MR-compatible electrode and navigation system for MR-guided microwave endometrial ablation

Abstract

To accomplish MR-guided microwave endometrial ablation, a sounding applicator type MR-compatible microwave electrode has been constructed. The visibility of the electrode in MR images was appropriate and temperature changes during microwave ablation were clearly shown with MR temperature maps. Optical and electromagnetic tracking systems for this electrode have also been developed. Both of them were able to control MR image planes with its curved electrode tip, successfully. With the optical tracking system, however, the configuration needs to be changed depending on the direction of the electrode because of the visibility of diodes. Meanwhile, electromagnetic tracking system could be used in any directions of the electrode without taking care of the line of sights and was found to be quite useful for such curved surgical instruments.