Closed-loop feedback control of laser therapy using magnetic resonance imaging

In the destructive treatment of tumors or other lesions, laser therapies such as laser induced thermal therapy (LITT) or interstitial laser phototherapy (ILP) offer tremendous potential to minimize surgical complications, reduce recovery time and hospital stays, and decrease associated health care costs. While laser procedures have gained wide popularity in dermatology and ophthalmology, their potential has yet to be fully realized in treatment of deep tissues where the damage front created by the laser can not be readily visualized. In the present work, we facilitate this visualization by producing an image of spatial temperature distribution via non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Further, we have implemented a control strategy which allows us to utilize this information for the feedback control of laser thermal therapies. We have begun to explore the feasibility of using this system for improving the safety and efficacy of laser thermal surgery.

Closed-loop feedback control of laser therapy using magnetic resonance imaging Academic Article