NEW YORK, Sep 13 (Reuters Health) -- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday approved the sale of a tiny magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe, inserted into the body via the throat, which can give doctors more accurate, detailed images of internal body structures.
"Because the device is inside the body, a physician can closely see the esophagus and aorta, allowing for better diagnoses and treatments," explained Nancy Taylor, president and CEO of Surgi-Vision, Inc., of Columbia, Maryland, marketers of the mini-MRI.
Surgi-Vision's 'endo-esophageal MRI coil' brings a miniaturized version of the traditional MRI machine into close proximity with particular structures, which affords doctors much clearer images. Detailed views of the aorta, for example, might help in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
According to a company statement, sales of the mini-MRI are expected to begin "early next year."
Other companies have developed similar devices for use in the prostate, but Surgi-Vision's is the first small enough to be threaded through the throat. According to a company statement, "future applications for the... coil include bladder and prostate imagery."
