A Novel Design of Implantable Esophageal Stent to Reduce the MRI RF-Induced Heating

In this work, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radio frequency (RF)-induced heating mechanism for an esophageal stent is discussed from the prospective of forward scattering and the reciprocity theorem. We conclude that the RF-induced heating largely depends on the induced currents on the surface of the stent. Based on this understanding, a novel implantable segmented stent structure is developed to reduce the RF-induced heating of an esophageal stent under MRI procedures. By using a segmented structure, the specific absorption rate (SAR) for a 10-mm-radius and 98-mm-length stent decreased from 53.0 to 14.2 W/kg at a whole-body average SAR of 2 W/kg, and the maximum temperature rise over 15-min MRI exam is reduced from 4.52 to 1.72°C. The simulated results and experimental measurements agree with each other within the combined uncertainty and demonstrate the effectiveness of the structured stent design. Related to RF-induced heating, this novel design can be used to develop inherently safe esophageal stents.