Real-time automatic multipoint temperature regulation during MRI-guided Laser-induced Thermotherapy (MR-LITT)

Motivation: Current Laser devices used during MR-guided LITT can use single or multiple fibers to create coagulation necrosis, but do not provide opportunities for precise temperature control in tissue. Goal(s): We present an automatic control algorithm combined with a multi-source laser that allows the temperature to be forced to follow predefined temperature profiles. Approach: Fast, multi-slice thermometric data are processed on the fly to achieved efficient volumetric temperature regulation of multiple laser sources simultaneously. Results: We offer a precise and rapid volumetric temperature control solution combined with multi-source LITT to create conformal ablation volumes larger than those achieved with a single fiber. Impact: Automatic volumetric temperature regulation of multisource LITT combined with real-time multislice MRI thermometry allows better control of local thermotherapies in soft tissues.