MRI is a well established method in the diagnostic spectrum of medical procedures. Compared to X-ray imaging, fully free positioning of sections in the three-dimensional space with deliberate repitition of image acquisition ("sequences") is a big advantage. No ionizing emissions occur and no iodine-containing contrast agents are required. In addition to morphological data functional and metabolic data can be gathered (vitality, perfusion, flux).

Today, MRI is routinely used for taking static diagnostic images whereas useful real-time sequences have become available during the recent years. A key advantage over X-ray imaging is the high soft tissue contrast. In opposite, X-ray imaging is superior for visualization of hard tissues such as bones. As most of the medical devices are applied in soft tissue for diagnosis or therapy there is a huge opportunity for improvement of current interventional medical procedures guided by X-ray imaging.