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Study explores image guidance based on MRI for spinal interstitial laser thermotherapy
Results from this study demonstrated image guidance based on MRI for laser interstitial thermotherapy of a spinal metastasis was viable.
Researchers retrospectively reviewed 13 patients who underwent implantation of 47 laser catheters with image guidance based on intraoperative MRI during spinal laser interstitial thermotherapy. Investigators measured discrepancy in millimeters between trajectories of the predicted placement to the actual placement to assess the accuracy of the image guidance. The median changes in thickness of the epidural tumor and change in the epidural spinal cord classification were also assessed.
Investigators found morbidity did not correlate with laser catheter placement or the thermal ablation. They discovered there was a 0.7-mm median absolute value of the discrepancy in trajectory or radial error. At the 4.4 months of follow-up, the discrepancy was not associated with adverse events or a failure in the local control of the tumor that was treated, according to researchers. – by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: Tatsui reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.