Quantifying the relationship between biofilm reduction and thermal tissue damage on metal implants exposed to alternating magnetic fields.

AIM: Metal implant infections are a devastating problem due to the formation of biofilm which impairs the effectiveness of antibiotics and leads to surgical replacement as definitive treatment. Biofilm on metal implants can be reduced using heat generated by alternating magnetic fields (AMF). In this study, the relationship between implant surface biofilm reduction and surrounding tissue thermal damage during AMF exposure is investigated through numerical simulations. METHODS: Mathematical models of biofilm reduction with heat were created based on in vitro experiments. Simulations were performed to predict the spatial and temporal heating on the implant surface and surrounding tissue when exposed to AMF. RESULTS: The modeling results show that intermittent and slow heating can achieve biofilm reduction with a narrow zone of tissue damage around an implant of less than 3 mm. The results also emphasize that uniformity of implant heating is an extremely important factor impacting the effectiveness of biofilm reduction. For a knee implant, using a target temperature of 75 °C, an intermittent treatment strategy of 15 exposures (10 s to target temperature followed by cooldown) achieved a bacterial CFU reduction of 6-log10 across 25% of the implant surface with less than 3 mm of tissue damage. Alternatively, a single 60 s heating exposure to same temperature achieved a bacterial reduction of 6-log10 across 85% of the implant surface, but with 4 mm of tissue damage. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study demonstrates that with uniform heating to temperatures above 70 °C, an implant surface can be largely reduced of biofilm, with only a few mm of surrounding tissue damage.

Feasibility of heating metal implants with alternating magnetic fields (AMF) in scaled up models.

Aim: Treatment of infected orthopedic implants remains a major medical challenge, involving prolonged antibiotic therapy and revision surgery, and adding a >$1 billion annual burden to the health care system in the US alone. Exposure of metallic implants to alternating magnetic fields (AMF) generates heat that can provide a noninvasive means to target biofilm adhered to the surface. In this study, an AMF system with a solenoid coil was constructed for targeting a metal plate surgically implanted in a sheep model.Methods: A tissue-mimicking phantom of the sheep leg was developed along with simulation model of phantom and the live sheep leg. This was used evaluate heating with the AMF system and to compare experimental results with numerical simulations. Comparative AMF exposures were performed/simulated in these model for feasibility of design, verification, and validation of simulations.Results: The system produced magnetic field strengths up to 12mT and achieved plate temperatures of 65-80 °C within 10-14 s. Single and intermittent AMF exposures of a tissue-mimicking phantom agreed with numerical simulations within 5 °C. Similar agreement between experimental measurements and simulations was also observed in the live sheep metal implant model. The simulations also predicted 2-3 mm of tissue damage using a CEM43 thermal dose model for 1-h AMF exposures targeting 65 °C for pulse delays of 2.5 and 5 mins.Conclusion: This study confirmed that AMF technology can be scaled up to treat implants in a large animal model with the same rates of heating and peak temperatures achieved in prior in vitro studies. Further, numerical simulations provided accurate predictions of the heating produced by AMF on metal implants and surrounding tissues, and can be used to design AMF coils for treating human prosthetic joint implants with more complex geometrical shapes.

Advanced MRI techniques for transcranial high intensity focused ultrasound targeting.

Magnetic resonance guided high intensity focused ultrasound is a novel, non-invasive, image-guided procedure that is able to ablate intracranial tissue with submillimetre precision. It is currently FDA approved for essential tremor and tremor dominant Parkinson's disease. The aim of this update is to review the limitations of current landmark-based targeting techniques of the ventral intermediate nucleus and demonstrate the role of emerging imaging techniques that are relevant for both magnetic resonance guided high intensity focused ultrasound and deep brain stimulation. A significant limitation of standard MRI sequences is that the ventral intermediate nucleus, dentatorubrothalamic tract, and other deep brain nuclei cannot be clearly identified. This paper provides original, annotated images demarcating the ventral intermediate nucleus, dentatorubrothalamic tract, and other deep brain nuclei on advanced MRI sequences such as fast grey matter acquisition T1 inversion recovery, quantitative susceptibility mapping, susceptibility weighted imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging tractography. Additionally, the paper reviews clinical efficacy of targeting with these novel MRI techniques when compared to current established landmark-based targeting techniques. The paper has widespread applicability to both deep brain stimulation and magnetic resonance guided high intensity focused ultrasound.

