Purpose: This project aims to contribute to the scientific understanding of MRI monitoring of umbilical-cord dynamics inflicted by local extreme temperatures.
Methods and Materials: Interventional MRI is an evolving technology in clinical research. MRI of umbilical-cord is an emerging practice. Recently several studies have been conducted on normal and abnormal pregnancies. Minimally-invasive therapy might present an alternative to traditional practice, with reduced surgical complications and expenses. It requires accurate pre-operative planning, as well as image-guidance and monitoring of the surgical procedure.
We have focused on feasibility studies of MRI monitoring of ex-vivo umbilical-cord cryosurgery and incorporated modeling and simulations of temperature-dependent mechanisms in tissue and sensitivity of MRI-parameters as R1. The project combines umbilical-cord grading, flow management, MRI scanning (T1, T2 and DWI), cryotherapy administration, computational analysis and evaluation. These complement each other for the feasibility and understanding of interventional MRI monitoring of umbilical-cord cryotherapy and may provide a method for the optimization of the cryotherapy protocol, visualization and monitoring.
Results: We have tested the feasibility of experiments in MRI monitoring of cryotherapy, both in phantoms and ex vivo. We modeled temperature dependent mechanisms in tissue and their influence on spin-lattice relaxation-rate R1. We have launched simulations of MRI scans in transient thermal conditions. The results establish the feasibility of research.
Conclusion: Development of our approach might set the initial foundations for MRI monitoring of umbilical cord cryotherapy.