methods providing all necessary features can reduce the radiation exposure dramatically. Approach: The imaging modality Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) uses iron-oxide-based nanoparticles as tracer for realtime visualization of dynamic processes. In a first step, this technique could be used to support clinical DSA treatment. Results: In a first study, a lightweight and portable human-sized MPI scanner has been built and successfully tested under realistic conditions with vascular phantoms within a catheter-lab. Impact: First simultaneous MPI/DSA hybrid imaging in human-sized phantoms demonstrates the feasibility of scaling-up the MPI technology. With a clinical approved tracer, MPI could be ready for clinical routine.