Minimally invasive therapy & allied technologies : MITAT : official journal of the Society for Minimally Invasive Therapy
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Minim Invasive Ther Allied Technol · Jul 2011
Comparative StudyLaparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors: comparison of MR guidance versus conventional laparoscopic ultrasound for needle positioning in a phantom model.
Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (LapRFA) is an established procedure for liver tumors in patients who are unsuitable for resection. A novel technique of magnetic resonance (MR) guided needle positioning during LapRFA was developed and compared to conventional ultrasound (US) guidance in a phantom model. MR-guided procedures were conducted in a 1.0 tesla high field open MR using an MR compatible endoscope and camera. ⋯ MR images showed a better tissue to tumor contrast and allowed an improved orientation due to multiplanar visualization. MR-guided laparoscopic RFA is a promising technique offering multiplanar needle positioning with high soft tissue contrast with immediate therapy control. In a phantom model it showed comparable results regarding needle positioning to the established technique of laparoscopic US guidance.