Interventional radiology and minimally invasive surgery have emerged as strong competitors of conventional open surgery. Several percutaneous methods have been developed by radiologists for the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary diseases.<sup>34 Mueller P.R., van Sonnenberg E. Interventional radiology in the chest and abdomen N Engl J Med 1990 ;  322 : 1364-1374  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> In addition, endoscopic urologic procedures are finding wider application, and can be divided into ablative and reconstructive categories.<sup>15 Gill I.S., Clayman R.V., McDougall E.M. Advances in urological laparoscopy J Urol 1995 ;  154 : 1275-1294  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> These minimally invasive approaches result in the reduction of the size of the access site and therefore provide less visualization of the underlying tissues and organs, making the need for image guidance important. MR imaging offers unique contributions to the development and application of image-guided, minimally invasive interventions. The excellent tissue contrast precisely delineates lesions and defines the target for intervention. The unique three-dimensional information available with MR imaging allows therapy to be monitored and controlled in ways not possible with other available imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy, computed tomography, or ultrasound. Furthermore, the combination of near real-time MR imaging with advanced computer technologies and so-called virtual reality visualization and display methods could further change conventional surgical approaches and expand the boundaries of interventional radiology.<sup>22 Jolesz F.A., Blumenfeld S.M. Interventional use of magnetic resonance imaging Magn Reson Q 1994 ;  2 : 85-96

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 23 Jolesz F.A., Shtern F. The operating room of the future: Report of the National Cancer Institute workshop—imaging-guided stereotactic tumor diagnosis and treatment Invest Radiol 1992 ;  27 : 326-328  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 24 Jolesz F.A., Silverman S.G. Interventional magnetic resonance therapy Semin Intervent Radiol 1995 ;  12 : 20-27  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup>

The goal of interventional MR imaging is to provide real-time image guidance for interventional and surgical procedures. Open magnet systems specifically designed for interventional use currently are being tested at several institutions. These open-configuration MR imaging systems allow physician access to the patient and at the same time provide interactive control of the displayed image planes. We describe our preliminary experience with this system in localizing, targeting, and directing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the urinary tract.