Functional validation of an implantable medical dosing device by MRI at 3T.

Sustained release of a small molecule from a prototype implantable drug delivery device was monitored via MRI in an ex vivo tissue phantom over a period of two days. T1 mapping was used as a method to quantify analyte concentration. Continuous, controlled release was observed. The MRI methodology was thus found to be appropriate for device validation and quality assurance/control.