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CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology

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01-02-2015 | Clinical Investigation

Real-Time US-CT/MRI Image Fusion for Guidance of Thermal Ablation of Liver Tumors Undetectable with US: Results in 295 Cases

Authors: Giovanni Mauri, Luca Cova, Stefano De Beni, Tiziana Ierace, Tania Tondolo, Anna Cerri, S. Nahum Goldberg, Luigi Solbiati

Published in: CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Purpose

This study was designed to assess feasibility of US-CT/MRI fusion-guided ablation in liver tumors undetectable with US.

Methods

From 2002 to 2012, 295 tumors (162 HCCs and 133 metastases; mean diameter 1.3 ± 0.6 cm, range 0.5–2.5 cm) detectable on contrast-enhanced CT/MRI, but completely undetectable with unenhanced US and either totally undetectable or incompletely conspicuous with contrast-enhanced US (CEUS), were treated in 215 sessions using either internally cooled radiofrequency or microwave with standard ablation protocols, guided by an image fusion system (Virtual Navigation System, Esaote S.p.A., Genova, Italy) that combines US with CT/ MRI images. Correct targeting and successful ablation of tumor were verified after 24 hours with CT or MRI.

Results

A total of 282 of 295 (95.6 %) tumors were correctly targeted with successful ablation achieved in 266 of 295 (90.2 %). Sixteen of 295 (5.4 %) tumors were correctly targeted, but unsuccessfully ablated, and 13 of 295 (4.4 %) tumors were unsuccessfully ablated due to inaccurate targeting. There were no perioperative deaths. Major complications were observed in 2 of the 215 treatments sessions (0.9 %).

Conclusions

Real-time virtual navigation system with US-CT/MRI fusion imaging is precise for targeting and achieving successful ablation of target tumors undetectable with US alone. Therefore, a larger population could benefit from ultrasound guided ablation procedures.

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Title: Real-Time US-CT/MRI Image Fusion for Guidance of Thermal Ablation of Liver Tumors Undetectable with US: Results in 295 Cases
Authors: Giovanni Mauri
Luca Cova
Stefano De Beni
Tiziana Ierace
Tania Tondolo
Anna Cerri
S. Nahum Goldberg
Luigi Solbiati
Publication date: 01-02-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 0174-1551
Electronic ISSN: 1432-086X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-014-0897-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Real-Time US-CT/MRI Image Fusion for Guidance of Thermal Ablation of Liver Tumors Undetectable with US: Results in 295 Cases

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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