Waste analysis and energy use estimation during MR-HIFU treatment: first steps towards calculating total environmental impact
- Open Access
- 01-12-2024
- Original Article
Published in:
- Authors
- Kimberley J. Anneveldt
- Ingrid M. Nijholt
- Joke M. Schutte
- Wouter J. K. Hehenkamp
- Sebastiaan Veersema
- Judith A. F. Huirne
- Martijn F. Boomsma
- Published in
- Insights into Imaging | Issue 1/2024
Abstract
Objectives
To assess the environmental impact of the non-invasive Magnetic Resonance image-guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MR-HIFU) treatment of uterine fibroids, we aimed to perform a full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). However, as a full LCA was not feasible at this time, we evaluated the CO2 (carbon dioxide) emission from the MRI scanner, MR-HIFU device, and the medication used, and analyzed solid waste produced during treatment.
Methods
Our functional unit was one uterine fibroid MR-HIFU treatment. The moment the patient entered the day care-unit until she left, defined our boundaries of investigation. We retrospectively collected data from 25 treatments to assess the CO2 emission based on the energy used by the MRI scanner and MR-HIFU device and the amount and type of medication administered. Solid waste was prospectively collected from five treatments.
Results
During an MR-HIFU treatment, the MRI scanner and MR-HIFU device produced 33.2 ± 8.7 kg of CO2 emission and medication administered 0.13 ± 0.04 kg. A uterine fibroid MR-HIFU treatment produced 1.2 kg (range 1.1–1.4) of solid waste.
Conclusions
Environmental impact should ideally be analyzed for all (new) medical treatments. By assessing part of the CO2 emission and solid waste produced, we have taken the first steps towards analyzing the total environmental impact of the MR-HIFU treatment of uterine fibroids. These data can contribute to future studies comparing the results of MR-HIFU LCAs with LCAs of other uterine fibroid therapies.
Critical relevance statement
In addition to (cost-) effectiveness, the environmental impact of new treatments should be assessed. We took the first steps towards analyzing the total environmental impact of uterine fibroid MR-HIFU.
Key points
• Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) should be performed for all (new) medical treatments.
• We took the first steps towards analyzing the environmental impact of uterine fibroid MR-HIFU.
• Energy used by the MRI scanner and MR-HIFU device corresponded to 33.2 ± 8.7 kg of CO2 emission.
Graphical Abstract
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- Title
- Waste analysis and energy use estimation during MR-HIFU treatment: first steps towards calculating total environmental impact
- Authors
-
Kimberley J. Anneveldt
Ingrid M. Nijholt
Joke M. Schutte
Wouter J. K. Hehenkamp
Sebastiaan Veersema
Judith A. F. Huirne
Martijn F. Boomsma
- Publication date
- 01-12-2024
- Publisher
- Springer Vienna
- Published in
-
Insights into Imaging / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1869-4101 - DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-024-01655-2
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