Medical devices visible by magnetic resonance imaging

A medical device adapted for insertion into the body, comprising:

• an elongated shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a central longitudinal axis;
• an electrically conductive path extending spirally about a portion of the shaft, wherein the conductive path is capable of being connected to a current source;
• wherein the conductive path defines a series of coiled portions spaced from each other and includes a series of non-coiled elements extending parallel to the elongate shaft wherein a first non-coiled element is disposed between a first coiled element and a second coiled element;
• and
• a plurality of contrast agents arranged in a regular pattern where the plurality of contrast agents alternate with the series of coiled portions;
• wherein the contrast agents comprise a T1 relaxation agent and a material capable of generating a magnetic susceptibility artifact wherein the T1 relaxation agent is disposed in a first series of marker bands and wherein the material capable of generating a magnetic susceptibility artifact is disposed in a second series of marker bands, wherein the second series of marker bands has a different composition than the first series of marker bands and wherein the regular pattern includes the first series of marker bands alternating with the second series of marker bands.