Methods for in vivo magnetic resonance imaging

• US 6,549,800 B1
• Filed: 04/14/2000
• Issued: 04/15/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
• Original Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
• Inventors: Lardo, Albert C., McVeigh, Elliot, Halperin, Henry, Zerhouin, Elias, Atalar, Ergin, Bottomley, Paul A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lateef, Marvin M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lin, Jeoyuh
• Application Number:
  US09/549,921
• Time in Patent Office: 1,096 Days
• Field of Search: 600/423, 600/407, 600/409, 600/410, 600/415, 600/417, 600/424, 324/300, 324/301, 324/302, 324/244, 324/256, 324/257, 324/260, 324/200, 606/130
• US Class Current: 600/423
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/273 for the upper alimentary canal, e.g. oesophagoscopes, gastroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/303 for the vagina, i.e. vaginoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/307 for the urinary organs, e.g. urethroscopes, cystoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/31 for the rectum, e.g. proctoscopes, sigmoidoscopes , colonoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0275 with sample notch, e.g. on the side of inner stylet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/374 NMR or MRI
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/055 involving electronic [EMR] or nuclear [NMR] magnetic resonance, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/415 the glands, e.g. tonsils, adenoids or thymus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/418 lymph vessels, ducts or nodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/42 Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the gastrointestinal, the endocrine or the exocrine systems A61B1/00, A61B5/4857, A61B5/486, A61B5/4866, A61B5/4869 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4381 Prostate evaluation or disorder diagnosis
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/285 Invasive instruments, e.g. catheters or biopsy needles, specially adapted for tracking, guiding or visualization by NMR
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/34084 implantable coils or coils being geometrically adaptable to the sample, e.g. flexible coils or coils comprising mutually movable parts
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/3628 Tuning/matching of the transmit/receive coil
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/36 Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewithH01Q1/08, H01Q1/14 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/362 for broadside radiating helical antennas
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/40 Radiating elements coated with or embedded in protective material
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/44 using equipment having another main function to serve additionally as an antenna , e.g. means for giving an antenna an aesthetic aspectH01Q1/27 - H01Q1/34 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 11/08 Helical antennas

Abstract

The systems and methods of the present invention provide for MRI probes adapted for insertion into a plurality of body orifices, in order to evaluate the anatomy of proximate anatomic structures, to diagnose abnormalities thereof and to treat the diagnosed abnormalities. MRI probes are described that are suitable for use in the mediastinum, in the pancreaticohepaticobiliary system, in the tracheobronchopulmonary system, in the head and neck, in the genitourinary system, the gastrointestinal system, the vascular system, and in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of internal fluid collections.

Claims

1. A method of performing a medical intervention, comprising:

providing a MRI probe adapted for insertion into a region of anatomic interest;

providing an access structure through which the MRI probe may be passed to allow said MRI probe to approach the region of anatomic interest;

advancing the MRI probe through the access structure toward the region of anatomic interest;

obtaining magnetic resonance imaging signals from the MRI probe; and

interpreting the magnetic resonance imaging signals, thereby to guide the medical intervention.

2. A method for evaluating mediastinal anatomy, comprising:

providing a MRI probe adapted for insertion into an esophagus;

inserting the MRI probe into the esophagus; and

obtaining from the MRI probe signals related to anatomy of a mediastinum;

wherein said MRI probe has a diameter in the range of about 0.5 to 5 French and a length in the range of about 50 to 150 centimeters.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising using the MRI probe signals to identify a vascular structure of the mediastinum.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising using the MRI probe signals to identify a lymph node in the mediastinum.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein said MRI probe has a diameter of about 3 French.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein said MRI probe has a length of about 75 centimeters.

7. The method of claim 2 wherein said MRI probe comprises an antenna.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein said antenna has an electrical length in the range of about 2 to 15 centimeters.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein said antenna has an electrical length of about 10 centimeters.

10. The method of claim 2 wherein said MRI probe further comprises an insulator tube.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein said insulator tube has a diameter in the range of about 3 to 14 French.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein said insulator tube has a diameter in the range of about 9 French.

