Phase Contrast Imaging Based Microbubble Monitoring of Radiofrequency Ablation: An ex vivo Study
Wei Huang1, Jian Lu2, Rongbiao Tang1
1Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
Background:
To explore the potential of synchrotron radiation (SR) phase contrast imaging (PCI) for real-time microbubble formation monitoring during radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Methods:
RFA was performed on ex vivo porcine muscle tissue using unipolar and multi-tined expandable electrodes. Images of microbubble formation in the samples were captured by both SR PCI and absorption contrast imaging. The synchronous ablation temperature was recorded. Each RFA electrode type group contained 6 samples. Ablation size was assessed by histologic examination.
Results:
Microbubble formation during RFA could be visualized by SR PCI. The diameter of the microbubbles revealed on the image ranged from tens of microns to several millimeters, and these microbubbles first appeared at the edge of the RFA electrode when the target region temperature reached approximately 60°C and rapidly extended outwards. The average microbubble range measured on PCI was 17.66 ± 0.74 mm. The average range of coagulation necrosis measured by histological examination was 17.22 ± 0.38 mm. There was no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). The range of microbubbles corresponded to the ablation zone.
Conclusion:
PCI enabled real-time high-resolution visualization of microbubble formation during RFA, indicating a potential for its use in ablation monitoring.
Insights
Synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging (SR PCI) visualizes microbubble formation during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in real-time. This technique accurately maps the ablation zone, showing potential for improved RFA monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biophysics
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a common medical procedure.
- Monitoring RFA effectiveness in real-time is crucial for patient outcomes.
- Microbubble formation is a key indicator of tissue heating during RFA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging (SR PCI) for real-time monitoring of microbubble formation during RFA.
- To assess the correlation between microbubble formation visualized by SR PCI and the actual ablation zone.
Main Methods:
- RFA was performed on ex vivo porcine muscle tissue using different electrode types.
- SR PCI and absorption contrast imaging captured microbubble formation.
- Ablation temperature and size (via histology) were recorded for comparison.
Main Results:
- SR PCI successfully visualized microbubble formation during RFA, ranging from microns to millimeters.
- Microbubbles appeared around 60°C at the electrode edge and expanded outwards.
- The microbubble range observed with SR PCI (17.66 ± 0.74 mm) closely matched the histological ablation zone (17.22 ± 0.38 mm).
Conclusions:
- SR PCI provides real-time, high-resolution visualization of microbubble dynamics during RFA.
- The observed microbubble range accurately reflects the coagulation necrosis zone.
- SR PCI shows significant potential as a tool for monitoring RFA procedures.
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