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Background Purpose Methods Results Conclusions Ablation zone segmentation in contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) images enables the quantitative assessment of treatment success in the ablation of liver lesions. However, fully automatic liver ablation zone segmentation in CT images still remains challenging, such as low accuracy and time‐consuming manual refinement of the incorrect regions.Therefore, in this study, we developed a semi‐automatic technique to address the remaining drawbacks and improve the accuracy of the liver ablation zone segmentation in the CT images.Our approach uses a combination of a CNN‐based automatic segmentation method and an interactive CNN‐based segmentation method. First, automatic segmentation is applied for coarse ablation zone segmentation in the whole CT image. Human experts then visually validate the segmentation results. If there are errors in the coarse segmentation, local corrections can be performed on each slice via an interactive CNN‐based segmentation method. The models were trained and the proposed method was evaluated using two internal datasets of post‐interventional CECT images (n1$n_{1}$ = 22, n2$n_{2}$ = 145; 62 patients in total) and then further tested using an external benchmark dataset (n3$n_{3}$ = 12; 10 patients).To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed approach, we used Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), average symmetric surface distance (ASSD), Hausdorff distance (HD), and volume difference (VD). The quantitative evaluation results show that the proposed approach obtained mean DSC, ASSD, HD, and VD scores of 94.0%, 0.4 mm, 8.4 mm, 0.02, respectively, on the internal dataset, and 87.8%, 0.9 mm, 9.5 mm, and −0.03, respectively, on the benchmark dataset. We also compared the performance of the proposed approach to that of five well‐known segmentation methods; the proposed semi‐automatic method achieved state‐of‐the‐art performance on ablation segmentation accuracy, and on average, 2 min are required to correct the segmentation. Furthermore, we found that the accuracy of the proposed method on the benchmark dataset is comparable to that of manual segmentation by human experts (p$p$ = 0.55, t$t$‐test).The proposed semi‐automatic CNN‐based segmentation method can be used to effectively segment the ablation zones, increasing the value of CECT for an assessment of treatment success. For reproducibility, the trained models, source code, and demonstration tool are publicly available at https://github.com/lqanh11/Interactive_AblationZone_Segmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Percutaneous thermal ablation is an effective treatment for primary and metastatic liver tumors and is a recommended local therapy for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Reported evidence shows an increase in the ablation zone volume over the first 24-h post-liver ablation. This report compares ablation zone volumes immediately at the completion (T = 0) of 26 microwave ablations of liver tumors to 24-h post-procedure (T = 24) volumes. Materials and methods: 20 patients, 13 (65%) males, underwent a total of 26 hepatic microwave ablations (MWA) under ultrasound guidance. Contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) or MRI was performed immediately and another CECT 24 h post operatively. Evaluation of the ablation zone and comparison of the two post-operative scans were done using BioTrace software. The expansion of ablation zones on post-op CECTs was matched point by point per direction. The distance between each 2 points was measured and grouped by distance. The incidence of each specific distance was then converted into a percentage, first for each case separately, then for all cases altogether. Data were tested by a matched paired one-sided t test. Results: The median lesion diameter was 1.5 cm (range 0.5–3.3) with 16 (62%) HCC cases and 9 hepatic metastases (4 neuroendocrine carcinoma, 4 colorectal carcinomas, 1 breast carcinoma, 1 pancreatic cancer). The data show a consistent volume expansion greater than 30% (p = 7.7e−5) 24-h post-ablation, where the median expansion is 57%. Distances between T = 0 and T = 24 equal to 3–7 mm occur in over 35% of the cases. Conclusion: The ablation zone expansion at 24-h post-op was not uniform. The final ablation zone is difficult to predict at the time of the procedure. The awareness of the ablation zone expansion is important when treating near-critical structures, managing the heat sink effect, and preserving liver parenchyma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave ablation is a minimally invasive cancer treatment with high survival and low recurrence rates. Despite the unquestionable benefits of microwave ablation, the interaction between the medical tool and the tissue may cause damage to the surrounding tissue, which can be removed by clarifying the conditions for their development. In addition to clinical methods, computer simulation has proven to be a very effective tool to optimize microwave ablation performance. This study aimed to determine the optimal input power for complete microwave tumor ablation with an adequate safety margin while avoiding injury to surrounding healthy tissue. The liver tumor model was based on a real tumor labeled 1.02 in the 3D-IRCADb-01 database. Calculations were performed for a 10-slot microwave antenna with a frequency of 2.45 GHz using COMSOL Multiphysics. The obtained simulation results revealed that with proper input power, the necrotic tissue was mainly located in the tumor with minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. This study may represent a step forward in planning individual microwave ablation procedures for each patient.

