Mitigation of Abdominal Scars during MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment of Uterine Leiomyomas with the Use of an Energy-Blocking Scar Patch

Abstract

Purpose To assess the clinical potential of using an energy-blocking scar patch for magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treatment of uterine leiomyomas in patients with abdominal scars. Materials and Methods A prospective, nonrandomized, single-arm study was conducted in 20 patients (mean age, 41.1 y; range, 33–51 y) with symptomatic leiomyomas (mean volume, 170 cm 3; range, 10–689 cm 3) and abdominal scars (mean width, 3.3 mm; range, 1.5–8 mm; mean length, 131.6 mm; range, 86–178 mm) who underwent MRgFUS with an isolating patch covering the scar. Scar patches composed of US-blocking material were placed on patients' skin to cover the scar before treatment. Immediately after each treatment, contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR images were acquired, and the nonperfused volume (NPV) ratio was measured to determine the technical success of the treatment. Patients were followed for 3 months after treatment for any procedure-related adverse events. Results All treatments were completed with no technical problems. No serious adverse events were reported during treatments and during 3 months of follow-up. The mean NPV ratio was 53.5% ± 21%. Conclusions The scar patch provides an effective treatment option for patients with uterine leiomyomas and scars in the beam path, who were previously excluded from MRgFUS treatment as a result of an increased risk of skin burns.