13. The method of claim 2, further comprising providing an access structure suitable for insertion into the esophagus and passing the MRI probe through the access structure into the esophagus.

14. A method for evaluating mediastinal anatomy, comprising:

providing a MRI probe adapted for insertion into a mediastinum;

providing an access structure suitable for insertion into the mediastinum and

dimensionally adapted for passing the MRI probe into the mediastinum;

inserting the access structure into the mediastinum;

passing the MRI probe through the access structure into the mediastinum; and

obtaining signals from the MRI probe that delineate the mediastinal anatomy.

15. A method for diagnosing an abnormality of a mediastinum, comprising:

providing a MRI probe adapted for insertion into the mediastinum;

inserting the MRI probe into the mediastinum;

obtaining from the MRI probe images of an anatomic area within the mediastinum; and

evaluating the images to identify the abnormality.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

providing an access structure dimensionally adapted for insertion into the mediastinum and further dimensionally adapted to receive the MRI probe therethrough; and

inserting the MRI probe through the access structure, thereby positioning it within the mediastinum.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising sampling the abnormality identified from the images obtained from the MRI probe.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the sampling is performed using a biopsy tool.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the biopsy tool is inserted into the mediastinum using a second access structure, said second access structure dimensionally adapted for the passage of the biopsy tool into the mediastinum.

20. A system for evaluating an anatomic area of a mediastinum, comprising:

a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for positioning within the mediastinum, wherein said probe produces MRI signals representing the anatomic area of the mediastinum;

an access structure dimensionally adapted for entering the mediastinum and further dimensionally adapted for passing the MRI probe therethrough to enter the mediastinum; and

a signal processor that receives signals produced by the MRI probe and generates from the signals images related to the anatomic area; and

a display for displaying the images.

21. A method for treating an abnormality of a mediastinum, comprising:

positioning a MRI probe within the mediastinum;

generating from the MRI probe signals that produce an image of the abnormality; and

directing a therapeutic intervention towards the abnormality guided by the image of the abnormality produced from the MRI probe signals.

22. An MRI probe, comprising:

an antenna; and

a probe shaft;

wherein said antenna and said probe shaft are adapted for insertion into an esophagus.

23. The MRI probe of claim 22 wherein said antenna is a loop design.

24. The MRI probe of claim 22 wherein said antenna is a loopless design.

25. A method for evaluating pancreaticohepaticobiliary anatomy, comprising:

providing a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for insertion into a pancreaticohepaticobiliary structure;

inserting the MRI probe into the pancreaticohepaticobiliary structure; and

obtaining from the MRI probe signals related to pancreaticohepaticobiliary anatomy.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising providing an access structure suitable for insertion into the pancreaticohepaticobiliary structure, and passing the MRI probe through the access structure into the pancreaticohepaticobiliary structure.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the access structure is adapted for insertion through a common bile duct.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the insertion through the common bile duct further comprises insertion through a duodenum to reach the common bile duct.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein the access structure is adapted for insertion through a gallbladder.

30. A system for evaluating pancreaticohepaticobiliary anatomy, comprising:

a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for positioning within a pancreaticohepaticobiliary structure, wherein said probe produces signals representing pancreaticohepaticobiliary anatomy;

a signal processor that receives signals produced by the MRI probe and generates from the signals images related to the anatomy; and

a display for displaying the images.

31. The system of claim 30, further comprising an access structure dimensionally adapted for insertion into a pancreaticohepaticobiliary structure and further dimensionally adapted for receiving therethrough the MRI probe.

32. A method for diagnosing an abnormality of a pancreaticohepaticobiliary system, comprising:

providing a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for insertion into the pancreaticohepaticobiliary system;

inserting the MRI probe into the pancreaticohepaticobiliary system;

obtaining from the MRI probe images of an anatomic area within the pancreaticohepaticobiliary system; and

evaluating the images to identify the abnormality.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising:

providing an access structure dimensionally adapted for insertion into the pancreaticohepaticobiliary system and further dimensionally adapted to receive the MRI probe therethrough; and

inserting the MRI probe through the access structure, thereby positioning it within the pancreaticohepaticobiliary system.

34. The method of claim 32 further comprising sampling the abnormality identified from the images obtained from the MRI probe.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the sampling is performed using a biopsy tool.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the biopsy tool is inserted into the pancreaticohepaticobiliary system using a second access structure, said second access structure dimensionally adapted for the passage of the biopsy tool into the pancreaticohepaticobiliary system.

37. A method for treating an abnormality of a pancreaticohepaticobiliary system, comprising:

positioning a MRI probe within the pancreaticohepaticobiliary system;

generating from the MRI probe signals that produce an image of the abnormality; and

directing a therapeutic intervention towards the abnormality guided by the image of the abnormality produced from the MRI signals.

38. An MRI probe, comprising:

an antenna; and

a probe shaft;

wherein said antenna and said probe shaft are adapted for insertion into a pancreaticohepaticobiliary structure.

39. The MRI probe of claim 38 wherein said antenna is a loop design.

40. The MRI probe of claim 38 wherein said antenna is a loopless design.

41. A method for evaluating tracheobronchopulmonary anatomy, comprising:

providing a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for insertion into an anatomic structure selected from the group including the trachea, the bronchi, the bronchioles, the lung parenchyma and the intrapleural space;

inserting the MRI probe into the anatomic structure; and

obtaining from the MRI probe signals related to tracheobronchopulmonary anatomy.

42. The method of claim 41, further comprising providing an access structure suitable for insertion into the anatomic structure, and passing the MRI probe through the access structure into the anatomic structure.

43. A system for evaluating tracheobronchopulmonary anatomy, comprising:

a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for positioning within an anatomic structure selected from the group consisting of the trachea, the bronchi, the bronchioles, the lung parenchyma and the intrapleural space, wherein said probe produces signals representing the anatomic structure;

a signal processor that receives signals produced by the MRI probe and generates from the signals images related to the anatomic structure; and

a display for displaying the images.

44. The system of claim 43, further comprising an access structure dimensionally adapted for insertion into the anatomic structure and further dimensionally adapted for receiving therethrough the MRI probe.

45. A method for diagnosing an abnormality of a tracheobronchopulmonary system, comprising:

providing a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for insertion into an anatomic structure selected from the group consisting of the trachea, the bronchi, the bronchioles, the lung parenchyma and the intrapleural space;

inserting the MRI probe into the anatomic structure;

obtaining from the MRI probe images of an anatomic area within the tracheobronchopulmonary system; and

evaluating eimagesto identify the abnormality.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising:

providing an access structure dimensionally adapted for insertion into the anatomic structure and further dimensionally adapted to receive the MRI probe therethrough; and

inserting the MRI probe through the access structure, thereby positioning it within the tracheobronchopulmonary system.

47. The method of claim 45, further comprising sampling the abnormality identified from the images obtained from the MRI probe.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the sampling is performed using a biopsy tool.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein the biopsy tool is inserted into the tracheobronchopulmonary system using a second access structure, said second access structure dimensionally adapted for the passage of the biopsy tool into the PHB system.

50. A method for treating an abnormality of a tracheobronchopulmonary system, comprising:

positioning a MRI probe within the tracheobronchopulmonary system;

generating from the MRI probe signals that produce an image of the abnormality; and

directing a therapeutic intervention towards the abnormality guided by the image of the abnormality produced from the MRI signals.

51. An MRI probe, comprising:

an antenna; and

a probe shaft;

wherein said antenna and said probe shaft are adapted for insertion into an anatomic structure selected from the group including the trachea, the bronchi, the bronchioles, the lung parenchyma, and the intrapleural space.

52. The MRI probe of claim 51 wherein said antenna is a loop design.

53. The MRI probe of claim 51 wherein said antenna is a loopless design.

54. A method for evaluating head and neck anatomy, comprising:

providing a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for insertion into an anatomic structure selected from the group including the mouth, the nose, the pharynx, the larynx, the ear, the Eustachian tube, the salivary gland ducts, the sinuses, the orbit, the nasolacrimal duct, the globe, the carotid artery, and the distal vasculature;

inserting the MRI probe into the anatomic structure; and

obtaining from the MRI probe signals related to head and neck anatomy.

