title: Real-time image fusion for successful percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma.
abstract: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an established nonsurgical curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because of its efficiency and safety, sonography is the most commonly used imaging modality when performing RFA. However, the presence of HCC nodules that are inconspicuous when using conventional sonography is a major drawback of RFA and limits its feasibility as a treatment for HCC. However, a new technology has been developed that synthesizes high-resolution multiplanar reconstruction images using 3-dimensional data and is combined with a position-tracking system using magnetic navigation. With this technology, real-time sonograms can be fused with corresponding computed tomographic, magnetic resonance imaging, or even sonographic volume data; this process is known as real-time image fusion. In this article, we describe this novel imaging method as a useful tool for successful RFA treatment of HCC.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Gastroenterology (N.T., T.A.) and Hepatology (M.T.), Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan (M.T.); and Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (Y.T.). n.toshikuni@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Nobuyuki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Toshikuni
authors.affiliation: Departments of Gastroenterology (N.T., T.A.) and Hepatology (M.T.), Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan (M.T.); and Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (Y.T.).
authors.forename: Mikihiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tsutsumi
authors.affiliation: Departments of Gastroenterology (N.T., T.A.) and Hepatology (M.T.), Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan (M.T.); and Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (Y.T.).
authors.forename: Yoshitaka
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Takuma
authors.affiliation: Departments of Gastroenterology (N.T., T.A.) and Hepatology (M.T.), Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan (M.T.); and Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (Y.T.).
authors.forename: Tomiyasu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Arisawa
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D003199:Computer Systems; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*
keywords: gastrointestinal ultrasound; hepatocellular carcinoma; percutaneous radiofrequency ablation; real-time image fusion