MRI guided biopsies are usually performed for lesions that are found on for example liver or breast MRI procedures and that are not seen on computed tomography, ultrasonography or mammography. The identification of cancer on breast MRI is dependent on uptake of intravenous contrast agents.
First an MRI scan, using a dedicated breast coil and biopsy guidance system is performed to found the lesion. After skin disinfection and local anesthesia, the biopsy procedure starts. Possible MR guided interventions include fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy and vacuum-assisted biopsy (VABB) to sample tissue from the lesion; or wire localization prior to surgery for lesions that are not palpable.

See also Breast MRI.

(CAD) 'Computer aided detection' or 'computer assisted diagnosis' systems are tools to improve the efficiency and workflow in medical imaging procedures. The aim of CAD is to increase the diagnostic accuracy of screening procedures by using a computer system to locate abnormalities, improve image management, correct patient movement and assist the radiologists in the interpretation and analysis of data-intensive studies. Typical applications include the tumor detection in mammography, breast MRI, colonography, and lung imaging. Newer applications like prostate MRI are under investigation.

See also MR Guided Interventions, Breast MRI and Hybrid Imaging.

From Siemens Medical Systems;
Received FDA clearance in 2007.
The MAGNETOM Essenza is designed to combine high system performance with simple installation and power requirements to provide optimal operating costs for limited budgets. The standard system has up to 25 integrated coil elements and 8 independent radio frequency channels. Tim allows the combination of up to 4 different coils that reduce patient and coil repositioning.
The 1.5 Tesla system is designated for a complete range of clinical applications, including neurology, orthopedics, body imaging, angiography, cardiology, breast imaging, oncology and pediatric MRI.

Possible MR guided interventions are breast MRI, liver and bone biopsies. Open MRI is advantageous to guide interventional procedures because this type of MRI scanner provides a better patient access.
Before the MRI guided biopsy is started, all the necessary precautions ensuring normal sterile and safe conditions for an intervention have to be performed. This includes the special safety issues concerning MRI surroundings and special equipment, like non-magnetic biopsy needles, localization tools (e.g. wires to mark lesions prior to surgery with breast MRI guidance) etc.

See also 5 Gauss Line, Contraindications, Low Field MRI, MR Compatibility, Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound and Computer Aided Detection.

(RODEO) The software package Spiral RODEO™ MRI (including a patented fat and ductal tissue suppression technology), developed from Aurora Imaging Technology Inc, improves the spatial resolution and sensitivity for cancer detection in breast MRI examinations.

See also Aurora® 15T Dedicated Breast MRI System.