Hybrid Operating Room Research Articles

Adhered ECMO cannula in COVID-19 related severe acute respiratory failure

BackgroundCrescent cannula adhesion in the setting of COVID-19 respiratory failure requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is a novel complication. The objective of this case presentation is to highlight this rare complication and to explore potential predisposing factors and our management strategies.Case presentationWe present the case of a 25 y.o. patient with COVID-19 respiratory failure requiring ECMO support for 16-days in which a 32 Fr crescent cannula became adherent to the SVC and proximal jugular vein. Attempts to remove the cannula at the bedside failed due to immobility of the cannula. Ultrasound of the right neck was unremarkable, so he was taken to the hybrid OR where both TEE and fluoroscopy were unrevealing. An upper sternotomy was performed, and the superior vena cava and proximal jugular vein were dissected revealing a 2 cm segment of the distal SVC and proximal jugular vein that was densely sclerosed and adherent to the cannula. The vessel was opened across the adherent area at the level of the innominate vein and the cannula was then able to be withdrawn. The patient suffered no ill effects and had an unremarkable recovery to discharge.ConclusionsTo date, there have been no reports of crescent cannula adhesion related complications. In patients with COVID-19 respiratory failure requiring ECMO, clinicians should be aware of widespread hypercoagulability and the potential of unprovoked, localized venous sclerosis and cannula adhesion. We report our technique of decannulation in the setting of cannula adhesion and hope that presentation will shed further light on this complication allowing clinicians to optimize patient care.

SINGLE ARTERIAL ACCESS FOR TRANSFEMORAL TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION WITH THE ACURATE NEO SELF-EXPANDING AORTIC BIOPROSTHESIS: INSIGHTS FROM THE LONDON HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE HEART TEAM

SINGLE ARTERIAL ACCESS FOR TRANSFEMORAL TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION WITH THE ACURATE NEO SELF-EXPANDING AORTIC BIOPROSTHESIS: INSIGHTS FROM THE LONDON HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE HEART TEAM

Role of hybrid operating room in management of low-velocity penetrating brain injury

Penetrating brain injuries (PBIs) are a severe subtype of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), where an object pierces the cranium and meninges. Based on the speed of penetration, it can be classified into high and low-velocity penetration. Low-velocity penetrating injury (LVPBI) cause lacerations to the scalp, depressed skull fractures as well as localized brain tissue and blood vessel damage along the object's path of travel. There have been many case reports and small case series published describing these events. However, there is no standardized guideline for general management to improve patient outcomes. In this report we discuss our experience of using the hybrid theatre to manage such cases. We present the clinical management of a 10-year-old boy who was shot in the head with a harpoon. Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) demonstrated that the harpoon punctured through the jugular foramen and had a high probability of internal jugular vein (IJV) and internal carotid artery (ICA) involvement. The surgery was performed seven days after injury in a hybrid operating room (OR). We used intraoperative digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) to guide our decision to permanently occluded the IJV and ICA. The patient had a good postoperative recovery and was sent home after three weeks of observation in the hospital. Despite the high cost, intraoperative cerebral angiography in hybrid theatre for selected patients with penetrating brain injury where major blood vessel damage is anticipated might benefit overall patient outcome.

Localization of small peripheral pulmonary nodules for surgical resection: a new intraoperative technique in hybrid operating room

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to introduce a new feasible and effective intraoperative localization technique for small peripheral pulmonary nodules in hybrid operating room.MethodsBetween June 2020 and June 2021, the intraoperative localization was performed in 27 patients for 35 small pulmonary nodules at our institution. The procedure was undergone under thoracoscopic observation. After making the VATS ports, a titanium clip was clipped at the visceral pleura as near the pulmonary nodule as possible to be a marker for the nodule. VATS resection was performed next.ResultsA total of 27 patients were included in this study, including 6 males and 21 females. The median age was 58 years (range 34–78 years). All surgeries were performed by two-port VATS. A total of 35 pulmonary nodules underwent intraoperative localization. The mean diameter of nodules was 10.6 ± 3.7 mm. The distance of nodules to visceral pleura was 8.3 ± 8.7 mm. The mean localization time was 23.3 ± 3.3 min. The median time of C-arm scanning was 3 (range 2–4) times. The median times for clipping were 2 (range 1–3) times. All the nodules were localized successfully and resected precisely. No VATS were converted to thoracotomy. There were no complications related to localization procedures.ConclusionsThis new intraoperative localization technique was feasible, safe and effective. And also the intraoperative procedure could avoid extra suffering for patients.

