Evaluating a Tactile Training Model for Low-Field Interventional MRI Needle Guided Procedures

Motivation: MRI guided procedures are uncommon, and learning these procedures can be stressful and unorthodox. Interventional MRI in a controlled phantom study can teach these skills to both new and experienced technologists. Goal(s): Our aim is to evaluate a tactile learning model using low-cost phantoms in an Interventional MRI setting. Approach: 9 students and 4 experienced users/technologists were evaluated for time to target testing. All users were evaluated for success hitting a 2 cm target. Results: All users were able to hit the target within the allotted time frame under real time MRI guidance. Impact: Interventional MRI is notably a niche field, with historically minimal clinical translation. As technologies continue to improve, and iMRI grows in utility, there is a need for a tactile training model with established success metrics.