A new image navigation system for MR-guided cryosurgery.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Percutaneous cryosurgery is an effective minimally invasive treatment for various tumors.
• Accurate probe placement is crucial for successful cryoablation.
• Existing navigation systems may have limitations in real-time guidance during cryosurgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of the Interactive Scan Control (ISC) system for MR-guided percutaneous cryosurgery.
• To assess the safety and accuracy of probe placement using ISC during cryosurgery.
• To determine the efficacy of MR-guided cryosurgery with ISC for different tumor types.

Main Methods:

• Percutaneous MR-guided cryosurgery was performed in 26 cases, with 11 utilizing the ISC system.
• The ISC system used infrared cameras and an MR-compatible optical tracking tool connected to a cryoprobe.
• Cryoprobes were advanced into tumors (renal, uterine fibroids, liver metastases) under MR fluoroscopic guidance, with two freeze-thaw cycles administered.

Main Results:

• Successful probe placement was achieved in all cases using the ISC system.
• Tumor engulfment by iceballs was monitored via MRI.
• Complete ablation was confirmed in renal tumors; size regression was observed in uterine fibroids; two of three liver tumors were completely ablated.

Conclusions:

• MR-guided cryosurgery with the novel ISC navigation system is feasible.
• The ISC system allows for safe and accurate cryoprobe puncture with low morbidity.
• This technology shows promise for improving outcomes in image-guided tumor ablation.