Real-time MRI-guided targeted endomyocardial biopsy of radiofrequency-induced lesions in pigs

In a proof-of-concept study in mini pigs, we showed that targeted endocardial myocardial biopsy of acute lesions under real-time MRI has higher diagnostic accuracy than undirected biopsy under fluoroscopy control. Our goal is to further develop the targeted real-time MRI-guided myocardial biopsy into a clinically safe and fast method. The first milestone of the project will be to demonstrate that the mechanical properties of a new MR-suitable bioptome in our animal model are equivalent to those of a conventional biopsy with a steel bioptome. With the same procedural success rate as the new MR-compatible bioptome, the entire project can be continued with the aim of developing it into a clinically relevant procedure.