Percutaneous thoraco-lumbar-sacral pedicle screw placement accuracy results from a multi-center, prospective clinical study using a skin marker-based optical navigation system

Study designProspective multi-center study.ObjectiveThe study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of pedicle screw placement using a skin marker-based optical surgical navigation system for minimal invasive thoraco-lumbar-sacral pedicle screw placement.MethodsThe study was performed in a hybrid Operating Room with a video camera-based navigation system integrated in the imaging hardware. The patient was tracked with non-invasive skin markers while the instrument tracking was via an on-shaft optical marker pattern. The screw placement accuracy assessment was performed by three independent reviewers, using the Gertzbein grading. The screw placement time as well as the staff and patient radiation doses was also measured.ResultsIn total, 211 screws in 39 patients were analyzed for screw placement accuracy. Of these 32.7% were in the thoracic region, 59.7% were in the lumbar region, and 7.6% were in the sacral region. An overall accuracy of 98.1% was achieved. No screws were deemed severely misplaced (Gertzbein grading 3). The average time for screw placement was 6 min and 25 secs (± 3 min 33 secs). The average operator radiation dose per subject was 40.3 µSv. The mean patient effective dose (ED) was 11.94 mSv.ConclusionSkin marker-based ON can be used to achieve very accurate thoracolumbarsacral pedicle screw placements.

Use of the Hybrid Operating Room for Pelvic and Acetabular Fracture Surgery

The hybrid operating room (HOR) utilizes advanced imaging technology to improve intra-operative visualization and facilitate efficient care in procedures that are relatively image dependent. The robotic C-arm provides improved 2D image quality and is capable of large volume three-dimensional fluoroscopy (3DF) that can rapidly create multiplanar CT like images. Here we discuss on the technique, utility, potential benefits, pitfalls, and complications of using the hybrid suite with and without intra-arterial balloon occlusion for pelvic and acetabular fracture surgery. We also present a case series of patient who underwent pelvic fixation using the HOR. While not advocated for routine use in all pelvic and acetabular fractures; the hybrid suite can be an effective tool in the treatment of complex cases and may facilitate efficient care of the hemodynamically unstable patient. It should be considered when resuscitative stabilization, angioembolization, intra-arterial balloon occlusion, or life-threatening bleeding is anticipated. Additionally, use of the hybrid room allows access to 3D fluoroscopy, and the associated benefits, if a mobile 3D unit is otherwise unavailable. These benefits must be weighed against the cumbersome table, the potential pitfalls with patient size and positioning, and the increased cost to the hospital.

EP02.03-007 Seeds of Gold. Triple Contrast Marking in Hybrid Operative Room for All-in One Diagnostic and Therapeutic Precision Surgery

The minimally invasive management of small lung lesions represents a quite challenging task for thoracic surgeons. As a matter of fact, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) wedge resection could usually require conversion to thoracotomy when pulmonary lesions cannot be identified. Hybrid operating rooms (H-OR) can serve as a helpful tool in providing real-time lesion imaging and targeting, allowing the preoperative placement of different marking techniques to help locate non-palpable nodules. Our aim is to assess the efficacy of our triple contrast technique based on the simultaneous use of three different marking systems, including gold seed Biomarc - Vigeo S.r.l.), methylene blue (Methylthioninium Chloride - Bioindustria L.I.M.), and indocyanine green (-ICG- Verdye - Diagnostic Green Gmbh) to help locate non-palpable lung lesion.

Complications of TAVR From an Anesthesia Perspective.

Description Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become the predominant technique for aortic valve replacement in the United States. Initially approved for high surgical risk patients, TAVR is now approved for most patients requiring valve therapy, including younger, lower-risk patients. The procedure is ideally performed in a hybrid operating room equipped with fluoroscopic equipment and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) imaging that can be viewed simultaneously by the operating team. The operating room should also be equipped to allow initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, if necessary. Cardiac anesthesia teams are often involved with the management of these patients. This mini-review is designed to summarize potential complications that anesthesiologists may contend with during TAVR.