Simple Summary: Microwave ablation (MWA) is a minimally invasive image-guided approach that uses microwaves emitted by an antenna to heat and destroy cancer cells. MWA is commonly used for treating liver tumors due to its efficient heating, minimal susceptibility to heat sink effects, and ability to treat larger tumors effectively. However, achieving effective ablation, defined by a minimal ablative margin of at least 5 mm, is crucial to prevent tumor recurrence and is affected by factors like tumor size and location, antenna placement, patient health status, and MWA device parameters. Challenges in antenna placement and the need for precise monitoring during MWA therapy often result in repeated adjustments and potential over-ablation, risking damage to healthy tissues. This study demonstrated that patient-specific three-dimensional models in MWA therapy can accurately predict the delivered ablation zone and have the potential to improve treatment efficacy, enabling more precise ablations and better patient outcomes with minimal unnecessary tissue damage and adequate margins. Microwave ablation (MWA) of liver tumors presents challenges like under- and over-ablation, potentially leading to inadequate tumor destruction and damage to healthy tissue. This study aims to develop personalized three-dimensional (3D) models to simulate MWA for liver tumors, incorporating patient-specific characteristics. The primary objective is to validate the predicted ablation zones compared to clinical outcomes, offering insights into MWA before therapy to facilitate accurate treatment planning. Contrast-enhanced CT images from three patients were used to create 3D models. The simulations used coupled electromagnetic wave propagation and bioheat transfer to estimate the temperature distribution, predicting tumor destruction and ablation margins. The findings indicate that prolonged ablation does not significantly improve tumor destruction once an adequate margin is achieved, although it increases tissue damage. There was a substantial overlap between the clinical ablation zones and the predicted ablation zones. For patient 1, the Dice score was 0.73, indicating high accuracy, with a sensitivity of 0.72 and a specificity of 0.76. For patient 2, the Dice score was 0.86, with a sensitivity of 0.79 and a specificity of 0.96. For patient 3, the Dice score was 0.8, with a sensitivity of 0.85 and a specificity of 0.74. Patient-specific 3D models demonstrate potential in accurately predicting ablation zones and optimizing MWA treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ablation zone volumes (AZV) following microwave ablation (MWA) for liver tumours exhibit considerable variability, posing challenges for precise therapy planning. In this retrospective analysis, we aimed to identify factors influencing AZV using a specific device designed to restrict the ablation zone past the needle tip. Furthermore, we assessed the efficacy of a 'surgical mode' in expanding the device's application range compared with the conventional 'standard mode'. Notably, the observed AZVs were smaller than the manufacturer's predictions. We found significantly larger AZVs in non-perivascular tumour locations and in hepatocellular carcinoma, compared with metastases. Despite these variations, the use of the 'surgical mode' did not yield significantly larger AZVs compared with the 'standard mode'. These insights contribute to understanding the nuances of AZV and optimising the application of MWA for liver tumours. Purpose: Evaluation of the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic conditions on ablation zone volumes (AZV) after microwave ablation (MWA). Methods: Retrospective analysis of 38 MWAs of therapy-naïve liver tumours performed with the NeuWave PR probe. Ablations were performed either in the 'standard mode' (65 W, 10 min) or in the 'surgical mode' (95 W, 1 min, then 65 W, 10 min). AZV measurements were obtained from contrast-enhanced computed tomography immediately post-ablation. Results: AZVs in the 'standard mode' were smaller than predicted by the manufacturer (length 3.6 ± 0.6 cm, 23% below 4.7 cm; width 2.7 ± 0.6, 23% below 3.5 cm). Ablation zone past the tip was limited to 6 mm in 28/32 ablations. Differences in AZV between the 'surgical mode' and 'standard mode' were not significant (15.6 ± 7.8 mL vs. 13.9 ± 8.8 mL, p = 0.6). AZVs were significantly larger in case of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) (n = 19) compared to metastasis (n = 19; 17.8 ± 9.9 mL vs. 10.1 ± 5.1 mL, p = 0.01) and in non-perivascular tumour location (n = 14) compared to perivascular location (n = 24, 18.7 ± 10.4 mL vs. 11.7 ± 6.1 mL, p = 0.012), with both factors remaining significant in two-way analysis of variance (HCC vs. metastasis: p = 0.02; perivascular vs. non-perivascular tumour location: p = 0.044). Conclusion: Larger AZVs can be expected in cases of HCCs compared with metastases and in non-perivascular locations. Using the 'surgical mode' does not increase AZV significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The termini of Icelandic glaciers are highly dynamic environments. Pronounced changes in frontal ablation in recent years have consequently changed ice dynamics. In this study, we reveal the inter‐seasonal dynamics of the Kvíárjökull ablation zone and proglacial zone using ArcticDEM and Sentinel‐2 images acquired between 2011 and 2021 and intra‐seasonal dynamics with repeated UAV surveys during summer 2021. Average glacier surface velocity in the ablation zone ranged from 51 m year−1 in 2015 up to 199 m year−1 in 2018, with maxima within the axial zone of the glacier and minima on the glacier edges. Coincidentally, and in accordance with glacier retreat/advance, the ice‐marginal proglacial lake fluctuated in its area, and we interpret that it was also a key factor in the development of the glacier terminus morphology. A complex spatial pattern of glacier surface elevation changes, including thickening in the frontal true left margin of the terminus, is interpreted to be due to variable subglacial topography, relatively fast ice flow from the accumulation zone and an insulating effect of glacier surface debris cover. In contrast, the true right (southern) part of the glacier terminus experienced thinning and retreat/disintegration also during the 2021 summer season, which we attribute to enhanced frontal ablation connected to the intrusion of lake water into the crevassed glacier terminus. Overall, this study suggests that where glaciers are developing ice‐marginal lakes complex patterns of glacier dynamics and mass loss can be expected, which will confound understanding of the short‐term evolution of these environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Liver cancer is a very well-known disease that causes an increased death rate every year. The death rate has actually doubled in recent years. In order to increase the survival rate, it is therefore most important to detect and treat the tumor at an early stage. Microwave liver ablation (MWA) is increasingly used for successful treatment. This procedure offers the possibility of minimally invasive intervention in the treatment, so that a quick recovery time after the treatment can take place. In addition, the treatment of cancer using microwaves is a cost-effective and radiation-free treatment. This work aims to introduce an alternative method for monitoring ablation zones during thermal ablation, rather than relying on computer tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our results demonstrate that the measurement method provides reproducible outcomes, enabling the determination of the extent of the ablation zone. This study presents a measurement principle for determining the size of the ablation zone in MWA, which could ultimately form an alternative to more expensive monitoring approaches like CT. The measurement method is based on a microwave transmission measurement. A MWA is performed experimentally on ex vivo bovine liver to determine the ablation zone. This setup uses a custom slot applicator performing the MWA at an operating frequency of 2.45 GHz and a custom bowtie antenna measuring the waves transmitted from the applicator. Furthermore, a custom measurement probe is used to determine the dielectric properties. A time-shift analysis is used to determine the radial extent of the ablation zone. Several