[Adaptation of a wireless PC mouse for modification of GUI during intervention in an open highfield MRI at 1.0T]. / Modifikation einer kabellosen PC-Maus fA(1/4)r die Steuerung der BedieneroberflA currencyche wA currencyhrend der Intervention in der offenen Hochfeld-MRT bei 1,0 T.

PURPOSE: To demagnetize a PC mouse for interventional use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mobile version of a wireless optical mouse at 2.470 Hz was modified in ways ranging from the replacement of magnetic components to the construction of new components. The magnetic force (Fm), the induction of susceptibility artifacts, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were determined. The modified mice at 1.0 T. were used in MR-guided interventions. RESULTS: A final demagnetization down to 2 % (Fm = 9 N vs. Fm = 0.15 N) was achieved. Operating the device clinically caused no compromise in image quality. From a minimal distance of about 20 cm, even the non-modified mouse did not produce any susceptibility artifacts in gradient recalled imaging. The SNR was not reduced significantly (TSE 228 + or - 22,3 vs. 211 + or - 15; FFE 55 + or - 5,6 vs. 56 + or - 4,3). For over a year the modified mouse proved to be a reliable tool for the interventionalist to manipulate MRI. CONCLUSION: Relatively inexpensive modifications of a standard USB mouse enable the interventionalist to work independently without a technical assistant and to take immediate advantage of multiplanar MR imaging during interventions.

[Small animal MRI: clinical MRI as an interface to basic biomedical research]. / Experimentelle Kleintier-MRT: Klinische MRT-Systeme als Schnittstelle zur biomedizinischen Grundlagenforschung.

The demand for highly resolved small animal MRI for the purpose of biomedical research has increased constantly. Dedicated small animal MRI scanners working at ultra high field strengths from 4.7 to 7.0 T and even above are MRI at its best. However, using high resolution RF coils in clinical scanners up to 3.0 T, small animal MRI can achieve highly resolved images showing excellent tissue contrast. In fact, in abundant experimental studies, clinical MRI is used for small animal imaging. Mostly clinical RF coils in the single-loop design are applied. In addition, custom-built RF coils and even gradient inserts are used in a clinical scanner. For the reduction of moving artifacts, special MRI-compatible animal ECG und respiration devices are available. In conclusion, clinical devices offer broad availability, are less expense in combination with good imaging performance and provide a translational nature of imaging results.

[Use of portable computed tomography in non-transportable patients on the intensive care unit: preclinical experience]. / Einsatz der mobilen Computertomographie bei nicht transportfähigen Patienten auf der Intensivstation - Ein Erfahrungsbericht.

PURPOSE: To evaluate different concepts of the application of a portable CT (PCT) directly in a patient's ICU room versus in a specially designed interventional suite (IS). METHODS: 13 patients with maximum ICU treatment were examined by PCT and assessed with regard to their health status by ICU scores (TISS 28, MODS). Only patients with a therapeutic intervention scoring system 28 (TISS 28) value of 40 or greater were included in the study. A TISS 28 value of 40 or more characterizes a patient requiring maximal ICU treatment. Patients were examined by PCT either in the patient's room or in the IS on the ICU. Scanning time and personnel resource expense were determined. The multiple organ dysfunction score (MODS) was utilized for patient characterization. RESULTS: An average of 1.4 hours was needed to perform a PCT scan in the interventional room. A minimum of 4.5 hours or up to a maximum of 7.2 hours were required to perform a bedside scan in the patient's room. There is a noticeable difference between patients with respect to TISS 28. Patients examined by bedside CT were more acutely ill than the others by reason of MODS (8 - 18 patient-room group vs. 3 - 12 IS group). CONCLUSIONS: PCT performed on an ICU assures optimal treatment of patients during CT examination. Portable CT had more time exposure and required more personnel resources than examination in the IS. All PCT examinations performed directly in the patient's room demonstrated the diagnostic value and had direct therapeutic consequences.