The effect of injected dose on localized tumor accumulation and cardiac uptake of doxorubicin in a Vx2 rabbit tumor model using MR-HIFU mild hyperthermia and thermosensitive liposomes.

PURPOSE: When doxorubicin (DOX) is administered via lyso-thermosensitive liposomes (LTLD), mild hyperthermia enhances localized delivery to heated vs. unheated tumors. The optimal LTLD dose and the impact of different doses on systemic drug distribution are unknown.Materials and methods: In this study, we evaluated local and systemic DOX delivery with three LTLD doses (0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 mg/kg) in a Vx2 rabbit tumor model. Temporally and spatially accurate controlled hyperthermia was achieved using a clinical MR-HIFU system for the intended heating duration (40 min).Results: DOX concentration in tissues delivered from LTLD combined with MR-HIFU mild hyperthermia are dose-dependent, including heated/unheated tumor, heart, and other healthy organs. Higher DOX accumulation and tumor-to-heart drug concentration ratio, defined as the ratio of DOX delivered into the tumor vs the heart, were observed in heated tumors compared to unheated tumors in all three tested doses. The DOX uptake efficiency for each mg/kg of LTLD injected IV of heated tumor was significantly higher than that of unheated tumor and heart within the tested dose range (0.1-2.5 mg/kg). The DOX uptake for the heart linearly scaled up as a function of dose while that for the heated tumor showed some evidence of saturation at the high dose of 2.5 mg/kg.Conclusions: These results provide guidance on clinical protocol design of hyperthermia-triggered drug delivery.

Cam-type femoroacetabular impingement-correlations between alpha angle versus volumetric measurements and surgical findings.

AIM: Determine correlations of 3DCT cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) measurements with surgical findings of labral tear and cartilage loss. METHODS: Digital search of symptomatic cam-type FAI from July 2013 to August 2016 yielded 43 patients. Two readers calculated volumes of femoral head, bump, and alpha angles on 3DCT images. Correlations between CT and surgical findings, inter-, and intra-reader reliabilities were assessed using Spearman rank correlation and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: Thirteen men and 14 women aged 37 ± 10 (mean ± SD) years were included. Most common clinical finding was positive flexion-adduction-internal rotation (70.4%). Twenty-seven labral tears and 20 cartilage defects were surgically detected. Significant correlations existed between femoral bump, head volumes, and extent of the labral tear (p = 0.008 and 0.003). No significant correlations were found between the alpha angles at 12 to 3 o'clock and the extent of labral tear (p = 0.2, 0.8, 0.9, and 0.09) or any measurement with the cartilage loss (p values for alpha 12 to 3, bump, and head volumes = 0.7, 0.3, 0.9, 0.9, 0.07, and 0.2). Inter- and intra-reader reliabilities were excellent to moderate for femoral head and bump volumes (ICC = 0.85, 0.52, and 0.8, 0.5) and moderate to poor for alpha angles (ICC = 0.48, 0.40, 0.05, 0.25 and 0.3, 0.24, 0.29, 0.49). CONCLUSION: Three dimensional volumetric measurements of cam-type FAI significantly correlate with the extent of intraoperative labral tears. Superior inter- and intra-reader reliability to that of alpha angles renders it a more clinically relevant measurement for quantifying cam morphology. KEY POINTS: • The 3DCT bump volume and femoral head volume showed significant correlations with the extent of labral tear (p values = 0.008 and 0.003). • No significant correlations were seen between alpha angles and the extent of labral tear (p values > 0.05). • Inter- and intra-reader reliability was excellent to moderate (ICC = 0.85 and 0.52, 0.8, and 0.5) for femoral head and bump volumes while inter- and intra-reader reliability was fair to poor (ICC = 0.48, 0.40, 0.05, 0.25 and 0.3, 0.24, 0.29, 0.49) for alpha angles.

Breath-hold MR-HIFU hyperthermia: phantom and in vivo feasibility.

