Related Experiment Videos
Temperature quantitation and mapping of frozen tissue
K Butts1, J Sinclair, B L Daniel
1Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA. kim@lucas.stanford.edu
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|February 13, 2001
Summary
Researchers developed a new magnetic resonance (MR) method to measure temperature in frozen tissue using the R2* parameter. This technique accurately quantifies temperature gradients in biological tissues, proving useful for cryosurgery applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Physics
Background:
- Accurate temperature monitoring is crucial for effective cryosurgery.
- Existing methods for measuring temperature in frozen tissues have limitations.
- Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging offers non-invasive potential for temperature mapping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel MR-based method for quantifying temperature in frozen biological tissues.
- To assess the feasibility of using the MR parameter R2* for temperature measurement.
- To demonstrate the applicability of this technique in a cryosurgery context.
Main Methods:
- A specialized MR pulse sequence with half-pulse excitation and a short spiral readout was employed.
- The R2* parameter was measured in bovine liver tissue subjected to controlled freezing.
- Fiber-optic temperature sensors were used for ground truth temperature validation.
- Feasibility was tested in canine prostate during cryosurgery.
Main Results:
- A linear relationship was established between the MR parameter R2* and temperature in frozen tissue.
- R2* measurements demonstrated independence from freeze number and temperature gradient orientation.
- The method successfully quantified temperature variations in bovine liver.
- Feasible temperature mapping was achieved in a canine prostate during cryosurgery.
Conclusions:
- The MR parameter R2* can be reliably used to quantify temperature in frozen tissues.
- This non-invasive MR technique shows promise for real-time temperature monitoring during cryosurgery.
- The method's independence from gradient orientation enhances its practical utility.