Real-time MR Thermometry to Monitor Microwave Ablation: Validation in Oncopigs using Immediate Post-Ablation MRI and Gross Pathology

Motivation: MR thermometry can monitor microwave ablation (MWA) and predict ablation zones, but it's prone to image quality degradation during MWA and lacks validation for predicted ablation zone dimensions. Goal(s): 1) Develop a real-time MR thermometry technique for monitoring MWA; 2) validate the MR thermometry-predicted ablation zone with immediate post-ablation MRI and gross pathology in a preclinical model. Approach: MRI-guided MWA with a respiratory-triggered MR thermometry sequence was performed in two Oncopigs with induced liver tumors. Results: MR thermometry can monitor MWA without noticeable artifacts. Thermometry-predicted ablation zones were in general agreement with post-ablation MRI and gross pathology. Impact: The experimental setup using the Oncopig cancer model demonstrates a promising preclinical framework for developing, validating, and refining MR thermometry techniques to improve MRI-guided MWA for better outcomes.