measurements are carried out with a power of 50 W for 10 min to show the reproducibility. The results show that this method can provide reproducible outcomes to determine the ablation zone with a maximum error of 4.11%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toru Ishikawa,1 Iori Hasegawa,2 Hiroshi Hirosawa,2 Tsubasa Honmou,2 Nobuyuki Sakai,2 Takanori Igarashi,1 Shun Yamazaki,1 Takamasa Kobayashi,1 Toshifumi Sato,1 Akito Iwanaga,1 Tomoe Sano,1 Junji Yokoyama,1 Terasu Honma1 1Department of Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Niigata Hospital, Niigata, Japan; 2Department of Clinical Engineering, Saiseikai Niigata Hospital, Niigata, JapanCorrespondence: Toru Ishikawa, Department of Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Niigata Hospital, Teraji 280-7, Niigata, Japan, Tel +81-25-233-6161, Fax +81-25-233-8880, Email toruishi@ngt.saiseikai.or.jpBackground: Microwave ablation (MWA) is a standard percutaneous local therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Next-generation MWA is reported to create a more spherical ablation zone than radiofrequency ablation (RFA). We compared the ablation zone and aspect ratio of two 2.45 GHz MWA ablation probes; Emprint® (13G) and Mimapro® (17G). We compared the ablation zone to the applied energy after MWA in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Furthermore, we investigated local recurrence.Materials and Methods: We included 20 patients with HCC, with an average tumour diameter of 33.2 ± 12.2 mm, who underwent MWA using Emprint®, and 9 patients who underwent MWA using Mimapro® with an average tumour diameter of 31.1 ± 10.5 mm. Both groups underwent the same ablation protocol using the same power settings. The images obtained after MWA showed the treatment ablation zone and aspect ratio, which were measured and compared using three-dimensional image analysis software.Results: The aspect ratios in the Emprint® and Mimapro® groups were 0.786 ± 0.105 and 0.808 ± 0.122, respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.604). The ablation time was significantly shorter in the Mimapro® group than in the Emprint® group, and there was no significant difference in the frequency of popping or the ablation volume. There were no significant differences in local recurrence between the two groups.Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the aspect ratios of the ablation diameter, and the ablation zone was almost spherical in both cases. Mimapro® at 17G was less invasive than Emprint® at 13G.Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, microwave ablation, ablation zone

AbstractBackground The range of an ablation zone (AZ) plays a crucial role in the treatment effect of microwave ablation (MWA). The aim of this study was to analyze the factors influencing the AZ range.Methods Fourteen factors in four areas were included: patient-related factors (sex, age), disease-related factors (tumor location, liver cirrhosis), serological factors (ALT, AST, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and platelets), and MWA parameters (ablation time, power, and needle type). Multiple sequence MRI was used to delineate AZ by three radiologists using 3D Slicer. MATLAB was used to calculate the AZ length, width, and area of the largest section. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze influencing factors. Moreover, a subgroup analysis was conducted for patients with viral hepatitis.Result 220 patients with 290 tumors were included between 2010–2021. In addition to MWA parameters, cirrhosis and tumor location were significant factors that influenced AZ (p

Objectives: To construct a prognostic nomogram to predict the ablation zone disappearance for patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) after microwave ablation (MWA). Materials and methods: From April 2020 to April 2022, patients with PTMC who underwent MWA treatment were collected retrospectively. Ultrasound (US) or contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed at 1 day, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after MWA to observe the curative effect after ablation. The volume, volume reduction rate (VRR) and complete disappearance rate of the ablation zone at each time point were calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the prognostic factors associated with the disappearance of the ablation zone after MWA, and the nomogram was established and validated. Results: 72 patients with PTMCs underwent MWA were enrolled into this study. After MWA, no tumor progression (residual, recurrence or lymph node metastasis) and major postoperative complications occurred. The ablation zone in 28 (38.89%) patients did not completely disappear after MWA in the follow-up period. Three variables, including age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.216), calcification type (OR: 12.283), initial maximum diameter (OR: 2.051) were found to be independent prognostic factors predicting ablation zone status after MWA by multivariate analysis. The above variables and outcomes were visualized by nomogram (C-index=0.847). Conclusions: MWA was a safe and effective treatment for PTMC. Older patients with macrocalcification and larger size PTMCs were more unlikely to obtain complete disappearance of ablation zones. Incomplete disappearance of ablation zone was not related to recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the characteristics of high brittleness and low fracture toughness of monocrystalline silicon, its high precision and high-quality cutting have great challenges. Aiming at the urgent need of wafer cutting with high efficiency, this paper investigates the influence law of different laser processes on the size of the groove and the machining affected zone of laser cutting. The experimental results show that when laser cutting monocrystalline silicon, in addition to generating a groove, there will also be a machining affected zone on both sides of the groove and the size of both will directly affect the cutting quality. After wiping the thermal products generated by cutting on the material surface, the machining affected zone and the recast layer in the cutting seam can basically be eliminated to generate a wider cutting seam and the surface after wiping is basically the same as that before cutting. Increasing the laser cutting times will increase the width of the material's machining affected zone and the groove width after chip removal. When the cutting times are less than 80, increasing the cutting times will increase the groove width at the same time; but, after the cutting times exceed 80, the groove width abruptly decreases and then slowly increases. In addition, the lower the laser scanning speed, the larger the width of the material's machining affected zone and the width of the groove after chip removal. The increase in laser frequency will increase the crack width and the crack width after chip removal but decrease the machining affected zone width. The laser pulse width has a certain effect on the cutting quality but it does not show regularity. When the pulse width is 0.3 ns the cutting quality is the best and when the pulse width is 0.15 ns the cutting quality is the worst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, hepatocellular carcinoma has been the leading cause of cancer-related mortality and thermal ablation procedures such as MWA (microwave ablation) and RFA (Radiofrequency ablation) provide a viable alternative to radiation and surgical excision. Due to uneven ablation and tissue charring in RFA, MWA offers faster and uniform heating as a result of its higher operating frequency. In MWA, the antenna probe heats the tissue to the point of cell necrosis using electromagnetic heating. In this aspect, a substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) antenna is designed to work at 2.45 GHz. Further, a finite element method (FEM) is employed to model the probe and the liver tissue environment. Within 10 minutes of application time, a maximum ablation diameter of 32 mm (transversal-T) and 25 mm (axial-A) is achieved at 20W of power. Since the position of the applicator probe is of utmost importance, the relationship between the percentage of ablation, probe tip position, and tumor diameter is evaluated using ML- algorithm to estimate the ideal probe location for maximal tumor ablation and thus may improve clinical outcome.

