Robotic-assisted thermal ablation of liver tumours

Objective This study aimed to assess the technical success, radiation dose, safety and performance level of liver thermal ablation using a computed tomography (CT)-guided robotic positioning system. Methods Radiofrequency and microwave ablation of liver tumours were performed on 20 patients (40 lesions) with the assistance of a CT-guided robotic positioning system. The accuracy of probe placement, number of readjustments and total radiation dose to each patient were recorded. The performance level was evaluated on a five-point scale (5-1: excellent-poor). The radiation doses were compared against 30 patients with 48 lesions (control) treated without robotic assistance. Results Thermal ablation was successfully completed in 20 patients with 40 lesions and confirmed on multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT. No procedure related complications were noted in this study. The average number of needle readjustment was 0.8 +/- 0.8. The total CT dose (DLP) for the entire robotic assisted thermal ablation was 1382 +/- 536 mGy.cm, while the CT fluoroscopic dose (DLP) per lesion was 352 +/- 228 mGy.cm. There was no statistically significant (p>0.05) dose reduction found between the robotic-assisted versus the conventional method. Conclusion This study revealed that robotic-assisted planning and needle placement appears to be safe, with high accuracy and a comparable radiation dose to patients.