Bone Biopsy Devices for MRI guided interventions

Purpose and goal

The aim and purpose of the project have completely or partially been fulfilled. Procurement of material knowledge within the area of MRI guided interventions and identification of possible materials required for a robust and safe design have been fulfilled (See AprioMed report R1414 MRI Compatible materials). The detailed design and function has partially been fulfilled, although no verification could be completed due to difficulties to source the material. The project has not fulfilled the aim to develop a MR compatible construction.

Results and expected effects

The project has resulted in a basic knowledge of MRI intervention methodology and material requirements. However, no final product design for use under MRI has been developed. The desired effects to increase market shares and sales volumes have therefore not been realized.

Approach and implementation

After initial literature studies, a screening of different alloys was performed together with two MRI key centers in the US and in Finland. The screening result was positive and pointed out good potential of one of the alloys. A sequential study, with the same key centers, in a clinical setup with machined prototypes was performed. Unfortunately tests showed that machining gave image distortions and issues with mechanical strength. To continue the evaluations, a prototype manufacturing with very high minimum order quantities were required but deemed not economically sustainable.