3D MR Thermometry Sequences for Abdominal Microwave Ablation Monitoring on Phantom Simulating Breathing Motion

Motivation: 3D MR-thermometry enhances microwave ablation success by providing real-time temperature and ablation insights. However, clinical availability is limited due to challenges such as breathing motion and electromagnetic interferences. Goal(s): Our study conducts 3D MR-thermometry comparing stack-of-stars and a stack-of-spirals sequences using a clinically approved generator and phantoms simulating breathing motion. Approach: Temperature precision and precision of ablation zones of both sequences were compared. Results: Stack-of-spirals sequence seems to be the superior MR-thermometry sequence. Dice scores of around 90 % and temperature precisions around 1°C were reached with very little image degradation due to motion or electromagnetic interferences. Impact: Our study shows the possibility of motion robust 3D MR-thermometry using a clinically approved microwave generator. Future developments might provide real-time 3D MR thermometry during clinical abdominal thermal therapies, enhancing their success and increasing the total number of MR interventions.