Magnetic resonance imaging devices with a contrast medium for improved imaging

Abstract

Described herein is a medical device, such as a catheter or guidewire, which comprises an elongate body, a MRI imaging sensor and a contrast medium contained within the medical device, the contrast medium enhancing the MRI image of body tissue. The contrast medium may be contained or encapsulated in the elongate body, the imaging sensor, or a reservoir(s) in the elongate body or imaging sensor. The contrast medium may be, for example, gadolinium or a superparamagnetic contrast medium.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A medical device for magnetic resonance imaging of body tissue comprising: 
 an elongate body having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the distal end portion being adapted for insertion into a body;    an imaging sensor disposed at or near the distal end portion of the elongate body, the imaging sensor receives signals from the body tissue for generating a magnetic resonance image of the body tissue;    an enclosed section within the imaging sensor; and    a contrast medium contained within the enclosed section of the imaging sensor, the contrast medium enhances signals received by the imaging sensor of the body tissue in order to generate an enhanced magnetic resonance image of the body tissue.