Medical device with temperature modulator for use in magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

This disclosure employs temperature, magnetism and Curie point transition to construct and use catheters and other medical devices that can be visualized using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Accordingly, this disclosure includes, but is not limited to, medical devices, means of constructing medical devices, and methods of imaging medical devices using magnetic resonance and other technologies.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A medical device adapted to be inserted into tissue and to be located using a magnetic resonance imaging device, comprising; a housing; a temperature modulator, the temperature modulator being operatively associated with the housing, the temperature modulator serving to alter the magnetic resonance image of the medical device; a hydrophilic layer, operatively associated with at least a portion of the housing; and a material that possesses a Curie point, the material being operatively associated with the medical device.