Magnetic resonance imaging: controlled interstitial laser therapy in children with vascular malformations.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Interstitial laser therapy (ILT) is a minimally invasive treatment method for congenital vascular malformations (CVM). This study was intended to show whether or not open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a means of on-line thermometry and procedure control. STUDY DESIGN/PATIENTS AND METHODS: ILT using a bare fiber and an NdYAG laser was applied in 20 children with CVM under open MR control. RESULTS: With the open MR systems, needle placement and advancement was excellent in all cases. On-line thermometry was possible in 90% of the therapy spots. The 6 week MR follow-up revealed a 76% reduction in tumor size in 14 patients. Clinical symptoms improved in 85% of the patients. CONCLUSION: MR-guided ILT could become a safe method to treat selected types or selected regions of CVM.