Abstract
This work describes a real‐time imaging and visualization technique that allows multiple field of view (FOV) imaging. A stream of images from a single receiver channel can be reconstructed at multiple FOVs within each image frame. Alternately, or in addition, when multiple receiver channels are available, image streams from each channel can be independently reconstructed at multiple FOVs. The implementation described here provides for real‐time visualization of the placement of guidewires and catheters on a dynamic roadmap during interventional procedures. The loopless catheter antenna, an electrically active intravascular probe, was used for MR signal reception. In 2D projection images, the catheter and surrounding structures within its diameter of sensitivity appear as bright signal. The simplicity of the resulting images allows very‐narrow‐FOV imaging to decrease imaging time. Very‐narrow‐FOV images are acquired on MR receiver channels that collect guidewire or catheter data. These very‐narrow‐FOV images provide very high frame rate continuous, real‐time imaging of the interventional devices (25 fps). Large‐FOV images are formed from receiver channels that collect anatomical data from standard imaging surface coils, and simultaneously provide a dynamic, frequently updated roadmap. These multiple‐FOV images are displayed together, improving visualization of interventional device placement. Magn Reson Med 47:53–60, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.