MRI guided HIFU robotic system application in feasibility study for treating uterine fibroids

Area of Science:

• Medical Robotics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors affecting women of reproductive age.
• Current treatment options for uterine fibroids have limitations and potential side effects.
• Minimally invasive techniques are sought for improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) robotic system.
• To assess the sensor-based positioning accuracy and MRI compatibility of the developed robotic system.
• To determine the feasibility of this system for uterine fibroid treatment.

Main Methods:

• Development of an MRI-guided HIFU robotic system.
• Assessment of positioning accuracy using a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine (CMM) in free space.
• Verification of accuracy in a phantom study and ex vivo using porcine tissue.
• Evaluation of MRI compatibility through signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) analysis.

Main Results:

• The robotic system achieved an average positioning accuracy of 0.37 ± 0.17 mm with CMM.
• Accuracy in phantom and porcine tissue studies was 0.9 ± 0.4 mm and 0.9 ± 0.6 mm, respectively.
• The system demonstrated minimal interference with MRI, confirmed by SNR analysis.

Conclusions:

• The developed MRI-guided HIFU robotic system exhibits millimeter-level positioning accuracy.
• The system shows feasibility for uterine fibroid treatment with negligible MRI interference.
• Further clinical trials are necessary to establish therapeutic efficacy and safety.