Purpose To assess short-term tissue shrinkage in patients with liver malignancies undergoing computed tomography (CT)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) using Jacobian determinant (JD).Materials and methods Twenty-nine patients with 29 hepatic malignancies (primary n = 24; metastases n = 5; median tumor diameter 18 mm) referred to CT-guided MWA (single position; 10 min, 100 W) were included in this retrospective IRB-approved study, after exclusion of five patients. Following segmentation of livers and tumors on pre-interventional images, segmentations were registered on post-interventional images. JD mapping was applied to quantify voxelwise tissue volume changes after MWA. Percentual volume changes were evaluated in the ablated tumor, a 5-cm tumor perimeter and in the whole liver and compared in different clinical conditions (tumor entity: primary vs. secondary; tumor location: subcapsular vs. non-subcapsular; tumor volume: >/6ml, compared with smaller tumors, in which tissue expansion was noted (median −1.0 vs. 2.5%; p = 0.002). Other clinical conditions had no significant influence on the extent of tissue shrinkage (p > 0.05).Conclusion 3D Jacobian analysis shows that hepatic tissue deformation following MWA is most pronounced in a 5-cm area surrounding the treated tumor. Tumor location and tumor volume may have an impact on the extent of tissue shrinkage which may affect estimation of the safety margin.

Purpose To evaluate the effect of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) on the extent of ablation zone in ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for early stages of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Method We selected 772 patients with 797 PTMCs who underwent with RFA from August 2017 to August 2020. They were subdivided into two groups as follows: (i) 216 patients (224 PTMCs) with HT in the ‘HT + PTMC’ group and (ii) 556 patients (573 PTMCs) with healthy thyroid in the ‘PTMC’ group. We assessed the extent (maximum diameter and volume) of the ablation zone by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) immediately, one day, and 1 week following RFA. Results The ablation zone of the ‘HT + PTMC’ group was smaller than that of the ‘PTMC’ group at 1 week of RFA (maximum diameter: 14.6 ± 3.1 mm vs. 15.2 ± 3.2 mm and volume: 0.932 ± 0.498 mL vs. 1.028 ± 0.540 mL, respectively, p .05). Life-threatening complications did not develop in any of the patients. Conclusion RFA-treated PTMCs were smaller in size in patients with HT than in those with a healthy thyroid at 1 week of RFA. However, the exact mechanism underlying this phenomenon and its clinical significance warrant further investigation.

Hepatocellular carcinoma has been the leading cause of death in recent centuries and with the advent of newer technologies, several thermal and cryo‐ablation techniques have been introduced in the recent past. In this regard, microwave ablation has developed into a promising method for thermal ablation technique. However, due to clinical obligations, in‐vivo analysis is not feasible and ex‐vivo analysis is inaccurate due to changes in the electrical and thermal properties of the tissue. Therefore, in this study, temperature‐dependent permittivity, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity along with phase change effect due to temperature reaching above 100°C are incorporated using finite element method model. Further, using an intertwined normal mode helical antenna ablation probe, a change in resonant frequency (Δf) and reflection coefficient (ΔS11) from the actual value (antenna parameter in the air at 5 GHz) is modeled using second‐order polynomial curve fitting to predict the surrounding permittivity in the range of 30–70. A maximum deviation of 0.8 value in permittivity from the actual value is observed. However, to obtain a generalized methodology, XG Boost and CAT Boost algorithms are used. Further, since ablation diameter plays a crucial role in achieving optimal tumor ablation, an artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm with three different optimizers is incorporated to predict ablation diameter using five critical parameters. Such an ANN algorithm which can predict the transversal and axial ablation zone may provide optimal ablation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal ablation offers a minimally invasive alternative in the treatment of hepatic tumours. Several types of ablation are utilised with different methods and indications. However, to this day, ablation size remains limited due to the formation of a central non-conductive boundary layer. In thermal ablation, this boundary layer is formed by carbonisation. Our goal was to prevent or delay carbonisation, and subsequently increase ablation size. We used bovine liver to compare ablation diameter and volume, created by a stand-alone laser applicator, with those created when utilising a spacer between laser applicator and hepatic tissue. Two spacer variants were developed: one with a closed circulation of cooling fluid and one with an open circulation into hepatic tissue. We found that the presence of a spacer significantly increased ablation volume up to 75.3 cm3, an increase of a factor of 3.19 (closed spacer) and 3.02 (open spacer) when compared to the stand-alone applicator. Statistical significance between spacer variants was also present, with the closed spacer producing a significantly larger ablation volume (p < 0.001, MDiff = 3.053, 95% CI[1.612, 4.493]) and diameter (p < 0.001, MDiff = 4.467, 95% CI[2.648, 6.285]) than the open spacer. We conclude that the presence of a spacer has the potential to increase ablation size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The range of an ablation zone (AZ) plays a crucial role in the treatment effect of microwave ablation (MWA). The aim of this study was to analyze the factors influencing the AZ range. Fourteen factors in four areas were included: patient-related factors (sex, age), disease-related factors (tumor location, liver cirrhosis), serological factors (ALT, AST, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and platelets), and MWA parameters (ablation time, power, and needle type). Multiple sequence MRI was used to delineate AZ by three radiologists using 3D Slicer. MATLAB was used to calculate the AZ length, width, and area of the largest section. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze influencing factors. Moreover, a subgroup analysis was conducted for patients with viral hepatitis. 