Background: The use of magnetic resonance imaging-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) to deliver mild hyperthermia requires stable temperature mapping for long durations. This study evaluates the effects of respiratory motion on MR thermometry precision in pediatric subjects and determines the in vivo feasibility of circumventing breathing-related motion artifacts by delivering MR thermometry-controlled HIFU mild hyperthermia during repeated forced breath holds.Materials and methods: Clinical and preclinical studies were conducted. Clinical studies were conducted without breath-holds. In phantoms, breathing motion was simulated by moving an aluminum block towards the phantom along a sinusoidal trajectory using an MR-compatible motion platform. In vivo experiments were performed in ventilated pigs. MR thermometry accuracy and stability were evaluated.Results: Clinical data confirmed acceptable MR thermometry accuracy (0.12-0.44 °C) in extremity tumors, but not in the tumors in the chest/spine and pelvis. In phantom studies, MR thermometry accuracy and stability improved to 0.37 ± 0.08 and 0.55 ± 0.18 °C during simulated breath-holds. In vivo MR thermometry accuracy and stability in porcine back muscle improved to 0.64 ± 0.22 and 0.71 ± 0.25 °C during breath-holds. MR-HIFU hyperthermia delivered during intermittent forced breath holds over 10 min duration heated an 18-mm diameter target region above 41 °C for 10.0 ± 1.0 min, without significant overheating. For a 10-min mild hyperthermia treatment, an optimal treatment effect (TIR > 9 min) could be achieved when combining 36-60 s periods of forced apnea with 60-155.5 s free-breathing.Conclusion: MR-HIFU delivery during forced breath holds enables stable control of mild hyperthermia in targets adjacent to moving anatomical structures.

Longer heating duration increases localized doxorubicin deposition and therapeutic index in Vx2 tumors using MR-HIFU mild hyperthermia and thermosensitive liposomal doxorubicin.

Thermosensitive liposomal doxorubicin (LTSL-Dox) combined with mild hyperthermia enhances the localized delivery of doxorubicin (Dox) within a heated region. The optimal heating duration and the impact of extended heating on systemic drug distribution are unknown. Here we evaluated local and systemic Dox delivery with two different mild hyperthermia durations (42 °C for 10 or 40 minutes) in a Vx2 rabbit tumor model. We hypothesized that longer duration of hyperthermia would increase Dox concentration in heated tumors without increasing systemic exposure. Temporally and spatially accurate controlled hyperthermia was achieved using a clinical MR-HIFU system for the prescribed heating durations. Forty-minutes of heating resulted in a nearly 6-fold increase in doxorubicin concentration in heated vs unheated tumors in the same animals. Therapeutic ratio, defined as the ratio of Dox delivered into the heated tumor vs the heart, increased from 1.9-fold with 10 minutes heating to 4.4-fold with 40 minutes heating. MR-HIFU can be used to guide, deliver and monitor mild hyperthermia of a Vx2 tumor model in a rabbit model, and an increased duration of heating leads to higher Dox deposition from LTSL-Dox in a target tumor without a concomitant increase in systemic exposure. Results from this preclinical study can be used to help establish clinical treatment protocols for hyperthermia mediated drug delivery.

Temperature-sensitive liposomal ciprofloxacin for the treatment of biofilm on infected metal implants using alternating magnetic fields.

Implants are commonly used as a replacement for damaged tissue. Many implants, such as pacemakers, chronic electrode implants, bone screws, and prosthetic joints, are made of or contain metal. Infections are one of the difficult to treat complications associated with metal implants due to the formation of biofilm, a thick aggregate of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by the bacteria. In this study, we treated a metal prosthesis infection model using a combination of ciprofloxacin-loaded temperature-sensitive liposomes (TSL) and alternating magnetic fields (AMF). AMF heating is used to disrupt the biofilm and release the ciprofloxacin-loaded TSL. The three main objectives of this study were to (1) investigate low- and high-temperature-sensitive liposomes (LTSLs and HTSLs) containing the antimicrobial agent ciprofloxacin for temperature-mediated antibiotic release, (2) characterise in vitro ciprofloxacin release and stability and (3) study the efficacy of combining liposomal ciprofloxacin with AMF against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms grown on metal washers. The release of ciprofloxacin from LTSL and HTSL was assessed in physiological buffers. Results demonstrated a lower transition temperature for both LTSL and HTSL formulations when incubated in serum as compared with PBS, with a more pronounced impact on the HTSLs. Upon combining AMF with temperature-sensitive liposomal ciprofloxacin, a 3 log reduction in CFU of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in biofilm was observed. Our initial studies suggest that AMF exposure on metal implants can trigger release of antibiotic from temperature sensitive liposomes for a potent bactericidal effect on biofilm.

