This paper describes a simulation of microwave brain imaging for the detection of hemorrhagic stroke. Firstly, in the research process, the formula of DebyeⅡwas used to study tissues of brain and blood clot so that microwave frequency band was confirmed for imaging. Then a model with electromagnetic characteristics of brain was built on this basis. In addition, an ultra-wideband (UWB) Vivaldi antenna is designed to use for transmitting and receiving microwave signals of widths 1.7 GHz to 4 GHz. Microwave signals were transmitted and received when the antenna revolved around the brain model. Symmetric position de-noising method was used to eliminate the strong background noise signals, and finally confocal imaging method was applied to get brain imaging. Blood clot was distinguished clearly from result of imaging and position error was less than 1 cm.
Thermoacoustic imaging (TAI) is a new non-invasive, non-ionization and nondestructive modality capable of high microwave contrast and high ultrasound resolution, and it has attracted extensive attention in recent years. This review introduces the technical principle, imaging system and imaging characteristics of TAI, and then introduces the application of TAI for breast cancer detection as an example. This review introduces the advantages of TAI in solving corresponding clinical problems in view of its high resolution and high contrast. In addition, it also explains the roles of TAI in medical diagnosis and treatment. Finally, the potential applications of TAI in medical diagnosis is introduced from many aspects and multiple perspectives. The future development of TAI in the challenges of current medical diagnosis is also prospected.
This paper explored the feasibility of using ultrasonic Nakagami statistic parameter imaging to evaluate the thermal lesion induced by microwave ablation (MWA) in porcine models. In this paper, thermal lesions were induced in livers and kidneys in 5 swines using a clinical MWA system. During this treatment progress, ultrasonic radiofrequency (RF) data were collected. The dynamic changes of Nakagami parameter in the thermal lesion were calculated, and the ultrasonic B-mode images and Nakagami images were reconstructed simultaneously. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between the thermal lesion and the surrounding normal tissue was calculated over the MWA procedure. After MWA, a bright hyperechoic region appeared in the ultrasonic Nakagami image as an indicator of the thermal lesion and this bright spot enlarged with lesion development during MWA exposure. The mean value of Nakagami parameter in the liver and kidney increased from 0.78 and 0.79 before treatment to 0.91 and 0.92 after treatment, respectively. During MWA exposure, the mean values of CNR calculated from the Nakagami parameter increased from 0.49 to 1.13 in the porcine liver and increased from 0.51 to 0.85 in the kidney, which were both higher than those calculated from the B-mode images. This in vivo study on porcine models suggested that the ultrasonic Nakagami imaging may provide an alternative modality for monitoring MWA treatment.
ObjectivesTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation versus traditional open surgical operation in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.MethodsPubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, CBM, CNKI and VIP databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation versus traditional open surgery for benign thyroid nodules from inception to June 30th, 2018. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was then performed by RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 38 RCTs involving 4 078 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation might be more effective than traditional open surgery for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (RR=1.09, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.19, P=0.04), and compared with traditional open surgery, ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation reduced the rate of postoperative complication (RR=0.26, 95%CI 0.21 to 0.31, P<0.000 01), shortened postoperative hospital stay (MD=–3.60, 95%CI –4.04 to –3.15, P<0.000 01) and the time consumed in operation (MD=–48.79, 95%CI –54.16 to –43.41, P<0.000 01), and reduced operative blood loss (MD=–22.02, 95%CI–23.87 to –20.17, P<0.000 01). Meanwhile, microwave ablation reduced the elevated levels of serum IL-6 content (MD=–10.34, 95%CI –10.70 to –9.97, P<0.000 01), serum CRP content (MD=–9.70, 95%CI –10.95 to –8.44, P<0.000 01) and serum TNF-α content (MD=–7.94, 95%CI –9.00 to –6.88, P<0.000 01).ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation may improve clinical efficacy and can reduce postoperative complications, bleeding volume, operation time, hospitalization days and postoperative inflammatory reaction. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high quality studies are required to verify above conclusions.
Although surgical resection remains to be the best treatment strategy for stageⅠnon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), percutaneous thermal ablation offers an important option for patients who are unable to undergo surgical resection. Currently, there are three main thermal ablation methods used in the treatment of lung cancer, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA) and argon-helium cryoablation (AHC). With the improvement of technique and the accumulation of experience in the treatment of lung cancer, some limitations are disclosed in the initial application of RFA, such as heat sink effect, skin burns and rapid carbonization. These shortcomings have been overcome in the development of MWA and AHC. The feasibility and safety of thermal ablation for the treatment of lung cancer has been demonstrated and its efficacy has been significantly improved (especially for the tumour diameter≤3 cm). This article will focus on the application and recent research developments of these ablation techniques in the treatment of lung cancer.