55. The method of claim 54, further comprising providing an access structure suitable for insertion into the anatomic structure, and passing the MRI probe through the access structure into the anatomic structure.

56. A system for evaluating head and neck anatomy, comprising:

a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for positioning within an anatomic structure selected from the group consisting of the mouth, the nose, the pharynx, the larynx, the ear, the Eustachian tube, the salivary gland ducts, the sinuses, the orbit, the nasolacrimal duct and the globe, wherein said probe produces signals representing head and neck anatomy;

a signal processor that receives signals produced by the MRI probe and generates from the signals images related to the anatomy; and

display for displaying the images.

57. The system of claim 56, further comprising an access structure dimensionally adapted for insertion into the anatomic structure and further dimensionally adapted for receiving therethrough the MRI probe.

58. A method for diagnosing an abnormality of the head and neck, comprising:

providing a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for insertion into an anatomic structure selected from the group consisting of the mouth, the nose, the pharynx, the larynx, the ear, the Eustachian tube, the salivary gland ducts, the sinuses, the orbit, the nasolacrimal duct and the globe;

inserting the MRI probe into the anatomic structure;

obtaining from the MRI probe images of an anatomic area within the head and neck area; and

evaluating the images to identify the abnormality.

59. The method of claim 58, further comprising:

providing an access structure dimensionally adapted for insertion into the anatomic structure, and further dimensionally adapted to receive the MRI probe therethrough; and

inserting the MRI probe through the access structure, thereby positioning it within the anatomic structure.

60. The method of claim 58, further comprising sampling the abnormality identified from the images obtained from the MRI probe.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the sampling is performed using a biopsy tool.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein the biopsy tool is inserted into a second anatomic structure selected from the group consisting of the mouth, the nose, the pharynx, the larynx, the ear, the Eustachian tube, the salivary gland ducts, the sinuses, the skin, the muscles, the orbit, the nasolacrimal duct and the globe in order to gain access to the abnormality of the head and neck.

63. A method for treating an abnormality of the head and neck, comprising:

positioning a MRI probe within an anatomic structure selected from the group consisting of the mouth, the nose, the pharynx, the larynx, the ear, the Eustachian tube, the salivary gland ducts, the sinuses, the orbit, the nasolacrimal duct and the globe;

generating from the probe MRI signals that produce an image of the abnormality; and

directing a therapeutic intervention towards the abnormality guided by the image of the abnormality produced from the MRI signals.

64. An MRI probe, comprising:

an antenna; and

a probe shaft;

wherein said antenna and said probe shaft are adapted for insertion into an anatomic structure selected from the group including the mouth, the nose, the pharynx, the larynx, the ear, the Eustachian tube, the salivary gland ducts, the sinuses, the orbit, the nasolacrimal, and the globe.

65. The MRI probe of claim 64 wherein said antenna is a loop design.

66. The MRI probe of claim 64 wherein said antenna is a loopless design.

67. A method for evaluating genitourinary anatomy, comprising:

providing a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for insertion into an anatomic structure selected from the group consisting of the urethra, the ureter, the bladder, the renal pelvis, the anus, the vagina, the cervix, the fallopian tube, the pouch of Douglas and space of Retzius;

inserting the MRI probe into the anatomic structure; and

obtaining from the MRI probe signals related to genitourinary anatomy.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein said MRI probe has a diameter in the range of about 0.5 to 55 French.

69. The method of claim 67, wherein said MRI probe has a diameter in the range of about 0.5 to 9 French.

70. The method of claim 67, wherein said MRI probe has a diameter in the range of about 0.5 to 3 French.

71. The method of claim 67, wherein said MRI probe has a diameter of about 3 French.

72. The method of claim 67, wherein said MRI probe has a diameter of about 4 French.

73. The method of claim 67, wherein said MRI probe has a diameter of about 9 French.

74. The method of claim 67 wherein said MRI probe has a length in the range of about 5 to 150 centimeters.

75. The method of claim 67 wherein said MRI probe has a length in the range of about 20 to 70 centimeters.

76. The method of claim 67 wherein said MRI probe has a length in the range of about 30 to 35 centimeters.

77. The method of claim 67 wherein said probe is “

C”

shaped.

