An Optoelectrical, Standard CMOS-Based Active Catheter Tracking System for MRI

Abstract

A fully optical active catheter tracking system compatible with 3T MRI environment is presented. It replaces conducting cables with optical fibers to reduce RF-induced heating problem. Proposed system consists of a MEMS-based microstructure array and an IC driving it. The IC houses an RF receiver block and an optoelectrical power supply. A prototype IC was fabricated in UMC 0.18 mu m CMOS process. Measurements indicate that the supply unit is able to provide 2.18mA at 1.2V supply, when a laser beam of 80mW power at its source is applied to IC. The system is operational at laser source power levels above 40mW. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.