The optimization of treatment planning and ablation rate improvements on feasibility of pediatric MR-HIFU applications

Abstract

Magnetic resonance-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) ablation provides a precise, non-invasive treatment for lesions in adults. In children, MR-HIFU’s potential remains largely unexplored, though its non-invasive and non-ionizing nature holds promise. Yet, pediatric patients pose challenges affecting treatment: young children require general anesthesia, exhibit wide ranges of anatomy, and have varying lesion sizes and locations. These demonstrate a need for standardized treatment approaches and physical aids to optimize patient position, reduce time-intensive repositioning, and thus reduce overall treatment time. Further improvement of ablation rate and reduction of risk are also possible via improved monitoring of skin temperature during ablation and mild hyperthermia. Improvements in treatment planning and volumetric rate may save time and allow for treatment of larger lesions, increase patient throughput, and possibly increase efficacy and lower cost. This study aims to quantify and examine how such improvements could increase the time allocated for direct ablation and produce better outcomes.