Numerical modeling and validation of combination embolization-ablation therapy in the liver using dynamic...

Combination transarterial embolization and ablation is an increasingly common strategy for treating solitary, non-resectable hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) greater than 3 cm in size. However, manufacturer guidelines do not provide information as to the size of the ablation zone after embolization. This can put the patient at risk for inadvertent thermal damage to nearby anatomy such as the liver capsule, biliary ducts, diaphragm, and body wall. Thus, while combination therapy is associated with improved clinical outcomes, it is also associated with a higher complication rate. The goal of this study was to create a numerical model to evaluate the change in perfusion in embolization and correlate the perfusional change with final microwave ablation volume. This relationship was then validated in combination embolization ablation therapy in an in-vivo porcine liver model, using a novel MR perfusion sequence.