Hybrid MR interventional imaging system: combined MR and angiography suites with single interactive table. Feasibility study in vascular liver tumor procedures.

Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of a hybrid system consisting of a high-field MR and fully equipped digital subtraction angiography (DSA) unit for MR-guided vascular interventions. In a newly built hybrid system, consisting of a high-field MRI and a fully equipped DSA unit, elective interventional hybrid procedures were performed. Between May 2000 and November 2001, 30 patients with liver tumors underwent MR-guided chemoembolization using the hybrid system. During the intervention accurate catheter position was monitored with real-time and dynamic MR imaging. Elective hybrid interventional vascular procedures were performed successfully in 23 patients with liver metastases and hepatocellular carcinoma ( n=7). Patients could be transferred between the MRI and angiographic units on a carbon fiber tabletop within 10 s. Initial clinical trials demonstrated that in the chemoembolization of primary and secondary liver tumors the hybrid approach resulted in a change of catheter position in 40% of procedures. In combining high-field MR system and a fully equipped interventional vascular angiographic unit as backup, this hybrid system improves the therapeutic capabilities of interventional vascular procedures in the liver.