A simulator for percutaneous hepatic microwave thermal ablation under ultrasound guidance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide a simulation therapy environment for microwave thermal ablation (MWA) under the guidance of ultrasound, and to present an inexpensive and portable simulator built on real patient-based pre-operative computed tomography (CT) data. We established an experimental simulation system for teaching MWA and present the results of a preliminary evaluation of the simulator's realism and utility for training. The system comprises physical elements of an electromagnetic tracking device and an abdominal phantom, and software elements providing three-dimensional (3D) image processing tools, real-time navigation functions and objective evaluation function module. Details of the novel aspects of this system are presented, including a portable electromagnetic tracking device, adoption of real patient-based pre-operative CT data of liver, operation simulation of MWA, and recording and playback of the operation simulation. Patients with liver cancer were selected for evaluation of the clinical application value of the experimental simulation system. A total of 50 consultant interventional radiologists and 20 specialist registrars in radiology rated the simulator's hardware reality and overall ergonomics. Results show that the simulator system we describe can be used as a training tool for MWA. It enables training with real patient cases prior to surgery, and it can provide a realistic simulation of the actual procedure.

Multiple antenna placement in microwave ablation assisted by a three-dimensional fusion image navigation system for hepatocellular carcinoma

“…By calibrating the sensors, probe and MW antenna, the computer acquired and displayed information on real-time position and orientation of the US probe and the MW antenna. The accuracy and methods of calibration were verified in our previous studies [26,[28][29][30].…”

“…In previous studies [26][27][28][29][30], our research group developed and presented a 3D navigation software system that was applied to perform relevant experimental studies. These previous studies demonstrated that the navigation software could satisfy the clinical requirements of effectiveness, stability and security.…”

The Value of Simulation in Interventional Radiology

“…60 An experimental simulation model for ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave thermal ablation merges patient CT data with a phantom and electromagnetic tracking device, rendering real-time 3D procedural data and allowing for simulated procedural recording and playback. 61 AR may be applied in procedures real-time by fusing an overlay of imaging data onto a patient's body to facilitate anatomic targeting of needles, wires, catheters, and so on. 58 As a proof of concept, Solbiati et al 62 performed targeted needle insertion guided by AR on a phantom, porcine model, and cadaver.…”

Application of 3D imaging in the real-time US–CT fusion navigation for minimal invasive tumor therapy

“…Based on our previous studies [18][19][20][21], this study was designed as an experimental ex vivo study to verify the accuracy of needle targeting of self-developed 3D fusion navigation system for IG-MIT. The ex vivo study was performed by five medical students and five interventional radiologists.…”

“…In our previous studies [18][19][20][21], we developed a navigation software system and performed relevant experimental studies. These experimental studies included the I 125 particle implantation experiments of multineedle intervention and 3D visualization-based preoperative treatment planning Fig.…”