Exploring software navigation tools for liver tumour angiography: a scoping review

Introduction: Liver cancer presents a growing global health concern, necessitating advanced approaches for intervention. This review investigates the use and effectiveness of software navigation in interventional radiology for liver tumour procedures. Methods: In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, a scoping review was conducted of the literature published between 2013 and 2023 sourcing articles through MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL and Embase. Eligible studies focused on liver cancer, utilised cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and employed software for intervention. Twenty-one articles were deemed eligible for data extraction and analysis. Results: Categorised by type, software applications yielded diverse benefits. Feeder detection software significantly enhanced vessel identification, reducing non-target embolisation by up to 43%. Motion correction software demonstrated a 20% enhancement in image quality, effectively mitigating breathing-induced motion artefacts. Liver perfusion software facilitated efficient tumour targeting while simultaneously reducing the occurrence of side effects. Needle guide software enabled precise radiofrequency ablation needle placement. Additionally, these software applications provided detailed anatomical simulations. Overall, software integration resulted in shorter procedures, reduced radiation exposure and decreased contrast media usage. Conclusion: This scoping review highlights the innovative yet relatively underexplored role of software navigation for liver tumour procedures. The integration of software applications not only enhances procedural efficiency but also bolsters operator confidence, and contributes to improved patient outcomes. Despite the current lack of uniformity and standardisation, these software-driven advancements hold significant promise for transforming liver tumour interventions. To realise these benefits, further research is needed to explore the clinical impact and optimal utilisation of software navigation tools in interventional radiology.