Evaluation of Focal Ablation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Defined Prostate Cancer Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Controlled Transurethral Ultrasound Therapy with Prostatectomy as the Reference Standard.

PURPOSE: We evaluated magnetic resonance imaging controlled transurethral ultrasound therapy as a treatment for magnetic resonance imaging defined focal prostate cancer using subsequent prostatectomy and histology as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five men completed this pilot study, which was approved by the institutional review board. Prior to radical prostatectomy focal tumors identified by magnetic resonance imaging were treated by coagulating targeted subtotal 3-dimensional volumes of prostate tissue using magnetic resonance imaging controlled transurethral focused ultrasound. Treatment was performed with a 3 Tesla clinical magnetic resonance imaging unit combined with modified clinical planning software for high intensity focused ultrasound therapy. After prostatectomy whole mount histological sections parallel to the magnetic resonance imaging treatment planes were used to compare magnetic resonance imaging measurements with thermal damage at the cellular level and, thus, evaluate treatment and target accuracy. RESULTS: Three-dimensional target volumes of 4 to 20 cc and with radii up to 35 mm from the urethra were treated successfully. Mean ± SD temperature control accuracy at the target boundary was -1.6 ± 4.8C and the mean spatial targeting accuracy achieved was -1.5 ± 2.8 mm. Mean treatment accuracy with respect to histology was -0.4 ± 1.7 mm with all index tumors falling inside the histological outer limit of thermal injury. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging guided transurethral ultrasound therapy is capable of generating thermal coagulation and tumor destruction in targeted 3-dimensional angular sectors out to the prostate capsule for prostate glands up to 70 cc in volume. Ultrasound parameters needed to achieve ablation at the prostate capsule were determined, providing a foundation for future studies.

Assessment of acute thermal damage volumes in muscle using magnetization-prepared 3D T2 -weighted imaging following MRI-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate magnetization-prepared 3D T2 -weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of acute tissue changes produced during ablative MR high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) exposures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical MR-HIFU system (3T) was used to generate thermal lesions (n = 24) in the skeletal muscles of three pigs. T1 -weighted, 2D T2 -weighted, and magnetization-prepared 3D T2 -weighted sequences were acquired before and after therapy to evaluate tissue changes following ablation. Tissues were harvested shortly after imaging, fixed in formalin, and gross-sectioned. Select lesions were processed into whole-mount sections. Lesion dimensions for each imaging sequence (length, width) and for gross sections (diameter of lesion core and rim) were assessed by three physicists. Contrast-to-background ratio between lesions and surrounding muscle was compared. RESULTS: Lesion dimensions on T1 and 2D T2 -weighted imaging sequences were well correlated (R2 ∼0.7). The contrast-to-background ratio between lesion and surrounding muscle was 7.4 ± 2.4 for the magnetization-prepared sequence versus 1.7 ± 0.5 for a conventional 2D T2 -weighted acquisition, and 7.0 ± 2.9 for a contrast-enhanced T1 -weighted sequence. Compared with diameter measured on gross pathology, all imaging sequences overestimated the lesion core by 22-33%, and underestimated the lesion rim by 6-13%. CONCLUSION: After MR-HIFU exposures, measurements of the acute thermal damage patterns in muscle using a magnetization-prepared 3D T2 -weighted imaging sequence correlate with 2D T2 -weighted and contrast-enhanced T1 -weighted imaging, and all agree well with histology. The magnetization-prepared sequence offers positive tissue contrast and does not require IV contrast agents, and may provide a noninvasive imaging evaluation of the region of acute thermal injury at multiple times during HIFU procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:354-364.

