In Situ Temperature Measurement During MRgFUS Quality Controls: A First Approach

Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an innovative hybrid technique that is used as an alternative to traditional treatments in various medical fields. It combines Magnetic Resonance Imaging to gather morphological information of the specific anatomical area being examined and ultrasounds for tissue ablation. In the treatment of Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s disease, MR images are used to locate the target within the brain, while ultrasounds are utilized to create necrosis of the target by increasing its temperature. Due to the high temperatures involved in the procedure and the necessity for precision and reliability, it is crucial to establish a Quality Control program to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this treatment method. Temperature monitoring during the treatments is conducted through MR thermometry, which calculates temperature based on proton resonance frequency shifts between different points in the sample. This study aims to evaluate temperature increases during a treatment simulation to accurately confirm the target temperature within the head by using a Type T thermocouple connected to a digital multimeter acquisition unit. The results obtained were compared with temperature maps generated using the MR thermometry method. The findings indicated a discrepancy between experimental measurements and PRF estimated temperatures. This suggests that more precise and continuous temperature monitoring could enhance control during the treatment. In the future, the authors plan to enhance the experimental setup by using more advanced temperature probes and exploring different approaches to the PRF methodology.