The Current Status in Intraoperative Image-Guided Neurosurgery Associated with Progressive Operating Rooms: A Retrospective Analysis

Shinshu University Hospital has advanced operating rooms including a mobile computed tomography (mCT) room, Smart Cyber Operating Theater (SCOT) with intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging, hybrid operating room (hOR) with intraoperative image-guided surgery, and conventional operating rooms. We investigated the characteristics of cases assigned to each operating room. Five hundred forty neurosurgery cases from January 2018 to April 2021 were analyzed. We analyzed the selection of operating room according to pathology, surgical device requirement, and urgency, and we examined associations between operating room characteristics and these factors. Neurological surgeries were performed in an mCT room, an hOR, a SCOT, and a conventional operating room in 333 (61.7%), 64 (11.9%), 49 (9.1%), and 94 (17.4%) cases, respectively. mCT rooms were more frequently selected than other rooms for vascular/extra-axial tumors, which have a lower need for intraoperative image guidance. Spinal surgeries with segment diagnosis or intraoperative bone removal tended to be performed in the hOR. The rate of SCOT use tended to be higher for intra-axial tumors with poorly circumscribed borders than for vascular/extra-axial tumors. Endoscopic procedures were more frequently performed in the SCOT and mCT rooms than in hORs and conventional operating rooms. Emergency surgeries were often performed in the conventional operating rooms, even in cases where SCOT and hOR seemed suitable. Intraoperative image-guided surgeries were performed according to the characteristics of each operating room best suited for various diseases and operative methods. Further research is needed to prove whether operating room selection improves neurosurgical outcomes.

P120. Augmented reality navigation for percutaneous thoracolumbar pedicle screws: a prospective clinical study

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Conventional navigation systems depend on a separate imaging system and use of passive infra-red cameras with a bulky dynamic reference frame (DRF) attached to the spine and to the instruments for live tracking. This often leads to 1) issues with line of sight 2) need for an invasive procedure to attach the DRF 3) lowered accuracy due to inadvertent bumping of the DRF and when point of interest is further from the location of the DRF and 4) a need for repeated re-registrations that can affect the surgical workflow and impact the procedure time. These common issues that impede the adoption of navigation can be bypassed using an Augmented Reality Surgical Navigation system (ARSN), that combines the use of superior quality 3D intra-operative imaging and optical camera based Augmented Reality Navigation (ARN), noninvasive dynamic patient monitoring and on-shaft optical trackers on the Jamshidi needles to provide real time visual feedback of instrument location, without relying on fluoroscopy. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> To determine the accuracy of percutaneous pedicle screw placement when using ARSN. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> A single-arm, prospective multicenter clinical study. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> A total of 211 pedicle screws were placed percutaneously in 39 patients between levels T2 and S1. The predominant indication was trauma (42%). However, patients with instability of the spine due to degenerative and neoplastic diseases were also included. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Accuracy of pedicle screw placement according to Gertzbein grading (Grade 0: no breach; Grade 1: 4mm breach) determined by three independent reviewers. The median time required to insert the pedicle screw in the right location when using the system was also noted. <h3>METHODS</h3> Navigation was performed in a hybrid OR including surgical table, motorized flat detector C-arm with intraoperative 2D/3D imaging capabilities, optical video cameras integrated in the detector for ARN, and patient motion tracking using skin markers. The C-arm rotated 180 degrees in 10 seconds during acquisition, creating a 3D Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) of the area of interest of 4-8 levels. A disposable Jamshidi needle with optical markers etched on the shaft was used to guide the needle to the desired location in the vertebral body using ARN. <h3>RESULTS</h3> Overall accuracy (Gertzbein 0-1) was 98.1% (95% CI 95.2-99.5). For thoracic screws (n=69), accuracy was 95.7%, for lumbar screws (n=126) 99.2%. Grade 0 screws (no breach) were 93% overall (86% in thoracic and 96% in lumbar levels). Four screws were graded as 2 (2-4 mm breach), with a medial positioning. Three of them were in the upper thoracic spine. None was associated with a neurological consequence. No screw was highly misplaced (> 4mm error). Six screws (2.7%) were intraoperatively revised. Median time per screw was 6 minutes and 25 sec (± 3.3 min). <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> Use of ARN leads to a high rate of accurate pedicle screw placement. The use of ARSN favorably compares to screw placement times reported in literature. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> ClarifEye surgical navigation system (Philips Healthcare) (Approved for this indication)

Efficacy and Safety of Cone-Beam CT Augmented Electromagnetic Navigation Guided Bronchoscopic Biopsies of Indeterminate Pulmonary Nodules.