220 patients with 290 tumors were included between 2010–2021. In addition to MWA parameters, cirrhosis and tumor location were significant factors that influenced AZ (p < 0.001). The standardized coefficient (beta) of cirrhosis (cirrhosis vs. non-cirrhosis) was positive, which meant cirrhosis would lead to a decrease in AZ range. The beta of tumor location (near the hepatic hilar zone, intermediate zone, and periphery zone) was negative, indicating that AZ range decreased as the tumor location approached the hepatic hilum. For viral hepatitis patients, Fibrosis 4 (FIB4) score was a significant factor influencing AZ (p < 0.001), and the beta was negative, indicating that AZ range decreased as FIB4 increased. Liver cirrhosis, tumor location, and FIB4 affect the AZ range and should be considered when planning MWA parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most microwave ablation antennas produce a non-spherical ablation zone. We propose a hollow microwave ablation antenna. In the hollow antenna, we use a hollow copper tube as the inner conductor. Compared with the copper core coaxial antenna, the hollow antenna reduces the current on the surface of the outer conductor and produces a spherical ablation zone. We use an internal L-type matching network to design the impedance matching of the hollow antenna. We fabricated the hollow antenna and did the ablation experiments in egg white to verify the ablating ability. The experimental results are similar to the simulated results. The roundness of the ablation zone reaches 86 % at an input power of 20 W and a duration time of 600 s, which shows the ability of the hollow antenna to produce a spherical ablation zone. The hollow antenna can increase the accuracy of microwave ablation and reduce the damage to the normal tissues.

Percutaneous thermal therapy is an important clinical treatment method for some solid tumors. It is critical to use effective image visualization techniques to monitor the therapy process in real time because precise control of the therapeutic zone directly affects the prognosis of tumor treatment. Ultrasound is used in thermal therapy monitoring because of its real-time, non-invasive, non-ionizing radiation, and low-cost characteristics. This paper presents a review of nine quantitative ultrasound-based methods for thermal therapy monitoring and their advances over the last decade since 2011. These methods were analyzed and compared with respect to two applications: ultrasonic thermometry and ablation zone identification. The advantages and limitations of these methods were compared and discussed, and future developments were suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the characteristics of high brittleness and low fracture toughness of monocrystalline silicon, its high precision and high-quality cutting have great challenges. Aiming at the urgent need of wafer cutting with high efficiency, this paper investigates the influence law of different laser processes on the size of the groove and the machining affected zone of laser cutting. The experimental results show that when laser cutting monocrystalline silicon, in addition to generating a groove, there will also be a machining affected zone on both sides of the groove and the size of both will directly affect the cutting quality. After wiping the thermal products generated by cutting on the material surface, the machining affected zone and the recast layer in the cutting seam can basically be eliminated to generate a wider cutting seam and the surface after wiping is basically the same as that before cutting. Increasing the laser cutting times will increase the width of the material’s machining affected zone and the groove width after chip removal. When the cutting times are less than 80, increasing the cutting times will increase the groove width at the same time; but, after the cutting times exceed 80, the groove width abruptly decreases and then slowly increases. In addition, the lower the laser scanning speed, the larger the width of the material’s machining affected zone and the width of the groove after chip removal. The increase in laser frequency will increase the crack width and the crack width after chip removal but decrease the machining affected zone width. The laser pulse width has a certain effect on the cutting quality but it does not show regularity. When the pulse width is 0.3 ns the cutting quality is the best and when the pulse width is 0.15 ns the cutting quality is the worst.

To determine the accuracy of manufacturer models and difference in ice ball dimensions from the first to second freeze cycles during cryoablation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). All patients who underwent cryoablation for RCC and had either a uniform type of needle placed in a pattern consistent with manufacturer provided data (n = 48) or computed tomography performed during the first and second freeze cycles (n = 28) were retrospectively reviewed. Ice ball measurements were made in relationship to the cryoablation probes. Factors which may affect the manufacturer prediction or change in the size of the ice ball from first to second freeze cycles were evaluated. The visualized ice ball was significantly smaller than predicted in the long axis (LA) (Visualized: 29 mm ± 8; Predicted: 54 mm ± 7; p < 0.001), perpendicular transverse (PTR) (Visualized: 31 mm ± 7; Predicted: 52 mm ± 6; p < 0.001) and perpendicular craniocaudal (PCC) (Visualized: 30 mm ± 8; Predicted: 50 mm ± 7; p < 0.001). Furthermore, in the LA, PTR and PCC directions the achieved ice ball size was significantly closer to the predicted size as the total number of probes increased (p = 0.006, p = 0.048 and p = 0.023, respectively). The ice ball was significantly larger in the LA (3 mm (range: −7, 14 mm), p < 0.001), PTR (3 mm (range: −4, 11 mm), p < 0.001), and PCC (3 mm (range: 0, 26 mm), p < 0.001) dimensions on the second as compared to the first freeze cycle. The manufacturer provided model overestimates the size of the visualized Ice ball and Ice balls formed on the second freeze are significantly larger (median 3 mm) than those formed on the first freeze. • Cryoablation zones are significantly smaller, than predicted by the manufacturer model when treating renal cell carcinoma. • Cryoablation zones grow significantly from the first to second freeze cycles when treating renal cell carcinoma. • Factors such as number and spacing of cryoablation probes affect the accuracy of the manufacturer provided model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the difficulties with the observation of the ablation zone and the many factors that affect the dynamic evolution process of the ablation zone, the structural morphology and dynamic evolution process of the ablation zone in the process of water-jet assisted laser machining Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) were studied. Based on the DFLUX subprogram, a compound heat source model was established. Under the comprehensive consideration of heat conduction, heat convection, heat radiation, and thermal physical properties varying with temperature, the three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of the Korean pine was numerically simulated by water-jet assisted laser machining. Through numerical simulation analysis, the cross-sectional morphology of Korean pine kerf was found to be screw-shaped, and the experimental results were in good agreement with the simulation results. The dynamic evolution law of water-jet assisted laser machining of Korean pine was obtained. In addition, as