Structural and Functional Consequences of Three Cancer-Associated Mutations of the Oncogenic Phosphatase SHP2.

The proto-oncogene PTPN11 encodes a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine phosphatase, SHP2, which is required for normal development and sustained activation of the Ras-MAPK signaling pathway. Germline mutations in SHP2 cause developmental disorders, and somatic mutations have been identified in childhood and adult cancers and drive leukemia in mice. Despite our knowledge of the PTPN11 variations associated with pathology, the structural and functional consequences of many disease-associated mutants remain poorly understood. Here, we combine X-ray crystallography, small-angle X-ray scattering, and biochemistry to elucidate structural and mechanistic features of three cancer-associated SHP2 variants harboring single point mutations within the N-SH2:PTP interdomain autoinhibitory interface. Our findings directly compare the impact of each mutation on autoinhibition of the phosphatase and advance the development of structure-guided and mutation-specific SHP2 therapies.

An MRI-compatible platform for one-dimensional motion management studies in MRI.

PURPOSE: Abdominal MRI remains challenging because of respiratory motion. Motion compensation strategies are difficult to compare clinically because of the variability across human subjects. The goal of this study was to evaluate a programmable system for one-dimensional motion management MRI research. METHODS: A system comprised of a programmable motorized linear stage and computer was assembled and tested in the MRI environment. Tests of the mutual interference between the platform and a whole-body MRI were performed. Organ trajectories generated from a high-temporal resolution scan of a healthy volunteer were used in phantom tests to evaluate the effects of motion on image quality and quantitative MRI measurements. RESULTS: No interference between the motion platform and the MRI was observed, and reliable motion could be produced across a wide range of imaging conditions. Motion-related artifacts commensurate with motion amplitude, frequency, and waveform were observed. T2 measurement of a kidney lesion in an abdominal phantom showed that its value decreased by 67% with physiologic motion, but could be partially recovered with navigator-based motion-compensation. CONCLUSION: The motion platform can produce reliable linear motion within a whole-body MRI. The system can serve as a foundation for a research platform to investigate and develop motion management approaches for MRI. Magn Reson Med 76:702-712, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pediatric Sarcomas Are Targetable by MR-Guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MR-HIFU): Anatomical Distribution and Radiological Characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Despite intensive therapy, children with metastatic and recurrent sarcoma or neuroblastoma have a poor prognosis. Magnetic resonance guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) is a noninvasive technique allowing the delivery of targeted ultrasound energy under MR imaging guidance. MR-HIFU may be used to ablate tumors without ionizing radiation or target chemotherapy using hyperthermia. Here, we evaluated the anatomic locations of tumors to assess the technical feasibility of MR-HIFU therapy for children with solid tumors. PROCEDURE: Patients with sarcoma or neuroblastoma with available cross-sectional imaging were studied. Tumors were classified based on the location and surrounding structures within the ultrasound beam path as (i) not targetable, (ii) completely or partially targetable with the currently available MR-HIFU system, and (iii) potentially targetable if a respiratory motion compensation technique was used. RESULTS: Of the 121 patients with sarcoma and 61 patients with neuroblastoma, 64% and 25% of primary tumors were targetable at diagnosis, respectively. Less than 20% of metastases at diagnosis or relapse were targetable for both sarcoma and neuroblastoma. Most targetable lesions were located in extremities or in the pelvis. Respiratory motion compensation may increase the percentage of targetable tumors by 4% for sarcomas and 10% for neuroblastoma. CONCLUSIONS: Many pediatric sarcomas are localized at diagnosis and are targetable by current MR-HIFU technology. Some children with neuroblastoma have bony tumors targetable by MR-HIFU at relapse, but few newly diagnosed children with neuroblastoma have tumors amenable to MR-HIFU therapy. Clinical trials of MR-HIFU should focus on patients with anatomically targetable tumors.

Drift correction for accurate PRF-shift MR thermometry during mild hyperthermia treatments with MR-HIFU.