78. The method of claim 67 wherein said MRI probe comprises an antenna.

79. The method of claim 78 wherein said antenna has a length in the range of about 1 to 30 centimeters.

80. The method of claim 78 wherein said antenna has a length of about 2 to 20 centimeters.

81. The method of claim 78 wherein said antenna has a length of about 7 centimeters.

82. The method of claim 78 wherein said antenna has a length of about 10 centimeters.

83. The method of claim 78 wherein said antenna has a length of about 20 centimeters.

84. The method of claim 67 wherein said MRI probe further comprises an insulator tube.

85. The method of claim 84 wherein said insulator tube has a diameter in the range of about 2 to 60 French.

86. The method of claim 84 wherein said insulator tube has a diameter in the range of about 9 to 15 French.

87. The method of claim 67, further comprising providing an access structure suitable for insertion into the anatomic structure, and passing the MRI probe through the access structure into the anatomic structure.

88. A system for evaluating genitourinary anatomy, comprising:

a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for positioning within an anatomic structure selected from the group consisting of the urethra, the ureter, the bladder, the renal pelvis, the anus, the vagina, the cervix, the fallopian tube and the pouch of Douglas and space of Retzius, wherein said probe produces signals representing genitourinary anatomy;

a signal processor that receives signals produced by the MRI probe and generates from the signals images related to the anatomy; and

a display for displayng the images.

89. The system of claim 88, further comprising an access structure dimensionally adapted for insertion into the anatomic structure and further dimensionally adapted for receiving therethrough the MRI probe.

90. A method for diagnosing a genitourinary abnormality, comprising:

providing a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for insertion into an anatomic structure selected from the group consisting of the urethra, the ureter, the bladder, the renal pelvis, the anus, the vagina, the cervix, the fallopian tube and the pouch of Douglas and space of Retzius;

inserting the MRI probe into the anatomic structure;

obtaining from the MRI probe images of an anatomic area within the genitourinary area; and

evaluating the images to identify the abnormality.

91. The method of claim 90, further comprising:

providing an access structure dimensionally adapted for insertion into the anatomic structure, and further dimensionally adapted to receive the MRI probe therethrough; and

inserting the MRI probe through the access structure, thereby positioning it within the anatomic structure.

92. The method of claim 90, further comprising sampling the abnormality identified from the images obtained from the MRI probe.

93. The method of claim 92, wherein the sampling is performed using a biopsy tool.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein the biopsy tool is inserted into a second anatomic structure selected from the group consisting of the of the urethra, the ureter, the bladder, the renal pelvis, the anus, the vagina, the cervix, the fallopian tube, the peritoneal cavity, the pouch of Douglas and space of Retzius in order to gain access to the abnormality.

95. A method for treating a genitourinary abnormality, comprising:

positioning a MRI probe within an anatomic structure selected from the group consisting of the urethra, the ureter, the bladder, the renal pelvis, the anus, the vagina, the cervix, the fallopian tube and the pouch of Douglas and space of Retzius;

generating from the probe MRI signals that produce an image of the abnormality; and

directing a therapeutic intervention towards the abnormality guided by the image of the abnormality produced from the MRI signals.

96. An MRI probe, comprising:

an antenna; and

a probe shaft;

wherein said antenna and said probe shaft are adapted for insertion into an anatomic structure selected from the group including the urethra, the ureter, the bladder, the renal pelvis, the anus, the vagina, the cervix, the fallopian tube, the Pouch of Douglas, and the space of Retzius.

97. The MRI probe of claim 96 wherein said antenna is a loop design.

98. The MRI probe of claim 96 is a loopless design.

99. A method for diagnosing an internal fluid collection, comprising:

providing a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for insertion into the internal fluid collection;

inserting the MRI probe into the internal fluid collection; and

obtaining from the MRI probe signals related to anatomic structures surrounding the internal fluid collection.

