US 2019/0053760 A1 · MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING CANCER PROBE AND METHODS OF USE

Abstract

A magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging device and method of use for accurately delineating the lateral extent and depth of a skin tumor. The device includes a radiofrequency tuned circuit with an antenna in the shape of an acupuncture needle that is positionally-controlled using a mechanical actuator to provide high-contrast spatial images of skin tumors with sub-millimeter lateral and depth resolution. The device is used by dermatologists to provide accurate spatial demarcations of skin tumors, which facilitate the complete excision of a tumor in the first pass of the Mohs micrographic surgical procedure. Different sizes and shapes of the needle antenna provide advantages for sensitivity, image resolution, and capabilities to impact treatments. A hollow needle antenna provides for a capability of the inventive device to affect treatment of a skin tumor by injecting a chemical agent while monitoring chemical and spatial aspects of the tumor, and by aspirating cancer tissue to remove the tumor and related chemical treatment agents.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An MRI detector comprising:

an Acupuncture-MRI Probe comprising a conductive material and one or more non-magnetic capacitance elements, the Acupuncture-MRI Probe needle antenna comprising a first portion having a thickness of from about 5 μm to about 1000 μm, wherein the Acupuncture-MRI Probe needle antenna exhibits an inductance of about 10−6 to about 10−12 henry (H), wherein the Acupuncture-MRI Probe is configured to resonate when exposed to radiofrequency pulses from an MRI or NMR device thereby generating one or more localized radiofrequency magnetic fields with gradient distribution surrounding at least a portion of the Acupuncture-MRI Probe needle antenna.

A method for treating cancer cells comprising:

contacting a subject with an Acupuncture-MRI Probe, the Acupuncture-MRI Probe comprising a hollow conductive material and one or more non-magnetic capacitance elements, wherein the Acupuncture-MRI Probe hollow needle antenna exhibits an inductance of about 10−6 to about 10−12 henry (H);
exposing the Acupuncture-MRI Probe hollow needle antenna to one or more radiofrequency pulses so that the Acupuncture-MRI Probe hollow needle antenna can generate one or more localized radiofrequency magnetic and electric fields with gradient distribution surrounding at least a portion of the Acupuncture-MRI Probe hollow needle antenna;
detecting at least a portion of the localized radiofrequency magnetic fields along a radial coordinate;
determining one or more chemical shifts and associated quantities based on the portion of the localized radiofrequency magnetic fields;
applying radiofrequency pulses to the Acupuncture-MRI Probe hollow needle antenna to generate one or more localized radiofrequency electric fields to cause local heating and destruction of skin tumors;
injecting imaging agents to enhance contrast of RFI and MRI images;
injecting treatment agents and compounds into tumors to cause the destruction of tumors;
and aspirating skin tumor tissue and associated materials to cause the removal of skin tumors.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Magnetic resonance imaging cancer probe and methods of use

Life of this patent

Magnetic resonance imaging cancer probe and methods of use

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20