MR guided focused ultrasound technology combines a high intensity focused ultrasound beam that heats and destroys targeted tissue, non-invasively and Magnetic Resonance Imaging system (MRI) which visualizes patient anatomy, and controls the treatment by continuously monitoring the tissue effect.
Why is MR guidance and control important for a non-invasive procedure?
It provides:
- Imaging in 3 orientations for precise tumor targeting and accurate identification of pathology
- Beam path visualization for controlled treatment
- MR thermometry for real-time and continuous temperature feedback allowing the physician to see temperature changes in the tumor during treatment
- Post treatment contrast imaging for precise treatment validation
All of the above ensure safe and accurate treatment.
Imaging in 3 orientations for precise tumor targeting
High precision anatomical MR images in 3 orientations, showing the tumor and surrounding organs, are used to position the patient and to plan the treatment to ensure:
- exact tumor targeting
- beam path visualization.
Sagittal Axial Coronal
Beam path visualization
The focused ultrasound beam can be seen during the treatment to ensure taht the ultrasound travels through a safe pathway to the focus. This ensures that the correct region is targeted. Sonication parameters can be adjusted to optimize the treatment and are monitored by the physician during the treatment.
MR thermometry for continuous temperature feedback
The temperature is continuously monitored during every sonication providing accurate thermal monitoring of the targeted ablation.
Temperature maps display the relative tissue temperature as a color map superimposed on an anatomical MR image. This allows the physician to observe temperature changes continuously during treatment. Based on these observed temperature changes, treatment parameters can be adjusted to ensure safe and effective thermal ablation.
Accumulated thermal dose
The system keeps track of which regions have reached thermal dose enabling the physician to determine if there has been sufficient heating.
Outcome assessment - post treatment contrast imaging for precise treatment validation
This image shows two uterine fibroids that have been successfully ablated.