100. The method of claim 99, wherein the internal fluid collection comprises a cyst, a pseudocyst or a pus collection.

101. The method of claim 99, further comprising providing an access structure suitable for insertion into the internal fluid collection, and passing the MRI probe through the access structure into the internal fluid collection.

102. The method of claim 101, further comprising removing contents of the internal fluid collection through the access structure.

103. The method of claim 101, further comprising injecting an agent into the internal fluid collection through the access structure.

104. A method for evaluating gastrointestinal anatomy, comprising:

providing a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for insertion into an anatomic structure selected from the group consisting of the esophagus, the stomach, the duodenum, the jejunum, the ileum, the appendix, the colon and the rectum;

inserting the MRI probe into the anatomic structure; and

obtaining from the MRI probe signals related to gastrointestinal anatomy.

105. The method of claim 104 wherein said MRI probe has a length in the range of about 50 to 300 centimeters.

106. The method of claim 104 wherein said MRI probe has a length about equal to that of an endoscope.

107. The method of claim 104 wherein said MRI probe has a length in the range of about 100 to 150 centimeters.

108. The method of claim 104 wherein said MRI probe has a length of about 100 centimeters.

109. The method of claim 104 wherein said MRI probe has a length of about 150 centimeters.

110. The method of claim 104 wherein said MRI probe comprises an antenna.

111. The method of claim 110 wherein said antenna has a length in the range of about 1 to 30 centimeters.

112. The method of claim 110 wherein said antenna has a length of about 2 to 10 centimeters.

113. The method of claim 104 wherein said MRI probe further comprises an insulator tube.

114. The method of claim 113 wherein said insulator tube has a diameter in the range of about 1 to 2.5 French.

115. The method of claim 113, wherein said insulator tube has a diameter in the range of about 10 to 20 French.

116. The method of claim 113, wherein said insulator tube has a diameter in the range of about 15 to 17 French.

117. The method of claim 113, wherein said insulator tube has a diameter of about ⅓

Inch.

118. The method of claim 104, further comprising providing an access structure suitable for insertion into the anatomic structure, and passing the MRI probe through the access structure into the anatomic structure.

119. A system for evaluating gastrointestinal anatomy, comprising:

a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for positioning within an anatomic structure selected from the group consisting of the esophagus, the stomach, the duodenum, the jejunum, the ileum, the appendix, the colon and the rectum, wherein said probe produces signals representing gastrointestinal anatomy;

a signal processor that receives signals produced by the MRI probe and generates from the signals images related to gastrointestinal anatomy; and

a display for displaying the images.

120. A method for diagnosing an abnormality of gastrointestinal anatomy, comprising:

providing a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for insertion into a gastrointestinal system;

inserting the MRI probe into the gastrointestinal system;

obtaining from the MRI probe images of the gastrointestinal anatomy; and

evaluating the images to identify the abnormality.

121. The method of claim 120, further comprising:

providing an access structure dimensionally adapted for insertion into the gastrointestinal system and further dimensionally adapted to receive the MRI probe therethrough; and

inserting the MRI probe through the access structure, thereby positioning it within the gastrointestinal system.

122. The method of claim 120, further comprising sampling the abnormality identified from the images obtained from the MRI probe.

123. The method of claim 122, wherein the sampling is performed using a biopsy tool.

124. The method of claim 123, wherein the biopsy tool is inserted into the gastrointestinal system using a second access structure, said second access structure dimensionally adapted for the passage of the biopsy tool into the gastrointestinal system.

125. A method for treating an abnormality of gastrointestinal anatomy, comprising:

positioning a MRI probe within a gastrointestinal system;

generating from the MRI probe signals that produce an image of the abnormality; and

directing a therapeutic intervention towards the abnormality guided by the image of the abnormality produced from the MRI signals.

126. An MRI probe, comprising:

an antenna; and

a probe shaft;

wherein said antenna and said probe shaft are adapted for insertion into a gastrointestinal system.

