Feasibility of 3D Visualization and 3D Catheter Tracking for Enhanced MRI-Guidance of Cardiac Catheterization

Motivation: MRI-guidance of cardiac catheterisation is currently performed using one or multiple 2D imaging planes, which may be suboptimal for catheter navigation in congenital heart disease patients with complex anatomies. Goal(s): To develop a robust real-time 3D catheter tracking method and 3D visualisation strategy for improved MRI-guidance of cardiac catheterisation procedures. Approach: Fast 3D screening through projection imaging combined with advanced post-processing strategies were developed for real-time 3D catheter tracking and enhanced 3D visualisation. The method was evaluated in patients. Results: This approach was demonstrated in three patients and was able to successfully track and visualise the catheter in 3D. Impact: Our approach show promise for enhanced catheter navigation and visualisation during MRI-guided cardiac catheterization and may contribute to reduce procedural time and outcome.