Bronchoscopic biopsy results for indeterminate pulmonary nodules remain suboptimal. Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) coupled with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for confirmation has the potential to improve diagnostic yield. We present our experience using this multimodal approach to biopsy 17 indeterminate nodules in 14 consecutive patients from April to August 2021. Demographic information, nodule characteristics, and biopsy results were recorded. Procedures were performed in a hybrid operating room equipped with a Siemens Artis Q bi-plane CBCT (Siemens, Munich, Germany). After ENB using the superDimension version 7.1 (Medtronic, Plymouth, MN, USA) to target the lesion, radial endobronchial ultrasound was used as secondary confirmation. Next, transbronchial needle aspiration was performed prior to CBCT to evaluate placement of the biopsy tool in the lesion. The average nodule size was 21.7+/−15 mm with 59% (10/17) < 2 cm in all dimensions and 35% (6/17) showing a radiographic bronchus sign. The diagnostic yield of CBCT-guided ENB was 76% (13/17). No immediate periprocedural or postprocedural complications were identified. Our experience with CBCT-guided ENB further supports the comparable efficacy and safety of this procedure compared to other mature biopsy modalities. Studies designed to optimize the lung nodule biopsy process and to determine the contributions from different procedural aspects are warranted.

Novel light delivery method for performing transbronchial photodynamic therapy ablation to treat peripheral lung cancer: A pilot study

BackgroundPhotodynamic therapy involves using a photosensitizer with l illumination and is recommended for treating early, centrally located lung cancers, but it is not a standard treatment for peripheral lung tumor.. We previously proposed a novel light delivery method, in which lipiodol is perfused into the bronchial tree to increase the scope of illumination via the fiber effect. Herein, we attempted this novel technique under electromagnetic bronchoscope guidance in a hybrid operation room where lipiodol facilitated light diffusion, and evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of this technique for peripheral lung cancers. MethodsThis phase 0 pilot study included three patients with peripheral lung cancers (primary tumors ≤20-mm diameter). The photodynamic therapy was administered using Porfimer sodium as the photosensitizer, and an electromagnetic navigation bronchoscope in a hybrid operating room to guide the catheter to the tumor. This facilitated lipiodol infusion to encase the tumor and permit the transbronchial photodynamic therapy ablation. ResultsAdministering 630 nm 200 J/cm (400mW/500sec) energy through a 3-cm cylindrical diffusing laser fiber was safe; no significant acute complications were observed. Although the treatment outcome was unsatisfactory due to the low light dose, tumor pathology in one case revealed tumor necrosis, with no significant damage to the surrounding lung tissue. ConclusionsNovel light delivery transbronchial photodynamic therapy ablation for peripheral lung tumors is feasible and safe. Additional clinical trials may help determine the best illumination plan and light dose through multiple deliveries from multiple angles.

Treatment of acute aortic dissection type A with paraplegia and distal limb ischemia within a hybrid operating room

ObjectiveAcute aortic dissection type A is among the most lethal surgical emergencies. Patients may suffer from occlusion of the aorta or its branches causing end-organ malperfusion complicating the diagnosis and worsening the prognosis. Paraplegia is a rare manifestation that affects less than 5% of patients. If type A aortic dissection and occlusion of the downstream thoraco-abdominal aorta occur simultaneously and require acute treatment, a medical dilemma occurs; what should be treated first?Case reportWe describe a case with an extensive acute type A aortic dissection with signs of consciousness and severe malperfusion syndrome.ResultsThe treatment was successfully performed within a hybrid surgery suite with simultaneous open surgery and endovascular repair techniques supported by cardiopulmonary bypass circulation.ConclusionA hybrid operating room might offer the opportunity to simultaneously repair complicated aortic dissection with malperfusion syndrome, by open aortic surgery and endovascular techniques.

Thoracic surgery in Hong Kong.

In the era of modernized medicine, thoracic surgery has been focusing on achieving minimally invasive surgery and providing a one-stop solution in treating thoracic diseases. Particularly in the Asia population, where patients are keen to have smaller wound and shorter hospital stay, thoracic surgery in Hong Kong has evolved from the traditional open thoracotomy approach to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). In our institution, uniportal VATS for major lung resection was developed in 2012. While uniportal VATS has brought advantages into managing thoracic pathologies, it also brought challenges like instrument fencing during manipulation and suboptimal visualization angle. To improve the procedure and its outcomes, novel techniques and equipment have been developed, for example, double-hinged instruments, robotic assisted technology and magnetic anchored and guided endoscopes (MAGS). With advanced medical imaging nowadays, management of small lung nodules or ground glass opacity (GGO) is in higher demand than ever before. Our hybrid operating room (HOR) can incorporate instant and real-time imaging in lesion localization, and provide treatment via VATS or electromagnetic navigated bronchoscopic (ENB) ablation in a one-stop manner. This paper will review the literature related to the historical development and clinical outcomes of thoracic surgery in Hong Kong and discuss the future perspective of ongoing development.