UNLABELLED: There is growing interest in performing hyperthermia treatments with clinical magnetic resonance imaging-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) therapy systems designed for tissue ablation. During hyperthermia treatment, however, due to the narrow therapeutic window (41-45 °C), careful evaluation of the accuracy of proton resonant frequency (PRF) shift MR thermometry for these types of exposures is required. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of MR thermometry using a clinical MR-HIFU system equipped with a hyperthermia treatment algorithm. METHODS: Mild heating was performed in a tissue-mimicking phantom with implanted temperature sensors using the clinical MR-HIFU system. The influence of image-acquisition settings and post-acquisition correction algorithms on the accuracy of temperature measurements was investigated. The ability to achieve uniform heating for up to 40 min was evaluated in rabbit experiments. RESULTS: Automatic centre-frequency adjustments prior to image-acquisition corrected the image-shifts in the order of 0.1 mm/min. Zero- and first-order phase variations were observed over time, supporting the use of a combined drift correction algorithm. The temperature accuracy achieved using both centre-frequency adjustment and the combined drift correction algorithm was 0.57° ± 0.58 °C in the heated region and 0.54° ± 0.42 °C in the unheated region. CONCLUSION: Accurate temperature monitoring of hyperthermia exposures using PRF shift MR thermometry is possible through careful implementation of image-acquisition settings and drift correction algorithms. For the evaluated clinical MR-HIFU system, centre-frequency adjustment eliminated image shifts, and a combined drift correction algorithm achieved temperature measurements with an acceptable accuracy for monitoring and controlling hyperthermia exposures.

Targeted antibiotic delivery using low temperature-sensitive liposomes and magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound hyperthermia.

Chronic non-healing wound infections require long duration antibiotic therapy, and are associated with significant morbidity and health-care costs. Novel approaches for efficient, readily-translatable targeted and localised antimicrobial delivery are needed. The objectives of this study were to 1) develop low temperature-sensitive liposomes (LTSLs) containing an antimicrobial agent (ciprofloxacin) for induced release at mild hyperthermia (∼42 °C), 2) characterise in vitro ciprofloxacin release, and efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus plankton and biofilms, and 3) determine the feasibility of localised ciprofloxacin delivery in combination with MR-HIFU hyperthermia in a rat model. LTSLs were loaded actively with ciprofloxacin and their efficacy was determined using a disc diffusion method, MBEC biofilm device, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ciprofloxacin release from LTSLs was assessed in a physiological buffer by fluorescence spectroscopy, and in vivo in a rat model using MR-HIFU. Results indicated that < 5% ciprofloxacin was released from the LTSL at body temperature (37 °C), while >95% was released at 42 °C. Precise hyperthermia exposures in the thigh of rats using MR-HIFU during intravenous (i.v.) administration of the LTSLs resulted in a four fold greater local concentration of ciprofloxacin compared to controls (free ciprofloxacin + MR-HIFU or LTSL alone). The biodistribution of ciprofloxacin in unheated tissues was fairly similar between treatment groups. Triggered release at 42 °C from LTSL achieved significantly greater S. aureus killing and induced membrane deformation and changes in biofilm matrix compared to free ciprofloxacin or LTSL at 37 °C. This technique has potential as a method to deliver high concentration antimicrobials to chronic wounds.

Thermal dosimetry for bladder hyperthermia treatment. An overview.

The urinary bladder is a fluid-filled organ. This makes, on the one hand, the internal surface of the bladder wall relatively easy to heat and ensures in most cases a relatively homogeneous temperature distribution; on the other hand the variable volume, organ motion, and moving fluid cause artefacts for most non-invasive thermometry methods, and require additional efforts in planning accurate thermal treatment of bladder cancer. We give an overview of the thermometry methods currently used and investigated for hyperthermia treatments of bladder cancer, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages within the context of the specific disease (muscle-invasive or non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer) and the heating technique used. The role of treatment simulation to determine the thermal dose delivered is also discussed. Generally speaking, invasive measurement methods are more accurate than non-invasive methods, but provide more limited spatial information; therefore, a combination of both is desirable, preferably supplemented by simulations. Current efforts at research and clinical centres continue to improve non-invasive thermometry methods and the reliability of treatment planning and control software. Due to the challenges in measuring temperature across the non-stationary bladder wall and surrounding tissues, more research is needed to increase our knowledge about the penetration depth and typical heating pattern of the various hyperthermia devices, in order to further improve treatments. The ability to better determine the delivered thermal dose will enable clinicians to investigate the optimal treatment parameters, and consequentially, to give better controlled, thus even more reliable and effective, thermal treatments.

