Name of the Procedure:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Guidance for Needle Placement (e.g., for biopsy, needle aspiration, injection, or placement of localization device) Radiological Supervision and Interpretation

Summary

MRI guidance for needle placement is a minimally invasive procedure in which a magnetic resonance imaging scanner is used to help guide the precise placement of a needle. This can be for purposes such as taking a biopsy, aspirating fluid, delivering medication, or positioning a device. The real-time imaging ensures accuracy and minimizes risks.

Purpose

This procedure is used to accurately target areas within the body that require intervention, such as sampling tissue for a biopsy, draining fluids, injecting medications directly into a specific area, or placing localization devices. The goal is to achieve precision in targeting while minimizing potential damage to surrounding tissues.

Indications

• Suspected tumors or abnormal growths needing biopsy
• Fluid collections or abscesses requiring drainage
• Need for precise medication delivery to a specific site
• Requirement to place localization devices for subsequent surgical procedures
• Patients with conditions where an accurate and minimally invasive approach is essential

Preparation

• Patients may be asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Certain medications might need to be adjusted or discontinued temporarily.
• Pre-procedure imaging studies may be reviewed to plan needle placement.
• Patients should inform the healthcare provider of any allergies, especially to contrast agents, and any implants or metal devices within the body.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned on the MRI table.
2. Sedation or local anesthesia may be administered, depending on the situation.
3. Using MRI guidance, the precise location for needle insertion is identified.
4. The needle is carefully inserted under continuous MRI visualization.
5. Once the needle is in place, the desired procedure (e.g., biopsy, aspiration) is performed.
6. Images are continuously reviewed to ensure the accuracy and safety of needle placement.
7. After completion, the needle is removed, and the entry site is bandaged.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on its complexity.

Setting

MRI guidance for needle placement is usually performed in a hospital radiology department or an outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Radiologist
• MRI Technologist
• Nursing staff
• Anesthesiologist (if sedation or anesthesia is used)

Risks and Complications

• Minor bleeding or bruising at the needle entry site
• Infection at the needle insertion site
• Allergic reaction to contrast material, if used
• Rarely, damage to nearby structures or organs

Benefits

• Minimally invasive with a reduced risk of complications
• Highly accurate targeting of specific tissues or areas
• Reduced need for exploratory surgery
• Quicker recovery times compared to open surgical procedures

Recovery

• Patients are usually monitored for a short time after the procedure.
• Instructions may include keeping the bandage clean and dry.
• Pain at the needle site is typically minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Patients can usually resume normal activities within a day or two.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss any biopsy results or further treatment.

Alternatives

• Ultrasound-guided needle placement
• CT-guided needle placement
• Traditional surgical biopsies or interventions Pros and cons of alternatives include different levels of accuracy, varying risks of complications, and differences in recovery times.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients may feel slight pressure or discomfort at the needle insertion site. MRI machines can be noisy, but ear protection is provided. Post-procedure discomfort is generally mild, and pain management is prompt and effective. Most patients can return to their routine activities shortly after.