Experimental and Preliminary Clinical Study of Real-Time Registration in Liver Tumors During Respiratory Motion Based...

To develop a fusion imaging system that combines ultrasound and computed tomography for real-time tumor tracking and to validate the accuracy of performing registration via this approach during a specific breathing phase.

The initial part of the experimental study was performed using iodized oil injection in pig livers and was focused on determining the accuracy of registration. Eight points (A1-4 and B1-4) at different positions and with different target sizes were selected as target points. During respiratory motion, we used our self-designed system to perform the procedure either with (experimental group, E) or without (control group, C) the respiratory monitoring module. The registration errors were then compared between the 2 groups and within group E. The second part of this study was designed as a preliminary clinical study and was performed in 18 patients. Screening was performed to determine the combination of points on the body surface that provided the highest sensitivity to respiratory motion. Registration was performed either with (group E) or without (group C) the respiratory monitoring module. Registration errors were compared between the 2 groups.

In part 1 of this study, there were fewer registration errors at each point in group E than at the corresponding points in group C (P < .01). In group E, there were more registration errors at points A1 and B1 than at the other points (P < .05). There was no significant difference in registration errors among the remaining points. During part 2 of the study, there was a significant difference in the registration errors between the 2 groups (P < .01).

Real-time fusion registration is feasible and can be accurately performed during respiratory motions when using this system.