Extending a commercial preclinical MPI scanner into an MPI-MFH platform using a hyperthermia insert

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) and magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) have the potential of being integrated in a single device to allow for seamless switching between imaging and therapeutic modes. In an MPI-MFH platform, the field free region of an MPI scanner can serve not only for imaging diagnostics but, by adding a radio-frequency magnetic field, also for therapeutic use of the magnetic particles by heating. It enables precisely localized heating to a specific target temperature deep in the tissue via MFH. In addition, MPI provides targeted visualization and temperature information of systemically injected magnetic nanoparticles providing direct feedback. In this work, the integration process of a hyperthermia insert which is capable of extending a commercial magnetic particle imaging scanner with the functionality of magnetic fluid hyperthermia is presented. Furthermore, the thermal resolution of the MPI-MFH platform is measured.