Three-dimensional printing for preoperative planning of total hip arthroplasty revision: case report.

Three dimensional (3D) printing can be used to create material models to aid preoperative planning of complex orthopedic procedures as exemplified by this case of total hip arthroplasty failure due to infection with resulting severe acetabular bone stock deficiency. The 3D model allowed for trialing of the acetabular component to determine cup size, position, and screw placement. Most importantly, the model confirmed that there was not a pelvic discontinuity and the revision shell would be sufficient for the reconstruction. Previously, the cost and complexity of utilization of 3D printers were prohibitive. Recent improvements in commercially available 3D printers have made rapid prototype model creation a realistic option, which can facilitate difficult surgery.

Temperature-dependent MR signals in cortical bone: potential for monitoring temperature changes during high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment in bone.

PURPOSE: Because existing magnetic resonance thermometry techniques do not provide temperature information within bone, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) exposures in bone are monitored using temperature changes in adjacent soft tissues. In this study, the potential to monitor temperature changes in cortical bone using a short TE gradient echo sequence is evaluated. METHODS: The feasibility of this proposed method was initially evaluated by measuring the temperature dependence of the gradient echo signal during cooling of cortical bone samples implanted with fiber-optic temperature sensors. A subsequent experiment involved heating a cortical bone sample using a clinical MR-HIFU system. RESULTS: A consistent relationship between temperature change and the change in magnitude signal was observed within and between cortical bone samples. For the two-dimensional gradient echo sequence implemented in this study, a least-squares linear fit determined the percentage change in signal to be (0.90 ± 0.01)%/°C. This relationship was used to estimate temperature changes observed in the HIFU experiment and these temperatures agreed well with those measured from an implanted fiber-optic sensor. CONCLUSION: This method appears capable of displaying changes related to temperature in cortical bone and could improve the safety of MR-HIFU treatments. Further investigations into the sensitivity of the technique in vivo are warranted.

Hyperthermia-mediated doxorubicin release from thermosensitive liposomes using MR-HIFU: therapeutic effect in rabbit Vx2 tumours.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether localised drug release using thermosensitive liposomal doxorubicin (TLD) and mild hyperthermia produced by a clinical magnetic resonance high intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) system improves anti-tumour efficacy over TLD alone in rabbit Vx2 tumours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rabbits bearing one Vx2 thigh tumour (n = 6 per group) were administered TLD (1.67 mg/kg) either with or without MR-HIFU mild hyperthermia (20 min, 42.0 °C). Tumour progression was measured using contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging. Toxicity was evaluated by changes in body weight, blood counts, and blood chemistry. Tumour volume, body weight, and blood data were acquired weekly for the first month and biweekly thereafter. RESULTS: Rabbits treated with TLD plus MR-HIFU mild hyperthermia had target region temperatures with spatial-median, temporal-mean of 41.4° ± 0.6 °C; 10th and 90th percentile temperatures were 40.2 and 42.7 °C. All six rabbits that received TLD alone had rapid tumour progression and reached the tumour size end point (maximum dimension >6 cm) within 24 days. Four of six rabbits treated with TLD plus MR-HIFU mild hyperthermia survived to the study end point of 60 days; one reached tumour size end point, one had hyperthermia-related toxicity, all had at least a transient decrease in tumour volume. Weekly body weight, complete blood counts, and blood chemistry did not reveal additional evidence of drug or hyperthermia-related toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Rabbit Vx2 tumours treated with a single infusion of TLD during MR-HIFU mild hyperthermia had reduced tumour growth vs. tumours treated with TLD alone. These findings are an important step toward clinical translation of localised drug delivery using MR-HIFU and TLD.

Thermometry and ablation monitoring with ultrasound.

In this review we present the current status of ultrasound thermometry and ablation monitoring, with emphasis on the diverse approaches published in the literature and with an eye on which methods are closest to clinical reality. It is hoped that this review will serve as a guide to the expansion of sonographic methods for treatment monitoring and thermometry since the last brief review in 2007.