Surgeons' Leadership Style and Team Behavior in the Hybrid Operating Room: Prospective Cohort Study.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between surgeons' leadership style and team behavior in the hybrid operating room through video coding. Secondly, possible fluctuations possible fluctuations in leadership styles and team behavior during operative phases were studied. Leadership is recognized as a key component to successful team functioning in high-risk industries. The 'full range of leadership' theory is commonly used to evaluate leadership, marking transformational, transactional, and passive. Few studies have examined the effects of these leadership styles on team behavior in surgery and/or their fluctuations during surgery. A single-center study included patients planned for routine endovascular procedures. A medical data capture system was used to allow post hoc video coding through Behavior Anchored Rating Scales. Multilevel statistical analysis was performed to assess possible correlations between leadership style and 3 team behavior indicators (speaking up, knowledge sharing, and collaboration) on an operative phase level. Twenty-two cases were analyzed (47 hours recording). Transformational leadership is positively related to the extent to which team members work together (γ=0.20, P <0.001), share knowledge (γ=0.45, P <0.001), and speak up (γ=0.64, P <0.001). Passive leadership is significantly positively correlated with speaking up (γ=0.29, P =0.004). Leadership style and team behavior clearly fluctuate during a procedure, with similar patterns across different types of endovascular procedures. Consistent with other professional fields, surgeons' transformational leadership enhances team behavior, especially during the most complex operative phases. This suggests that encouraging surgeons to learn and actively implement a transformational leadership style is meaningful to enhance patient safety and team performance.

Hybrid surgery for coexistence of cerebral arteriovenous malformation and primitive trigeminal artery: A case report and literature review

The primitive trigeminal artery (PTA), an abnormal carotid-basilar anastomosis, forms the vascular anomaly connection between the internal carotid artery and vertebrobasilar system. Rarely, PTA can be complicated by several other cerebrovascular disease, including arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), intracranial aneurysms, moyamoya disease, and carotid-cavernous malformations. Herein, we reported a rare case of PTA combined with an AVM in a male patient. The patient was a 28-year-old male with epileptic seizures at the onset of symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal signal foci and localized softening foci formation with gliosis in the right parietal temporal lobe. Furthermore, using a digital subtraction angiogram (DSA), it was found that an abnormal carotid-basilar anastomosis had developed through a PTA originating from the cavernous portion of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) and a large AVM on the surface of the right carotid artery. The lesion of AVM tightly developed and draining into superior sagittal sinus. A hybrid operating room was used for the surgery. The main feeding arteries of the AVM originating from three major arteries, including the right middle cerebral artery, the right anterior cerebral artery, and the right posterior cerebral artery, were clipped and subsequently, then the AVM was thoroughly removed. The intraoperative DSA showed that the AVM had been resected completely. Postoperative pathological examination of the resected specimen indicated the presence of an AVM. The patient recovered well after surgery and has been symptom-free for more than 3 months. In summary, the pathogenesis of the coexistence of PTA and AVM remains unknown. As highlighted in this case report, hybrid surgery can be used to remove AVMs and can improve the patients' prognosis. To our best knowledge, this is the first case in the literature of successful AVM treatment using hybrid surgery.

Organ-based estimation and minimization of clinician's X-ray dose.

Hybrid surgeries, allowing real-time visualization of patient inner anatomy, are possible through the use of intraoperative X-ray imaging. However, the intensive use of X-rays can have undesired consequences for the clinicians or the patient in the operating room (OR). In this paper, we provide a tool to visualize the X-rays and to optimally place protective shields in the hybrid operating room to reduce the clinician's dose according to their most sensitive body parts. We first acquire measurements in a hybrid operating room with dosimeters placed at different locations on a mannequin simulating a clinician. We demonstrate that a small displacement of a protective shield has significant consequences on the dose received by a clinician. Then, we reproduce the scene virtually and use Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the dose received by the clinician. Finally, we optimally place protective shields with a Nelder-Mead-based numerical optimization algorithm. The results show a high sensitivity of the clinician's dose to protective shield placement. Numerical optimization of the shields' placement can help to reduce the dose and show a decrease between 79 and 89% of the exposition when comparing no external shield protection and our optimal external shield position. Our work can help to raise awareness of the risks induced by X-rays during intraoperative surgery and reduce the dose received by the clinicians. In future work, our approach can be linked with human pose estimation algorithms to trace surgeons' moves, estimate dynamically the dose and summarize it in a surgical report, giving the dose for important organs.