the laser power increased and the cutting speed decreased, the morphology of the Korean pine kerf remained unchanged, but the structure size of the Korean pine kerf showed an increasing change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation techniques are powerful tools for determining the optimal conditions necessary for microwave ablation to be efficient and safe for treating liver tumors. Owing to the complexity and computational resource consumption, most of the existing numerical models are two-dimensional axisymmetric models that emulate actual three-dimensional cancers and the surrounding tissue, which is often far from reality. Different tumor shapes and sizes require different input powers and ablation times to ensure the preservation of healthy tissues that can be determined only by the full three-dimensional simulations. This study aimed to tailor microwave ablation therapeutic conditions for complete tumor ablation with an adequate safety margin, while avoiding injury to the surrounding healthy tissue. Three-dimensional simulations were performed for a multi-slot microwave antenna immersed in two tumors obtained from the 3D-IRCADb-01 liver tumors database. The temperature dependence of the dielectric and thermal properties of healthy and tumoral liver tissues, blood perfusion, and water content are crucial for calculating the correct ablation time and, thereby, the correct ablation process. The developed three-dimensional simulation model may help practitioners in planning patient-individual procedures by determining the optimal input power and duration of the ablation process for the actual shape of the tumor. With proper input power, necrotic tissue is placed mainly in the tumor, and only a small amount of surrounding tissue is damaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess short-term tissue shrinkage in patients with liver malignancies undergoing computed tomography (CT)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) using Jacobian determinant (JD). Materials and methods: Twenty-nine patients with 29 hepatic malignancies (primary n ¼ 24; metastases n ¼ 5; median tumor diameter 18 mm) referred to CT-guided MWA (single position; 10 min, 100 W) were included in this retrospective IRB-approved study, after exclusion of five patients. Following segmentation of livers and tumors on pre-interventional images, segmentations were registered on postinterventional images. JD mapping was applied to quantify voxelwise tissue volume changes after MWA. Percentual volume changes were evaluated in the ablated tumor, a 5-cm tumor perimeter and in the whole liver and compared in different clinical conditions (tumor entity: primary vs. secondary; tumor location: subcapsular vs. non-subcapsular; tumor volume: >/<6 ml: cirrhosis: yes vs. no; prior chemotherapy: yes vs. no using Shapiro–Wilk, v2 and Wilcoxon rank sum tests, respectively (with p < 0.05 deemed significant). Results: Tissue volume change was 0.6% in the ablated tumor, 1.6% in the 5-cm perimeter and 0.3% in the whole liver. Shrinkage in the ablated tumor was pronounced in non-subcapsular located tumors, whereas tissue expansion was noted in subcapsular tumors (median 3.5 vs. 1.1%; p ¼ 0.0195). Shrinkage in the whole liver was higher in tumor volumes >6ml, compared with smaller tumors, in which tissue expansion was noted (median 1.0 vs. 2.5%; p ¼ 0.002). Other clinical conditions had no significant influence on the extent of tissue shrinkage (p > 0.05). Conclusion: 3D Jacobian analysis shows that hepatic tissue deformation following MWA is most pronounced in a 5-cm area surrounding the treated tumor. Tumor location and tumor volume may have an impact on the extent of tissue shrinkage which may affect estimation of the safety margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The aims of this study were to evaluate a semi-automatic segmentation software for assessment of ablation zone geometry in computed tomography (CT)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) of liver tumors and to compare two different MWA systems. Material and Methods 27 patients with 40 hepatic tumors (primary liver tumor n = 20, metastases n = 20) referred for CT-guided MWA were included in this retrospective IRB-approved study. MWA was performed using two systems (system 1: 915 MHz; n = 20; system 2: 2.45 GHz; n = 20). Ablation zone segmentation and ellipticity index calculations were performed using SAFIR (Software Assistant for Interventional Radiology). To validate semi-automatic software calculations, results (2 perpendicular diameters, ellipticity index, volume) were compared with those of manual analysis (intraclass correlation, Pearson’s correlation, Mann–Whitney U test; p

Purpose To explore the differences in ablation zone between liver cirrhosis and normal liver background and investigate the effect of hepatic blood flow on ablation zone of RFA. Methods Between 2017 and 2019, 203 patients who had liver malignancies and underwent percutaneous RFA with Celon bipolar electrodes enrolled into this study. There were 90 patients had liver cirrhosis and 113 patients had normal liver background. They were 63 females and 140 males with average age of 59.0 ± 10.9 years old. Contrast-enhanced CT/MRI was used to evaluate the ablation zone in one month after RFA. The hepatic flow measurements on CDFI and CEUS were performed before RFA. Correlations between ablation zone versus hepatic flow were assessed using multiple linear regression analysis. Results The average ablation zone in cirrhotic liver was significantly larger than those in normal liver background with 3 cm tip of RF electrodes (length 3.5 ± 0.5 vs 3.1 ± 0.4 cm, p = 0.001; width 2.6 ± 0.3 vs 2.2 ± 0.3 cm, p

Thermal ablation offers a minimally invasive alternative in the treatment of hepatic tumours. Several types of ablation are utilised with different methods and indications. However, to this day, ablation size remains limited due to the formation of a central non-conductive boundary layer. In thermal ablation, this boundary layer is formed by carbonisation. Our goal was to prevent or delay carbonisation, and subsequently increase ablation size. We used bovine liver to compare ablation diameter and volume, created by a stand-alone laser applicator, with those created when utilising a spacer between laser applicator and hepatic tissue. Two spacer variants were developed: one with a closed circulation of cooling fluid and one with an open circulation into hepatic tissue. We found that the presence of a spacer significantly increased ablation volume up to 75.3 cm3, an increase of a factor of 3.19 (closed spacer) and 3.02 (open spacer) when compared to the stand-alone applicator. Statistical significance between spacer variants was also present, with the closed spacer producing a significantly larger ablation volume (p < 0.001, MDiff = 3.053, 95% CI[1.612, 4.493]) and diameter (p < 0.001, MDiff = 4.467, 95% CI[2.648, 6.285]) than the open spacer. We conclude that the presence of a spacer has the potential to increase ablation size.

