Investigative radiology
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Investigative radiology · Dec 2009
Comparative StudyFlow targeted 3D steady-state free-precession coronary MR angiography: comparison of three different imaging approaches.
To compare 3 different flow targeted magnetization preparation strategies for coronary MR angiography (cMRA), which allow selective visualization of the vessel lumen. ⋯ Three flow targeted cMRA approaches are presented, which provide selective visualization of the coronary vessel lumen and in addition blood flow information without the need of contrast agent administration. Inflow SSFP yielded highest SNR, CNR and vessel sharpness and may prove useful as a fast and efficient approach for assessing proximal and mid vessel coronary blood flow, whereas requiring less planning skills than projection SSFP or LoReIn SSFP.
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Investigative radiology · Dec 2009
High-resolution steady state magnetic resonance angiography of the carotid arteries: are intravascular agents necessary?: feasibility and preliminary experience with gadobenate dimeglumine.
To prospectively evaluate the potential of gadobenate dimeglumine for high-resolution steady-state (SS) contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) of the carotid arteries as an adjunct to conventional first-pass (FP) MRA, with computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as reference. ⋯ SS imaging of the carotid arteries is feasible with gadobenate dimeglumine. The increased spatial resolution attainable allows improved evaluation of stenoses and plaque irregularity, yielding comparable diagnostic performance to that of CTA and DSA.
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Investigative radiology · Dec 2009
Increased ablation zones using a cryo-based internally cooled bipolar RF applicator in ex vivo bovine liver.
To evaluate the feasibility of ex vivo ablation implementing a cryo-based internally cooled bipolar radiofrequency (RF) applicator and to determine the influence of power and gas pressure on the size and shape of the resulting ablation zones. ⋯ The results of this initial ex vivo study show that the combined cryo RF ablation device allows for large ablation volumes using a single needle, which is superior to RF ablation alone.