# Does endoscopic magnetic resonance imaging challenge EUS?

## TL;DR

A new wireless endoscopic MRI system with balloon stabilization improves digestive tract imaging by overcoming motion and gas interference.

## Contribution

A novel wireless EndoMRI system with balloon-assisted stabilization is introduced for stable digestive tract imaging.

## Key findings

- EndoMRI achieved superior esophageal image stability compared to EUS microprobes (P < 0.05).
- EndoMRI signal continuity strongly correlated with histopathological tissue damage in a thermal injury model.
- The wireless balloon-equipped EndoMRI system provided stable and reliable continuous imaging of ex vivo esophagi.

## Abstract

EUS is widely used in diagnosing and treating digestive system diseases. However, its diagnostic accuracy is frequently compromised by physiological motion from respiration and cardiac activity, as well as interference from gas. To address these limitations, we developed a wireless endoscopic magnetic resonance imaging (EndoMRI) system with balloon-assisted stabilization technology.

The system features a novel wireless EndoMRI coil that uses inductive coupling technology, designed to operate through standard endoscopic working channels. An inflatable balloon with an adjustable diameter range of 10–35 mm maintains optimal coil positioning within the digestive tract. System performance was evaluated using ex vivo porcine esophageal specimens (n = 5) at 5.0T magnetic field strength. Comparative analysis with miniprobe EUS encompassed image quality assessment and histopathological correlation.

The results demonstrated that EndoMRI achieved superior esophageal image stability compared to EUS microprobes (P < 0.05). In a thermal injury model, EndoMRI signal continuity showed a strong correlation with histopathological findings of tissue damage, enabling accurate assessment of both lesion depth and severity. The wireless balloon-equipped EndoMRI system provides stable and reliable continuous imaging of ex vivo esophagi.

These findings establish EndoMRI as a promising technology in digestive system evaluation.