Abstract
BackgroundTo explore the potential of synchrotron radiation (SR) phase contrast imaging (PCI) for real-time microbubble formation monitoring during radiofrequency ablation (RFA).MethodsRFA was performed on ex vivo porcine muscle tissue using unipolar and multi-tined expandable electrodes. Images of microbubble formation in the samples were captured by both SR PCI and absorption contrast imaging. The synchronous ablation temperature was recorded. Each RFA electrode type group contained 6 samples. Ablation size was assessed by histologic examination.ResultsMicrobubble formation during RFA could be visualized by SR PCI. The diameter of the microbubbles revealed on the image ranged from tens of microns to several millimeters, and these microbubbles first appeared at the edge of the RFA electrode when the target region temperature reached approximately 60°C and rapidly extended outwards. The average microbubble range measured on PCI was 17.66 ± 0.74 mm. The average range of coagulation necrosis measured by histological examination was 17.22 ± 0.38 mm. There was no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). The range of microbubbles corresponded to the ablation zone.ConclusionPCI enabled real-time high-resolution visualization of microbubble formation during RFA, indicating a potential for its use in ablation monitoring.
Highlights
To explore the potential of synchrotron radiation (SR) phase contrast imaging (PCI) for real-time microbubble formation monitoring during radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
After adjusting the sample-to-detector distance to 600 mm, bubbles with sharp edges could be clearly visualized by PCI (Figure 1b)
The quality of visible bubbles using PCI was greater than that using absorption contrast imaging (ACI)
Summary
To explore the potential of synchrotron radiation (SR) phase contrast imaging (PCI) for real-time microbubble formation monitoring during radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has gained widespread acceptance in the local therapy of various benign and malignant solid lesions, those involving the liver, lung, kidney and musculoskeletal system [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]. It is usually performed percutaneously under image guidance and is appropriate for inoperable patients with comorbidities. If the RFA zone can be monitored accurately during the procedure, the relatively high local residue and recurrence rate could be overcome
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