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Preliminary analysis of ultrasound elastography imaging-based thermometry on non-perfused ex vivo swine liver

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Abstract

Aims

Real-time monitoring of tissue temperature during percutaneous tumor ablation improves treatment efficacy, leading clinicians in adjustment of treatment settings. This study aims at assessing feasibility of ultrasound thermometry during laser ablation of biological tissue using a specific ultrasound imaging techniques based on elastography acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI).

Methods

ARFI uses high-intensity focused ultrasound pulses to generate ‘radiation force’ in tissue; this provokes tissue displacements trackable using correlation-based ultrasound methods: the sensitivity of shear waves velocity is able to detect temperature changes. Experiments were carried out using a Nd:YAG laser (power: 5 W) in three non-perfused ex vivo pig livers. In each organ, a thermocouple was placed close to the applicator tip (distance range 1.5–2.5 cm) used to record a reference temperature. Positioning of laser applicator and thermocouple was eco-guided. The organ was scanned by an echography system equipped with ARFI; propagation velocity was measured in a region of interest of 1 × 0.5 cm located close to thermocouple, to investigate influence of tissue temperature on shear waves velocity.

Results

Shear wave velocity has a very low sensitivity to temperature up to 55–60 °C, and in all cases, velocity is < 5 m s−1; for temperature > 55–60 °C, velocity shows a steep increment. The system measures a value “over limit”, meaning a velocity > 5 m s−1.

Conclusions

Ultrasound thermometry during laser ablation of biological tissue based on elastography shows an abrupt output change at temperatures > 55–60 °C. This issue can have a relevant clinical impact, considering tumor necrosis when temperature crosses 55 °C to define the boundary of damaged volume.

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Availability of data and materials

Measurements and Biomedical Instrumentation Lab, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma; please contact e.schena@unicampus.it or francescogiurazza@hotmail.it

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Funding

This study was not supported by any funding.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Interventional Radiology Department, Cardarelli Hospital, Via Cardarelli 9, 80100, Naples, Italy

    Francesco Giurazza

  2. Measurement and Biomedical Instrumentation Lab, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via A. Del Portillo 200, 00198, Rome, Italy

    Carlo Massaroni, Sergio Silvestri & Emiliano Schena

  3. Radiology Department, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via A. Del Portillo 200, 00198, Rome, Italy

    Bruno Beomonte Zobel

Authors
  1. Francesco Giurazza
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  2. Carlo Massaroni
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  3. Sergio Silvestri
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  4. Bruno Beomonte Zobel
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  5. Emiliano Schena
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Francesco Giurazza.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. All procedures performed in studies involving animals were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institution or practice at which the studies were conducted.

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Giurazza, F., Massaroni, C., Silvestri, S. et al. Preliminary analysis of ultrasound elastography imaging-based thermometry on non-perfused ex vivo swine liver. J Ultrasound 23, 69–75 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40477-019-00407-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40477-019-00407-z

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