ObjectiveLiver cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer, and energy-based tumor ablation is a widely accepted treatment. Automatic and robust segmentation of liver tumors and ablation zones would facilitate the evaluation of treatment success. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an automatic deep learning based method for (1) segmentation of liver and liver tumors in both arterial and portal venous phase for pre-treatment CT, and (2) segmentation of liver and ablation zones in both arterial and portal venous phase for after ablation treatment.Materials and Methods252 CT images from 63 patients undergoing liver tumor ablation at a large University Hospital were retrospectively included; each patient had pre-treatment and post-treatment multi-phase CT images. 3D voxel-wise manual segmentation of the liver, tumors and ablation region by the radiologist provided reference standard. Deep learning models for liver and lesion segmentation were initially trained on the public Liver Tumor Segmentation Challenge (LiTS) dataset to obtain base models. Then, transfer learning was applied to adapt the base models on the clinical training-set, to obtain tumor and ablation segmentation models both for arterial and portal venous phase images. For modeling, 2D residual-attention Unet (RA-Unet) was employed for liver segmentation and a multi-scale patch-based 3D RA-Unet for tumor and ablation segmentation.ResultsOn the independent test-set, the proposed method achieved a dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.96 and 0.95 for liver segmentation on arterial and portal venous phase, respectively. For liver tumors, the model on arterial phase achieved detection sensitivity of 71%, DSC of 0.64, and on portal venous phase sensitivity of 82%, DSC of 0.73. For liver tumors >0.5cm3 performance improved to sensitivity 79%, DSC 0.65 on arterial phase and, sensitivity 86%, DSC 0.72 on portal venous phase. For ablation zone, the model on arterial phase achieved detection sensitivity of 90%, DSC of 0.83, and on portal venous phase sensitivity of 90%, DSC of 0.89.ConclusionThe proposed deep learning approach can provide automated segmentation of liver tumors and ablation zones on multi-phase (arterial and portal venous) and multi-time-point (before and after treatment) CT enabling quantitative evaluation of treatment success.

Objective: Liver cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer, and energy-based tumor ablation is a widely accepted treatment. Automatic and robust segmentation of liver tumors and ablation zones would facilitate the evaluation of treatment success. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an automatic deep learning based method for (1) segmentation of liver and liver tumors in both arterial and portal venous phase for pre-treatment CT, and (2) segmentation of liver and ablation zones in both arterial and portal venous phase for after ablation treatment. Materials and Methods: 252 CT images from 63 patients undergoing liver tumor ablation at a large University Hospital were retrospectively included; each patient had pre-treatment and post-treatment multi-phase CT images. 3D voxel-wise manual segmentation of the liver, tumors and ablation region by the radiologist provided reference standard. Deep learning models for liver and lesion segmentation were initially trained on the public Liver Tumor Segmentation Challenge (LiTS) dataset to obtain base models. Then, transfer learning was applied to adapt the base models on the clinical training-set, to obtain tumor and ablation segmentation models both for arterial and portal venous phase images. For modeling, 2D residual-attention Unet (RA-Unet) was employed for liver segmentation and a multi-scale patch-based 3D RA-Unet for tumor and ablation segmentation. Results: On the independent test-set, the proposed method achieved a dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.96 and 0.95 for liver segmentation on arterial and portal venous phase, respectively. For liver tumors, the model on arterial phase achieved detection sensitivity of 71%, DSC of 0.64, and on portal venous phase sensitivity of 82%, DSC of 0.73. For liver tumors >0.5cm3 performance improved to sensitivity 79%, DSC 0.65 on arterial phase and, sensitivity 86%, DSC 0.72 on portal venous phase. For ablation zone, the model on arterial phase achieved detection sensitivity of 90%, DSC of 0.83, and on portal venous phase sensitivity of 90%, DSC of 0.89. Conclusion: The proposed deep learning approach can provide automated segmentation of liver tumors and ablation zones on multi-phase (arterial and portal venous) and multi-time-point (before and after treatment) CT enabling quantitative evaluation of treatment success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation techniques are powerful tools for determining the optimal conditions necessary for microwave ablation to be efficient and safe for treating liver tumors. Owing to the complexity and computational resource consumption, most of the existing numerical models are two-dimensional axisymmetric models that emulate actual three-dimensional cancers and the surrounding tissue, which is often far from reality. Different tumor shapes and sizes require different input powers and ablation times to ensure the preservation of healthy tissues that can be determined only by the full three-dimensional simulations. This study aimed to tailor microwave ablation therapeutic conditions for complete tumor ablation with an adequate safety margin, while avoiding injury to the surrounding healthy tissue. Three-dimensional simulations were performed for a multi-slot microwave antenna immersed in two tumors obtained from the 3D-IRCADb-01 liver tumors database. The temperature dependence of the dielectric and thermal properties of healthy and tumoral liver tissues, blood perfusion, and water content are crucial for calculating the correct ablation time and, thereby, the correct ablation process. The developed three-dimensional simulation model may help practitioners in planning patient-individual procedures by determining the optimal input power and duration of the ablation process for the actual shape of the tumor. With proper input power, necrotic tissue is placed mainly in the tumor, and only a small amount of surrounding tissue is damaged.

