Mri compatible intrabody fluid transfer systems and related devices and methods

Abstract

Systems and methods for transferring fluid to or from a subject use a set of MRI compatible components that can aspirate intrabody structure and/or fluids. The components include a device guide, a semi-rigid guide sheath configured to slidably extend through the device guide, a stylet releasable coupled to the guide sheath and extending a fixed distance out of a distal end thereof, and a cannula coupled to flexible tubing that is releasably interchangeably held in the guide sheath in lieu of the stylet.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An MRI compatible surgical device, comprising:
 a semi-rigid polymeric cannula body coupled to flexible tubing, wherein the cannula body comprises a longitudinally extending open through channel, wherein the cannula body is formed of medical grade polyimide tubing with a wall thickness in a range of about 0.005-0.025 inches, and wherein the cannula body has a maximal intrabody size in a range of about 10 F-16 F.   
     
     
         2 . The surgical device of  claim 1 , wherein the wall thickness is in a range of about 0.009-0.010 inches. 
     
     
         3 . The surgical device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible tubing has a luer lock connector on a proximal end thereof and a guide sheath connector on the distal end thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The surgical device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible tubing has a length in a range of 1-4 feet, and wherein a proximal end portion of the flexible tubing comprises a luer lock. 
     
     
         5 . The surgical device of  claim 1 , wherein a distal end of the flexible tubing is sealably coupled to a proximal end of the cannula body, wherein, in use, the flexible tubing and the proximal end of the cannula reside external to the subject. 
     
     
         6 . The surgical device of  claim 1 , wherein the cannula body is configured to be bendable under force from a straight linear configuration to have a radius of curvature in a bore of a magnet while held by a trajectory guide. 
     
     
         7 . An MRI compatible intrabody guide sheath, comprising:
 a semi-rigid polymeric guide sheath body, wherein the guide sheath has an axially extending open through channel with opposing proximal and distal ends, and wherein, in position, the distal end of the guide sheath extends a distance into a subject while the proximal end is external to the subject.   
     
     
         8 . The guide sheath of  claim 7  in combination with a stylet releasably coupled to the guide sheath body, wherein, when fully assembled to the guide sheath, the stylet extends through the open through channel of the guide sheath and has a distal end that extends a distance out of the distal end of the guide sheath. 
     
     
         9 . The guide sheath and stylet of  claim 8 , wherein, coupled together, the stylet and the guide sheath are configured to be bendable under force from a straight linear configuration to have a radius of curvature in a bore of a magnet while held by a trajectory guide. 
     
     
         10 . A method of removing fluid from a target intrabody site, during an MRI guided surgical procedure, comprising:
 providing a set of MRI compatible components comprising a device guide, a semi-rigid guide sheath configured to slidably extend through the device guide, a stylet releasable coupled to the guide sheath and extending a fixed distance out of a distal end thereto, and a cannula coupled to flexible tubing;   attaching the device guide to a trajectory guide mounted to a subject, the trajectory guide defining an entry trajectory axis into the subject to a target site;   inserting the guide sheath and stylet, coupled together as an assembly, through the open channel of the device guide;   removing the stylet from the guide sheath; then   inserting the cannula into the guide sheath so that a distal end thereof resides at the target site; and   removing fluid from the target site through the cannula and flexible tubing while the subject is in a magnet of an MR Scanner during the MRI guided surgical procedure.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising attaching a syringe or other vacuum source to the flexible tubing and removing the fluid by aspirating the fluid through the cannula and the flexible tubing to the syringe.