127. The MRI probe of claim 126 wherein said antenna is a loop design.

128. The MRI probe of claim 126 wherein said antenna is a loopless design.

129. A method for evaluating anatomy of a vascular system, comprising:

providing a MRI probe adapted for insertion into the vascular system;

inserting the MRI probe into the vascular system; and

obtaining from the MRI probe signals related to anatomy of the vascular system.

130. The method of claim 129, further comprising providing an access structure suitable for intravascular insertion and passing the MRI probe through the access structure into the vascular system.

131. A method for evaluating anatomy of a vascular system, comprising:

providing a MRI probe adapted for insertion into the vascular system;

providing an access structure suitable for insertion into the vascular system and dimensionally adapted for passing the MRI probe into the vascular system;

inserting the access structure into the vascular system;

passing the MRI probe through the access structure into the vascular system; and

obtaining signals from the MRI probe that delineate the anatomy of the vascular system.

132. A method for diagnosing an abnormality of the vascular system, comprising:

providing a MRI probe adapted for intravascular insertion;

inserting the MRI probe into the vascular system;

obtaining from the MRI probe images of an area of the vascular system; and

diagnosing the abnormality by interpreting the images.

133. The method of claim 132, further comprising:

providing an access structure dimensionally adapted for intravascular insertion and further dimensionally adapted to receive the MRI probe therethrough; and

inserting the MRI probe through the access structure, thereby positioning it within the vascular system.

134. The method of claim 132, further comprising sampling the abnormality identified from the images obtained from the MRI probe.

135. The method of claim 134, wherein the sampling is performed using a biopsy tool.

136. The method of claim 135, wherein the biopsy tool is inserted into the vascular system using a second access structure, said second access structure dimensionally adapted for the passage of the biopsy tool into the vascular system.

137. A system for evaluating an anatomic area of the vascular system, comprising:

a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for positioning within the vascular system, wherein said probe produces MRI signals representing an anatomic area of the vascular system;

an access structure dimensionally adapted for entering the vascular system and further dimensionally adapted for passing the MRI probe therethrough to enter the vascular system;

a signal processor that receives signals produced by the MRI probe and generates from the signals images related to the anatomic area; and

a display for displaying the images.

138. A method for treating an abnormality of the vascular system, comprising:

positioning a MRI probe within the vascular system;

generating from the MRI probe signals that produce an image of the abnormality; and

directing a therapeutic intervention towards the abnormality guided by the image of the abnormality produced from the MRI probe signals.

139. An MRI probe, comprising:

an antenna; and

a probe shaft;

wherein said antenna and said probe shaft are adapted for intravascular insertion.

140. The MRI probe of claim 139 wherein said antenna is a loop design.

141. The MRI probe of claim 139 wherein said antenna is a loopless design.

142. A system for evaluating a perivascular structure, comprising:

a MRI probe dimensionally adapted for positioning within a vascular system, wherein said probe produces MRI signals representing the perivascular structure;

an access structure dimensionally adapted for entering the vascular system and further dimensionally adapted for passing the MRI probe therethrough to enter the vascular system;

a signal processor that receives signals produced by the MRI probe and generates from the signals images related to the perivascular structure; and

a display for displaying the images.

143. A method for diagnosing an abnormality of a perivascular structure, comprising:

providing a MRI probe adapted for intravascular insertion;

positioning a MRI probe within a vascular system;

directing the MRI probe through the vascular system towards the perivascular structure;

obtaining from the MRI probe images of the perivascular structure; and

evaluating the images to identify the abnormality.

144. The method of claim 143, further comprising sampling the abnormality identified from the images obtained from the MRI probe.

145. The method of claim 144, wherein the sampling is performed using a biopsy tool.

146. A method for treating an abnormality of a perivascular structure, comprising:

positioning a MRI probe within a vascular system;

directing the MRI probe through the vascular system towards the perivascular structure;

generating from the MRI probe signals that produce an image of the abnormality; and

directing a therapeutic intervention towards the abnormality guided by the image of the abnormality produced from the MRI probe signals.

147. The method of claim 146, wherein access to the abnormality for performing the therapeutic intervention is provided by an extravascular route.

148. The method of claim 146, wherein access to the abnormality for performing the therapeutic intervention is provided by an intravascular route.