title: Magnetic resonance imaging-controlled laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) may become an attractive modality for minimally invasive tumor therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be used to assist this procedure.
  
  
  METHODS
  A T1-weighted turbo fast low-angle shot (FLASH) sequence for on-line monitoring of the laser-influenced region (liver, muscle) was investigated. Sequence parameters were optimized for maximal image contrast. Magnetic resonance imaging-controlled LITT was performed in vitro, in vivo (rabbits), and in 8 human investigations (6 patients). Special laser applicators were used to establish a uniform laser light distribution.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With the MRI sequence used, the LITT region is visualized as a bright area outlined by a dark border. This dark border corresponds to an isotherm of 45 +/- 2 degrees C depending on the sequence parameters used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With the T1-weighted turbo-FLASH sequence, MRI can be used for on-line monitoring of interstitial laser-induced thermotherapy in moving organs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Klinikum Steglitz, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gewiese
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Beuthan
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fobbe
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stiller
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Böse-Landgraf
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Deimling
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008099:Liver / Q000601:surgery; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011817:Rabbits; D012756:Sheep; D013552:Swine