“Octafen”: A Noninvestigational Alternative Endograft Configuration for the Treatment of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of Octafen technique, a novel endovascular configuration for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA). Technique: Two patients with complex TAAA and high surgical risk were treated with Octafen endograft configuration in a hybrid operating room with computed tomography (CT)-fluoroscopy image fusion guidance, using 3D-3D fusion techniques to facilitate procedural success. The procedure is a modification of the previously-described Octopus technique for endovascular repair of TAAA. The main advantage of this technique is the ability to use devices to repair a TAAA with the combination of off-the-shelf and noninvestigational custom-made devices. The devices used are readily available to most practicing vascular surgeons, which provides an alternative treatment in case of limited access to investigational devices, in time-sensitive cases, and in patients with limited functional capacity who cannot undergo open repair. In the modification described herein, we use a combination of standard bifurcated endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) devices (Excluder; W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Arizona) in combination with a 2-vessel renal fenestrated device (Z-Fen; Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana). The article describes a step-by-step approach to this technique to elucidate pitfalls, benefits, and advantages. Conclusion: The Octafen technique might offer an alternative option for thoracoabdominal aneurysm treatment circumventing the need for access to custom-made, investigational devices. Clinical Impact In this manuscript, we describe a technique for endovascular repair of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms that involves the combination of off-the-shelf and non-investigational, custom-made devices. The ‘Octafen’ technique provides a treatment alternative in case of limited access to investigational devices and can be adjusted according to patient anatomy.

CT-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of the Thoracic Splanchnic Nerve for Intractable Abdominal Pain and Back Pain Due To Metastatic Esophageal Cancer Metastases

We describe a case of a 51-year-old man who experienced intractable abdominal pain and back pain caused by esophageal cancer metastasis treated with a thoracic splanchnic nerve block and CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in a hybrid operating room. This report describes the treatment course and considerable improvements.

Intraprocedural MRI-based dosimetry during transarterial radioembolization of liver tumours with holmium-166 microspheres (EMERITUS-1): a phase I trial towards adaptive, image-controlled treatment delivery

PurposeTransarterial radioembolization (TARE) is a treatment for liver tumours based on injection of radioactive microspheres in the hepatic arterial system. It is crucial to achieve a maximum tumour dose for an optimal treatment response, while minimizing healthy liver dose to prevent toxicity. There is, however, no intraprocedural feedback on the dose distribution, as nuclear imaging can only be performed after treatment. As holmium-166 (166Ho) microspheres can be quantified with MRI, we investigate the feasibility and safety of performing 166Ho TARE within an MRI scanner and explore the potential of intraprocedural MRI-based dosimetry.MethodsSix patients were treated with 166Ho TARE in a hybrid operating room. Per injection position, a microcatheter was placed under angiography guidance, after which patients were transported to an adjacent 3-T MRI system. After MRI confirmation of unchanged catheter location, 166Ho microspheres were injected in four fractions, consisting of 10%, 30%, 30% and 30% of the planned activity, alternated with holmium-sensitive MRI acquisition to assess the microsphere distribution. After the procedures, MRI-based dose maps were calculated from each intraprocedural image series using a dedicated dosimetry software package for 166Ho TARE.ResultsAdministration of 166Ho microspheres within the MRI scanner was feasible in 9/11 (82%) injection positions. Intraprocedural holmium-sensitive MRI allowed for tumour dosimetry in 18/19 (95%) of treated tumours. Two CTCAE grade 3–4 toxicities were observed, and no adverse events were attributed to treatment in the MRI. Towards the last fraction, 4/18 tumours exhibited signs of saturation, while in 14/18 tumours, the microsphere uptake patterns did not deviate from the linear trend.ConclusionThis study demonstrated feasibility and preliminary safety of a first in-human application of TARE within a clinical MRI system. Intraprocedural MRI-based dosimetry enabled dynamic insight in the microsphere distribution during TARE. This proof of concept yields unique possibilities to better understand microsphere distribution in vivo and to potentially optimize treatment efficacy through treatment personalization.RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04269499, registered on February 13, 2020 (retrospectively registered).