Spectral imaging of thermal damage induced during microwave ablation in the liver

TL;DR

This study explores optical multispectral imaging techniques to monitor and assess thermal damage during microwave ablation in pig liver tissue, aiming to improve precision and safety in surgical procedures.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of multispectral imaging and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for real-time monitoring of thermal damage during microwave ablation.

Findings

Successful visualization of thermal damage extent

Detection of secondary vascular effects

Potential for real-time feedback in surgery

Abstract

Induction of thermal damage to tissue through delivery of microwave energy is frequently applied in surgery to destroy diseased tissue such as cancer cells. Minimization of unwanted harm to healthy tissue is still achieved subjectively, and the surgeon has few tools at their disposal to monitor the spread of the induced damage. This work describes the use of optical methods to monitor the time course of changes to the tissue during delivery of microwave energy in the porcine liver. Multispectral imaging and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy are used to monitor temporal changes in optical properties in parallel with thermal imaging. The results demonstrate the ability to monitor the spatial extent of thermal damage on a whole organ, including possible secondary effects due to vascular damage. Future applications of this type of imaging may see the multispectral data used as a feedback mechanism to avoid collateral damage to critical healthy structures and to potentially verify sufficient application of energy to the diseased tissue.