Purpose: Size and density measurements of the ablation zones on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic metastases of primary breast or colorectal cancer were acquired over time. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five liver metastases [colorectal cancer (CRC): n = 16; mean size: 19.6 ± 8.5 mm; breast cancer (BC): n = 9; 27.9 ± 13.6 mm] in 15 patients (CRC: n = 11; age: 65.4 ± 6.5 years; BC: n = 4; 62.0 ± 13.8 years) treated by RFA were included in this retrospective study. All patients had undergone postinterventional serial follow-up using multidetector CT (MDCT) (1 day/1/4/7/10/14/18/23/>24 months) without evidence of local tumor recurrence during the follow-up. The ablation zones were evaluated using a commercial software tool (Syngo CT Oncology) in order to determine volumetric, RECIST-, WHO- and density changes over the course of time. Results were compared by applying repeated measures analysis of variance and displayed graphically. Results: The RF ablation zones demonstrated significant shrinkage (P ≤ 0.05) over the first 7 months (volume, RECIST, WHO) of the follow-up. Follow-up after 7 months did not show any significant changes in size (P > 0.05) (mean volume (ml): 55.2/34.7/26.3/16.5/12.7/10.0/8.9/8.1/7.5; RECIST (mm): 58.7/49.3/43.7/37.8/34.2/31.3/29.1/27.3/24.8; WHO (mm2): 2458.3/1769.3/1341.8/1027.1/870.1/720.2/649.0/570.4/511.3). Mean density values decreased significantly between 1 day (58.9 HU) and 1 month (47.5 HU) after the procedure. Conclusion: Typical changes in size and density values of RF-induced, recurrence-free ablation zones after RFA of hepatic metastases of colorectal and breast cancer were acquired, showing a significant decrease in density of the ablation zone within the first month and significant shrinkage within the first 7 months after RFA.

Purpose: To evaluate the ablation zone diameter (AZD) using six modes of corneal topography after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for myopia and to compare the programmed and postoperative AZDs Methods: This retrospective comparative study included 86 right eyes in 86 patients who underwent SMILE or FS-LASIK at the Shandong Eye Institute between June 2016 and August 2017. Data were collected preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively using the Pentacam system. The AZD was determined using six modes of corneal topography: postoperative axial curvature topography (PACT), postoperative tangential curvature topography (PTCT), difference-axial curvature topography (DACT), difference-tangential curvature topography (DTCT), postoperative front elevation topography (PFET), and difference-corneal thickness topography (DCTT). The difference between the programmed and postoperative AZDs was compared between the groups of two surgical procedures. Results: At 3 months, the AZDs measured by PTCT, DTCT, and PFET after SMILE showed a significant decrease, while the AZD by DACT revealed an increase (P < 0.001), and the AZDs measured by PACT, PTCT, DACT, DTCT, PFET, and DCTT after FS-LASIK were all significantly decreased (P < 0.001), as compared with the programmed ablation zone values. The AZDs measured by DACT and DTCT after 3 months were larger in the SMILE group (P < 0.001); likewise, the differences between the programmed and postoperative AZDs were lower in the SMILE group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, PACT, PTCT, DACT, DTCT, and PFET indicated acceptable inter-observer reliability (ICC > 0.75). Conclusions: In the treatment of myopia, the achieved topographic ablation zones after FS-LASIK were smaller than the theoretically designed ones. The AZDs after SMILE were larger than those after FS-LASIK, with an equivalent programmed value. The DACT may be more suitable for measuring postoperative ablation zones in clinic with clearer borders and favorable repeatability. This method may be potential for the measurement of ablation zones and further research on the visual quality after refractive surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to evaluate a semi-automatic segmentation software for assessment of ablation zone geometry in computed tomography (CT)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) of liver tumors and to compare two different MWA systems. 27 patients with 40 hepatic tumors (primary liver tumor n = 20, metastases n = 20) referred for CT-guided MWA were included in this retrospective IRB-approved study. MWA was performed using two systems (system 1: 915 MHz; n = 20; system 2: 2.45 GHz; n = 20). Ablation zone segmentation and ellipticity index calculations were performed using SAFIR (Software Assistant for Interventional Radiology). To validate semi-automatic software calculations, results (2 perpendicular diameters, ellipticity index, volume) were compared with those of manual analysis (intraclass correlation, Pearson’s correlation, Mann–Whitney U test; p < 0.05 deemed significant. Manual measurements of mean maximum ablation zone diameters were 43 mm (system 1) and 34 mm (system 2), respectively. Correlations between manual and semi-automatic measurements were r = 0.72 and r = 0.66 (both p < 0.0001) for perpendicular diameters, and r = 0.98 (p < 0.001) for volume. Manual analysis demonstrated that ablation zones created with system 2 had a significantly lower ellipticity index compared to system 1 (mean 1.17 vs. 1.86, p < 0.0001). Results correlated significantly with semi-automatic software measurements (r = 0.71, p < 0.0001). Semi-automatic assessment of ablation zone geometry using SAFIR is feasible. Software-assisted evaluation of ablation zones may prove beneficial with complex ablation procedures, especially for less experienced operators. The 2.45 GHz MWA system generated a significantly more spherical ablation zone compared to the 915 MHz system. The choice of a specific MWA system significantly influences ablation zone geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]