Objective To evaluate short-term effects of percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy（PMCT） combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer（NSCLC）.Methods Eighty cases with advanced NSCLC were randomly assigned to underwent chemotherapy plus PMCT(PMCT group，n=40) or single chemotherapy(chemotherapy group，n=40).The chemotherapeutics regimen was Taxotere plus Cisplatin.The preliminary results and quality of life score of two groups were compared.Results In PMCT group and chemotherapy group，the 3-month relieve rate was 52.5% and 32.5%，and the half-year survival rate was 87.5% and 62.5%，respectively.The differences between the two groups were both significant(Plt;0.05).The quality of life score in PMCT group was significantly higher than that in chemotherapy group (Plt;0.05).Conclusion PMCT combined with chemotherapy is effective and safe in the treatment of advanced NSCLC.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) combined with laparoscopic-assisted microwave ablation (Lap-MWA) for the liver resection in the treatment of unresectable primary hepatic carcinoma. Methods This study analyzed the clinical data of 12 hepatic carcinoma patients who underwent ALPPS combined with Lap-MWA for the liver resection from January 2019 to June 2021 in the Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery of Qinzhou First People’s Hospital. The patients had insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) and different degrees of liver cirrhosis. The 1-stage ALPPS was to perform after the laparoscopic-assisted ligation of the portal vein of the loaded tumor. At the same time, the microwave ablation was used for the liver parenchyma segmentation under the guidance of laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) without separating liver parenchyma. Other steps were the same as classic ALPPS. Results All the 12 patients successfully completed the operation. The 1-stage ALPPS lasted 90–130 min, (110.25±35.34) min; the blood loss was 80–140 mL, (100.37±42.24) mL. The interval between 2 stages was 12–16 d, (14.0±2.5) d. The FLR/standard liver volume (SLV) increased to (58.00±3.30) %. The 2-stage ALPPS lasted 120–180 min, (150±30) min; the blood loss was 300–1 200 mL, (453.50±107.70) mL; the hospital stay after 2 stages of ALPPS operations was 11–16 d, (14±2) d. Among all patients, 4 U of leukocyte suspension was transfused in 1 patient, and pleural ascites occurred in 3 patients. There were no serious complications such as liver failure and severe infection, and no death cases. The total hospital stay was 14–22 d, (17±3) d. After the 1-stage ALPPS, the total bilirubin, white blood cells, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase level increased (P＜0.05), and total bilirubin and white blood cells gradually returned to the normal level on the 5th day after 1-stage ALPPS. On the 1st day after finishing the 2-stage ALPPS, albumin and hemoglobin decreased, while white blood cells, total bilirubin, prothrombin time and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase increased in varying degrees (P<0.05). And on the 5th day after the 2-stage ALPPS, all indicators gradually returned to normal. All the patients were followed up for 6–30 months, (20±6) months. Two patients died of tumor recurrence and metastasis at 6.2 months and 13 months after the surgery, respectively. No recurrence was found in other patients, and their life quality was good. Conclusion Preliminary results of this study indicate that ALPPS combined with Lap-MWA is safe and effective for the treatment of unresectable primary hepatic carcinoma.
Increasing peripheral pulmonary nodules are detected given the growing adoption of chest CT screening for lung cancer. The invention of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscope provides a new diagnosis and treatment method for pulmonary nodules, which has been demonstrated to be feasible and safe, and the technique of microwave ablation through bronchus is gradually maturing. The one-stop diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules can be completed by the combination of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy and microwave ablation, which will help achieve local treatment through the natural cavity without trace.
ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous versus electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of pulmonary nodules. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of high-risk pulmonary nodule patients who underwent MWA at the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between 2022 and 2023. The pathological diagnosis rate, complications, and progression-free survival (PFS) rate were compared between the CT group and the ENB group. ResultsThere were 61 patients in the CT group, including 30 males and 31 females, with an average age of (67.22±9.13) years. There were 53 patients in the ENB group, including 29 males and 24 females, with an average age of (65.29±13.76) years. The pathological diagnosis rate in the CT group was slightly higher than that in the ENB group (88.52% vs. 71.69%, P=0.03). However, the ENB group exhibited a lower incidence of perioperative complications, including pneumothorax (16.39% vs. 3.77%, P=0.03), hemoptysis (19.67% vs. 5.66%, P=0.05), and pain (22.95% vs. 7.55%, P=0.03). There was no statistically significant difference in PFS rate between the two groups [HR=1.17, 95%CI (0.23, 5.81), P=0.85]. ConclusionBoth CT-guided and ENB-guided MWA are effective treatment modalities for high-risk pulmonary nodules.
Objective To examine the hemostatic efficacy of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation puncture technology for traumatic liver hemorrhage and assess its potential applicability within battlefield settings. Methods A randomized controlled animal trial was conducted utilizing 24 miniature pigs (weight 30-50 kg) meeting laboratory animal standards. A model of multiple liver injuries was created. Animals were randomly allocated into two groups: a microbubble contrast group (n=12, injected with SonoVue 0.1 mL/kg) and a normal saline control group (n=12). Under simulated battalion-level field rescue conditions, ultrasound-guided microwave ablation hemostasis for liver lacerations was performed using a KY2000 microwave therapy system (power 60 W). The ultrasound localization duration, puncture duration, hemostasis duration, and hemodynamic parameter alterations were recorded. Postoperative anatomical observation and pathological examination of the liver were conducted. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the ultrasound exploration time, hemostasis duration of para-diaphragmatic and para-gallbladder between the two groups (P>0.05). The hemostasis duration of para-hepatic artery in the microbubble contrast group was shorter than that in the control group (5.50±0.50 vs. 9.67±0.85; P<0.001). After hemostasis, the hemoglobin [(98.19±17.32) vs. (60.67±15.61) g/L; P<0.001], and packed cell volume [(0.34±0.03)% vs. (0.28±0.09)%; P<0.001] were higher than the control group; lymphocyte percentage [(61.09±5.16)% vs. (67.12±6.78)%; P<0.001] was lower than the control group. The pathological examination results showed that, a characteristic spindle-shaped zone of coagulative necrosis within the ablation area. Electron microscopy demonstrated ultrastructural alterations in hepatocytes, including mitochondrial cristae disruption. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation puncture technology enables rapid and effective control of liver hemorrhage, thereby demonstrating potential for battlefield utilization. Future efforts should prioritize the integrated development of ultrasound and microwave apparatuses, alongside stringent definition of battlefield indications.
