MR Thermometry during Transcranial MR Imaging-Guided Focused Ultrasound Procedures: A Review

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics

Background:

• Growing interest in non-invasive neurosurgical techniques.
• Transcranial MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) enables precise brain tissue ablation.
• Real-time monitoring is crucial for FUS procedure safety and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of transcranial MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound.
• To detail the technical underpinnings and considerations of MR thermometry for FUS.
• To focus on proton resonance frequency MR thermometry as the primary clinical method.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound.
• Detailed explanation of proton resonance frequency MR thermometry principles.
• Discussion of technical considerations for clinical application.

Main Results:

• Proton resonance frequency MR thermometry is the most common sequence for MR thermometry in FUS.
• The review covers essential technical aspects for successful clinical implementation.
• MR thermometry allows for accurate temperature monitoring during FUS procedures.

Conclusions:

• Transcranial MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound is a promising incisionless therapeutic modality.
• Proton resonance frequency MR thermometry is a vital component for safe and effective FUS treatments.
• Further understanding of MR thermometry techniques will advance FUS applications.