MR-guided microwave thermocoagulation therapy of liver tumors: initial clinical experiences using a 0.5 T open MR system.
OBJECTIVE
To utilize a microwave coagulator for MR-guided interstitial thermal therapy of liver tumors as a clinically feasible heating device.


METHODS
MR-guided microwave thermocoagulation therapy was carried out 34 times in 30 patients with liver tumors (eight hepatocellular carcinoma, 22 metastatic tumors) using a 0.5 T open configuration MR system.


RESULTS
Percutaneous puncture could be accomplished both accurately and safely while monitoring real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using a notch filter, MR images could be observed without electromagnetic interference even during microwave ablation. Temperature monitoring during ablation was possible using the proton resonance frequency method. All procedures could be successfully carried out without any complications, and the therapeutic effects were deemed satisfactory.


CONCLUSIONS
MR-guided microwave thermocoagulation therapy could be one promising procedure of minimally invasive treatment for liver tumors.
Morikawa
Shigehiro
S
Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Ohtsu, Japan. morikawa@belle.shiga-med.ac.jp
Inubushi
Toshiro
T
Kurumi
Yoshimasa
Y
Naka
Shigeyuki
S
Sato
Koichiro
K
Tani
Tohru
T
Yamamoto
Ikuo
I
Fujimura
Masaki
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging